The Washington times., 1913-03-17
UNCLE JOE" READS
HIS OWN "OB|TUARY"
Speaker, Scheduled to Leave
Last Night, Hears of His
Departure From City.

Uncle joe Cannon today enjoyed
what he termed one OF the best jokes of
his life. He had fhe unusual and unique
pleasure of reading his official "ob!t-
uary'' in all the morning newspapers.
When he got the papers at breakfast,
Uncle joe chuckled merrily as he
read columns describing in detail his
departure from Washington. He will
not leave until late tonight.
Few farewells today will mark
the retirement of the former Speaker
from the forum in which he was the
central figure SO long. A few friends
called today to clasp his hand and wish
him godspeed.
"Thirty-eight years of work hasn't
tired me; not a bit of It." said the griz-
zled veteran today. II feel as young
and vigorous as ever.
ITS adieu-not good-by, anyway.
You know, / may come back! he said.
jokingly, with the old familiar twinkle
iu his half-closed gray eyes, sparkling
above ruddy cheeks and close-cropped
gray beard. head cooked" on one
side.
But the vein Of levity vanished as
the personification OF "Cannonism'' Sc
riously disclaimed any future political
ambitions or reprisals.
81 am going to stay in politics-as a
Citizen Cannon declared. Til never
lose interest in politics until-well, un-
til I'm dead
Few Farewells.
Few farewells marked the retirement
of-the former Speaker from the forum
In which he was the central figure SO
long. He appeared "chipper," even for
"Uncle joe" He laughed and joked
with friends, seeming almost happy in
his release from official bondage. But
occasionally the Cannon frown' re-
placed the smiling wrinkles. The stern
visage which has so often been pictured
in cartoons of Gear Cannon" empha-
sized the unbending. unbroken, unyield-
ing fighting spirit Of the political war
horse. 1t was not a rout for the vet
eran It was a dignified, stern, and
serious, and yef-sometimes-jovial and
happy old gentleman who clasped
hands with friends and associates for
she last time.
You know" he said, leaning over
confidentially, with his hand shading
his mouth, while his eyes twinkled
merrily, "the newspapers have made me
out a regular old devil"
I'm leaving few regrets and lot of
friends he said, with a broad wave of
his hand, gesture made familiar to
the House.
I'm the last analysis And then
Uncle Joe." in typically picturesque
fashion, related his plans for the fu-
vure.
MY folks had a plan all rigged up to
start around the world in November
he began.
Are you going2" he was asked
I'll, no." was the "Cannonism" re-
ply. They wanted to drag me across
the water TO China, Japan, India. the
Philippines and all those places. But
I'm not going. They can so II they
young fellows / was just crazy TO travel
around. to go every place. But then
couldn't because 1 had to make liv-
ing. Now that i can travel the bent of
mind is changed and don't care to.
Back Home.
I'm going to Danville. just as
straight and quick as train will take
me. Mebbe I'll stop of at Harrisburg
10 see my old friend Olmstead (Con-
gresham Olmstead of Pennsylvania"
Uncle Joe" said he was not going
TO re-engage in active business.
I've got little land, few farms, .
he said, land some bank stock and
things. I'm going to look after them
hope later to go down in the Yazoo
and st. Francis country in Mississippi
and Arkansas, where a lot of Illinois
folks are investing, and look over the
land there"
When asked if he intended to re-
visit Washington often. Cannon said:
'In come back maybe to the Grid
IRON Club dinners, il they invite me.
I'm a member of the Lincoln Memorial
Commission. but that will not bring
me back often. ! expect to return on
private business occasionally.
Gosh, I'm glad Uncle Shelby got
That position" Cannon interjected, re-
ferrfng to former Senator Shelby NJ.
Cullom's appointment to resident CON-
missioner for the Lincoln Memorial
Commission.
Cannon said he was glad he was going
back home,' to a house he OWLS
Paid $4,000 Rent.
'.I'ye lived in a rented house for ten
years-paid over $4,000 rent" said
Uncle Joe" Pm ahead of the game
at that, having had no taxes to pay"
Cannon said his personal effects had