The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-03-17
CANNON PLEASED
OVER DEPARTURE
FROM POLITICS
Former Gar of House to Leave
Washington
> Tonight
OFFICIAL OBITUARY"
TAKEN AS A JOKE
Noted WarhOrse Not to Circle
Globe, Though His
Family May

WASHINGTON. March l7.-"Cncle
Joe" Cannon today enjoyed what he
termed one OF the best jokes OF his
life. lie had the unusual and unique
pleasure OF reading his official
obituary" on his demise from Wash
ington affairs, in the morning news
papers. When he got the papers at
breakfast. Uncle Joe" chuckled
merrily as he read columns describ-
ing IN detail his departure from
Washington He hasn't gone yet. He
will not leave until late tonight.
Few farewells today marked the re-
tirement Of the former speaker from
the forum In which he was the CEN
trail figure 80 long A few friends call
ed today 10 clasp his hand and wish
him Godspeed. .
"Thirty-eight years of work hasn't
tired me; not a bit of it," said the
grizzled veteran today. Il feel az
young and vigorous as ever.
"It's adieu. not goodbye. anyway.
You know, may come back" he
said jokingly, with the old familiar
twinkle In his half-closed eyes, spark
ling above rudy cheeks and close
cropped gray beard, head cooked on
one side.
But the vein OF levity vanished as
the personification of "Cannonism
eriously disclaimed any future politi-
cal ambitions or reprisals.
Cannon today appeared clipper,
even for "Uncle Joe" He laughed and
joked with friends. seeming to be al.
most happy in his release from official
bondage. But often the Cannon
frewn. replaced the smiling wrinkles.
The stern visage which has 80 often
been pictured in cartoons OF Gar
Cannon" emphasized the unfiinching,
unyielding, fighting spirit
OF the old political warhorse. II was
not rout for the veteran. II was
dignifed stern and serious, yet
sometimes jovial and happy old gen
tleman who clasped hands with
friends and associates. for the last
time
You know" he said, leaning over
with his hand shading
his mouth, while his eyes twinkled
merrily, the newspapers have made
me out regular old devil"
Then the veteran leaned back. His
eyes glowed stern, then calm.
I'm leaving few regrets and LOT
of friends" he said, with broad
wave of his hand. a gesture made so
familiar in the house.
In the last analysis Cannon
started TO continue. A smile from his
listener al the old "Cannonesque
phrase halted him. Then Uncle Joe,
in typically picturesque fashion, re-
lated his plans for the future
MY folks had plan all rugged up
to start around the world in Novem-
ber.' he began.
Are you going" he was asked.
HI, no. was the "Cannonism" In
reply. "They can go IL they want to.
When ! was the age OF you. young
fellow. ! was just crazy 10 travel
around. to go every place. but then
Hcotifin because had to -make-a-
living. Now that can travel the
bent OF mind is changed. and ] don't
care to.
Gosh. I'm glad Uncle Shelby got
hat position" Cannon interjected. re-
erring TO former Senator Shelby NJ.
cullom's appointment as resident
commissioner for the Lincoln memor.
al commission. Cannon said he was
glad he was going back home TO a
house he owns.
i've lived in a rented house for 10
y ears-paid over $4,000 rent" said
Uncle joe" I'm ahead OF the game
at that having had no taxes to pay