The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1911-01-20
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< SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
An Appreciation of the Qualities of the
Gentleman from Missouri Who
Takes CannOn's Job

For many years Champ Clark, Of Mis-
souri, has been feature of the house
of representatives. Long before he had
become the leader of the Democratic
side he had obtained fame as debater
of peculiar type. There were points
Of resemblance between him and Joseph
G. Cannon. Both wanted to be regarded
as home-spun statesmen, with an abhor-
renee Of shams and strict adherence
to direct and plain speaking.
Because it is an incredulous world,
both were charged with affecting almost
all the peculiarities which distinguish
them from other men making no pre-
tense to home-spun excellencies. While
Cannon, as speaker, was revealing quail
tiles of mind, of will and of spirit which
few suspected him to possess, while he
was still but one of the Republican
membership, Mr.. Clark continued to
develop his reputation along the par
ticular lines which had given him his
first prominence without really proving
whether or not there were back of his
home-spun peculiarities the more solid
qualities Of mind and judgment which
would entitle him to consideration as a
statesman. This puzzle is still un-
solved.
Mr.. Clark appeared to better advan-
tage in the last two sessions of congress
than ever before. Having become the
leader OF the minority, he showed more
conservatism in his statements than for
merly, and a sense of responsibility
which really increased his dignity and
strengthened him in the estimation OF
his colleagues. But there were lacking
the frmness, decision, and willingness
to forget partisan politics absolutely
necessary to any real accomplishment.
Since progressive Republicanism has
become a force in legislation as well as
in politics, it has become an easy mat
ter to distinguish by sincere efforts to
obtain prantical results and efforts mere
ly to impress the country without ac-
complishing anything. In the few
times Mr.. Clark has been put to the
test he has shown disposition to seek
political effects rather than substantial
achievements in legislation. Just, how
ever, as his elevation to the Democratic
leadership impressed him with sense
of his increased responsibilities, so it is
probable Mr.. Clark's elevation to the
speakership may both strengthen and
broaden him. 1t is conceded he is
the best qualified man for the speaker
ship on the Democratic side.
Mr.. Clark is not a rough nor a pug
nacious man, although his appearance
in the house and upon the stump, and
much OF his oratory, would create such
an impression. He is good-natured
and strongly sentimental. He has at
tempted to measure up to his ideals,
and if his professedabhouence Of shams,
his assumption OF simplicity, his direct
and plain speaking, and his insistence
he is working for the good OF the people
are but affectations, they at least reveal
what Mr.. Clark would like to make as
real as his abilities and qualities will
permit. He is not lacking in sincerity,
but he has shown in many instances a
wavering judgment that will prove
weakness when called upon to assume
speakership responsibilities Already he
is accused by some of the Democrats
with holding one set OF views when It
was proposed to revise the house rules
to curb the power of Speaker Cannon,
and another set Of views now that such
revision would restrict the power which
he himself expects TO exercise. He was
in favor of taking away from the speaker
the power to appoint the committees OF
the house when the Republican insur-
gents were fighting Cannonism. Now
he has announced he will ask the Dem
ocratic caucus to decide what shall be
done with that question by the Demo
cratic house. Mr.. Clark's critics insist
if he is to prove himself a real leader
he should not hesitate to define his
own position. Outlook.
Snow Eight feet Deep