The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-30
SCOTT SWAN SONG
In House Report With Lament
and GlOat by Rucker.
AS Chairman of Committee on
Agriculture, Kansan Sang.
THEN SAID GOODBYE
Adams Apples Restless as the
Representative Spoke.
Both Men Have Great Fluency
i'm Their Expression.

WASHINGTON, Dec 30.-Embalmed in
the prosaic pages of the printed report
of the house committee on the agri-
cultural bill, just published, is the swan
song of Representative Scott of Kan
sas, with an answer which is both d
lament and a gloat by Representative
Rucker of Missouri. Mr.. Scott, chair
man of the committee on agriculture. Is
a chastened standpatter. Mr.. Rucke-
is a triumphant, but untried Democrat.
Both men have the fluency or express
sion and the throb of Vocanzallon tii1I
bring tears to the eyes and make the
Adams apple uneasy.
It appears from the all too Official re-
port of the committees first hearing
that Chairman Scott called the BODY
together at precisely 1920 the morning
of December z. Mr.. Scott proceeded I'M
mediately to the subject nearest MS
heart.
Reminded of a Story.
Gentlemen said he, under the
shadow of the returns from the recent
election am reminded somehow of the
story that when the glad1ators OF an
cient Rome entered the arena for their
last combat they lifted up their voices
and cried out to the assembled spec
tators:
1--WE. who are about to die, salute
you
At this point, according to the printed
record. the committee laughed In uni
son.
at trust YOU have all had a pleasant
summer" Mr.. Scott continued, and l
am heartily glad to welcome you pack
to the work that remains for us to do.
To you whose commissions have been
renewed and who are looking forward
to two years more of service mere
tender my most cordial cOngratula-
tions. AS to these who, like myself, are
entering upon the last period or their
services here, do not know but may
offer congratulations to them also. It
seems to me remember that one of
our prophets said somewhere: TO
every man upon this earth death
cometh soon or late
sePaIe Realms OF Private Life.'
1.-THE fate which has befalIen those Of
| US who retire March is that which
will sooner or later overtake us all
My best wish for you is that while
| you remain your work here may be
| pleasant to yourselves and useful tc
your country, and that when the time
comes for you to join that innumerable
caravan that has preceded you into the
pale realms of private life you may &C
with the consciousness of duty wei
done, with no regrets and with little
| reluctance.
plato tells us that when Socrates
/
day in pleasant communion with his
| friends, In bidding them goodby as he
went away with the executioner to take
the hemlock he said: And so we gt
! our way, you to live and to die which
is better, heavens knows. The clerk vii
call the ROLL
At this point the record mentions
more laughter and some applause:
zone minute, please" interrupted Mr.
| Rucker. your remarks, Mr.. Scott, re
mind US that soon or late, some time
friends must separate, the circle will
be broken, all earthly ties must be sew
cred. We rejoice. however, that friend
ships are abiding and that mere separa
ton cannot destroy the high regard
lofty esteem and personal affection
which are the natural offspring of lont
| association, intimate acquaintance ant
close relations with really good men.
Might Be Called a ''Neat Speech"
"As a partisan I rejoice in the victor,
of my party, but am pleased to testif.
that nothing less than return to tn
safe and sane methods of Democrac.
would compensate the country for tn
loss of your public services Let me as
sure you, sir, that when your Slegisla
tive career shall have ended We vii
part as friends, and to whatever ney
J activities you may devote your energie
and your labors, wherever you may &C
we, the members Of this committee
| over which Won have so long preside