The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-03-29

GEORGE W. NORRIS
surgents might elect to the speakership
in case Uncle Joe was defeated in his
rules stand and resigned to avoid the
humiliation of elimination from the
committee, arose in the house and ut
tered these inappropriate words:
This is one of the greatest days the
house has seen in quarter of a CEN
fury. Whether you Republicans beat
us or we beat you by few votes, the
Jig is up with the house machine For
fourteen years there has been an ever
present demand for revision of the
rules. Six times have seen the mo-
ton made and every Democrat line up
and vote against it. The day is not
far distant when the sentiment, so
insistent outside of the house, for re-
vision of the rules will be overwhelm-
ing in the house. = admire the
Insurgents for the courage they have
shown in joining with u.s.
Now, one year and a few days later,
Mr.. Clark's prophecy is fulfilled in
way that sends cold shivers down the
backs of many regular Republican
members.
It is said that Speaker Cannon's
cigar is the barometer of his feelings.
II he wears the cigar uptilted he is
feeling that the world, or, at any rate,
the United States, is safely slowed
away In his vest pocket for future or
present reference; If the smoke roll
extends out at right angles from his
face he feels just $3.50 and is not alto
gether certain that he holds lead
pipe. cipeh on eontemporaneeus affairs.
and If the cigar points downward he
Is considerably down in the mouth.
The United States is great nation,
all of us must admit, and therefore
we must admit that there must be
side to Mr.. Cannon which is distinctly
serious and digniffed, otherwise this
Illlnoisan could not have retained his
vital grasp upon public affairs. He
has served thirty-fiye years in con-
gress. He was elected first In 1873
and has been reelected every two
years since, with the single excep-
ton of 1891, when a Democrat caused
his cigar to take downward tilt
Since 1898 his return to the house
every time a new congress is elected
has been foregone conclusion,
though In recent years national fight
against Cannonism has been waged.
with the object of putting him out of
the running for the speakership By
electfng him to stay In Danyille and
look after his considerable banking In
terests, for Uncle Joe, despite his
farmer-like appearance, is a measur-
ably wealthy banker.
Cannon Essentially a Politician.
His wide knowledge and deep under
standing of public questions cannot be
disputed. On the other hand, it cam
not be disputed that he is essentially
a politician rather than a statesman.
His stanchest adherents never hold
that he will 60 down to history as the
leader in auy great progressive or re
formative movement, but his dearest
enemies admit that as politician he
viii occupy one OF the inches where
the spot lights shine most brightly.
Another thing is sure-the Cannon
anecdote viii vie with the Lincoln an
ecdote for years to come, wherever
Mr.. Cannon may be remembered Al
ready there are enough Cannon anec-
dotes to Ill volumes. Here is one,
which may be apochryphal.
After night at poker with a COM
pany of congenial spirits, Congress
man Cannon spent the next evening
At a prayer meeting. He fell asleep and
snored loudly. The preacher in charge
Of the services asked In a loud voice:
WIN Brother Cannon lead us in
prayer2"
Mr.. Cannon awoke, rubbed his eyes,
and replied:
'Tain't my lead: dealt last"
Insurgents Norris. Victor Murdoch. |
Lenroot, Cooper Fowler and the rest
II the unterrifed twenty nine who
stand with the Democratic minority !
against the rules reign seem to have
he notion firmly fixed ii their heads
that Il is their lead now. and they
hare also cut the deck.