South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-02-20
STATESMEN
REAL AND NEAR
BY FRED C. KELLY.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2O.-Although
ne is the republican leader of the far
famed house of representatives, James
K. Mann is more or less unpredict-
able. He does not always fall in with
the rest of the old-line republicans.
He reserves the right not to agree
with anybody or any group in gem
der, person or number. The truth is,
a streak of contrariness in him and
he has had it all his life.
When he was youngster he at
tended college in what was then the
Joe Cannon congressional district
And when Joe Cannon made his first
race for congress his opponent was
one Of the heads Of Mann's college.
Now all the college boys without re-
gard to party upbringing got out and
whOoped IL up for their chief.
All except James Il. Mann.
He hadn't a thing in the world
against the college professor. And he
didn't know Joe Cannon from a load
Of wood.
But he couldn't see that he was I'M
der any obligation just because he was
attending mans college to help send
him to congress. Neither did he see
any sense in marching in torchIight
professions. carrying banners or hol-
Ierlng his lungs out of keller on be-
half OF man just because his asso-
ciates were all doing so.
As Mann pointed out at the time:
He would funk any one of us if he
had the chance. I'm agin him."
His motives were largely those of
contrariness and doing as he dad
blamed pleased, but he went ahead
ana made speeches for Joe Cannon.
In the course Of the campaign he
met Cannon for the first time.
And that was the beginning of the
acquaintance that led to Mann enter
ing congress himself many wears
later. and becoming Cannon's floor
leader back in the days when IL was
still permissible to be a republican.
William Jennings Bryan. secretary
of state, was taking dinner here lit
tie while ago at the home of a GER
tain ambassador from distant
country.
When it came time for wine
course, the ambassadors gentlemanly
attendants passed about the table and
gave each guest a helping of grape
juice-all in honor of the secretary OF
( state
II was excellent stuff. as grape juice
goes, and Bryan cOmplimented his
host on it's quality.
What brand is it," he inquired.
Il don't know replied the host.
In few minutes there was another
grape juice course and this time il
-Is Il
different hue
Il never saw this kind of grape
juice befose," remarked Bryan. with
enthusiasm. What brand is this?"
40 tell you the truth. l do not
know" replied the ambassador.
There were two or three more wine
courses. but each time grape juice was
substituted for wine. And each time
Bryan expressed his pleasure by de-
string to know what brand or make
it was.
The ambassador began to grow BIT
embarrassed about his ignorance OF
the different styles Of grape juice.
Finally he confessed:
Il don't know much about the
brands because to be perfectly frank
this is the first time 1 ever had any
in the house"
Denis O'Leary is a member Of con
gress from Greater New York with
as all can sea perfect peach of &
name. and a knack at quiet observa
ton.
Shortly after he arrived here
O'Leary was asked what he though
! OF the house of representatives. anC
/ the membership thereof.
/ up in New York where I have beer
practicing law" replied O'Leary il
his quiet way, IF a lawyer gets up IL
court and talks too long without say
ing anythir :, il is considered con
tempt of court. This whole buncl
here would be yanked up for con
tempt Of court
NK-hnn OIL .aar.t- Vas a mere lad b.