Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-12

OMEWHERE in the United States
there are two men with powerful
voices and ironclad lungs, with
knowledge of parliamentary law
and an all-round acquaintance
with affairs of the day, whose stars or
destiny are floating slowly toward the
city Of Washington.
Before the next Congress. that over
which a democratic Speaker will preside.
is we'll on its way toward serious busi-
ness. these two men will be installed In
the most exacting positions that are
known In the American Congress, the
reading clerkships of the House. 1t is
not unlikely that the men who first step
into the places that are to be vacated by
the veteran republican readers will break
down under the severe strain: but before
the democratic Congress is a year old
the reading clerks will be seasoned and
their mettle tested.
The race for the places has already
started in Washington. 1t is unique
contest that has been organized, right
under the eyes and ears OF the members
OF the House. There are several entries al
ready training: more will appear before
Congress adjourns March 4, and when the
new Congess meets there will probably
be a small-siZed scramble for the places.
for years under the heavy artillery fire
of Z j. Lampson and Dennis +. Award.
the republican reading clerks. came
rushing from cloakrooms and corridors
with southern intonation. burst through
the humdrum proceedings of the lower
body of Congress.
roll call was in progress. Usually a
one but the leather-lunged, steel-throated
reading clerk-and the members gossip
throughout its dreary course and answer
ut the right time by intuition or because
the clerk looks at them.
But on this eventful day a new note
sounded through the House a new voice
calling out names that members failed
completely to recognize as their own
1t brought to the realization of the repub-
licans the fact that the old order OF
things was already beginning to change
and that the democrats, with wise fore
sishtedness. were oiling up their ma
chinery to see that 1t was in good run
ming order.
Every red-blooded democrat in America
who possesses voice that will reach to
the edge Of a crowd OF $1,000 people a,
campaign rally believes he can MI
satisfactorily the most trying post in the
by long experience, the leaders of Con-
gress know that about 80 per cent OF
these men are mistaken in their belief
and the contest that has been started in
the historic hall of the House OF Repre-
sentatives is for the purpose of sitting
out the Few good men and preparing them
Tor the final trials next winter.
IL ID no wonder that the deep southern
voice which rolled across the House two
weeks ago as the first signal Of the con-
test played havoc with the first roll call
intrusted to its owner. Imagine being
thrust into the busy proceedings OF an
active day in the House and forced TO
call with clockwork regularity and with
precise attention to the answers:
MIR. Boehne!
Mr.. Booher.
MIR. Borland.
Mr.. Boutell,
Mr.. Bowers,
Mr.. Brantley,
Mr.. Broussard. y.
Or TO call at random. without a slip:
Mr. Dickinson Of Missouri,
Mr. Dickson Of Mississippi.
Mr.. Diekema,
Mr.. Dies"
dom from the House roll call that thrusts
Itself up at the astonished and sometimes
frightened candidate.
What would you dc with Mr.. Estopi-
nal. Mr.. Legare, Mr.. Lever, Mr.. Pearre
Mr. Pujo' tine first time you saw their
names. or even the second or third time:
Before the new candidate 10 a third OF
WINGED that 1t is made up Of names that