Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1913-05-23
ton
Letter

the closing hours of the debate or
the Underwood tariff bill with the
leaders of the various political
parties aud factions struggling for
every tactical advantage parlia,
mentary questions came fast and
furiously, for the Speaker to
settle. He settled them all as they
came without a moments hesita-
ton and with that clear headed
judgment for which he is famous.
That the Speakers decisions
were flawless was due in large part
to the presence at his elbow of a
clean-limbed. keen eyed. manly ap-
pearing young fellow, who manag-
ed the volumes Of "Precedents"
and always had the volumes open at
proper citation to support the rul-
ing Of the moment. And sometimes,
when the Speakers attention was
distracted and parliamentary points
arose for decision. the young
man would explain the situation
10 a hasty word or two. and the
Speaker would make his decision on
that advice.
The Speaker advisor was his own
son, Bennett Champ Clark, the ap-
pie Of his dads eye and the new
parliamentarian of the House.
Bennett Clark is just 23 years old
the youngest parliamentary expert
the House eve had. When Charlie
K Crisp, parliamentarian of the
last House was elected to Congress
last fall, Bennett Clark applied for
his position and landed il He was
then a senior in the University of
Missouri. But he dug into his
studies, did the final years work In
six months, took the examinations
and received his A. B. degree in
March, and in April was on hand
for the beginning Of the extra ses-
sion.
Bennett Clark is a living example
to prove that ability runs in fam
lilies. Almost his whole life has
been spent in Washington. and dur
ing almost all his leisure time he
has sat as a spectator in the House.
Every two years he went to Mis-
souri, to be with his father in the
Congressional campaign. At the
age Of three he delighted the Clark
family one day by standing on a
chair and lisping a political speech
In baby talk. AS soon az he grew
old enough he accompanied his
father on his speech-makng cam
paigns. And thus he grew up in
an atmosphere saturated with poll
lcaI and parliamentary procedure.
He learned the rule Of procedure
as naturally as he learned to talk.
Bennett went through the Wash
ington public schools. In high
school he discovered a new source
OF enjoyment--the debating Soc
'etles. He had a natural love Of
debating. To help his debating he
made a close study Of parliamentary
laws. When he finished high
school he was a better parli amen
tarian than most men ever get to
De. Time and again he was chosen
on high school debating teams.
lie never once was on a losing
side.
AT the age Of 18 Bennett Clark
got out on the stump ia Missouri
40 an active speaker for his father.
lie was so effective with his audi
ences that Speaker Clark encourag.
Gu MIN in 1t Two years ago Ben
nett as usual was at home In Mis-
sour, during the campaign. Judge
reuben T. Roy was the Speakers
Republican opponent. One day
bennett Clark organized a merry
party OF boys and drove over to The
"h'teside annual picnic in Lincoln
county. The trip was mean to be
purely a lark, but on his arrival at
the picnic Bennett was surprired
20 learn that Judge Roy intended
W make q speech. Presently on
sno picnic grounds the Judge spied
Bennett
what do you say that VIC hold
Joint debate?" queried the digni.
fled iurist iokingly.
You're on" instantly accented
ue son OF the Speaker.