The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1915-02-09
IN THE HOUSE AND IN HIS HO

pleasure to introduce to YOU
through our open forum, the National
,tn,thlv. the new Democratic leader
- the House Of Representatives. Hon.
,,i,rae Kitchin, of Scotland Neck,
y. ..
That's rather odd when you stop to
INK il over-the idea of having to
;ntroduce a mar big enough to be
Ir,der. to the party he is going to
t.ad But it is positively necessary
the case Of Claude Kitchin.
Necessary for the reason that if it
were left to Mr.. Kitchin he never
,y,uld be introduced. Not that he
doesn't like company; not that he
doesn't like compromising; not that
bo i not a good mixer, for he is most
uncomfortable and the soda fountain
exoert who skilfully hips your egg
phosphate has nothing on him as a
mixer. -
claude Kitchin is the most bashful
aia man in public life in Washington.
lie doesn't like the spotlight, and
there is no good reason for the dis
like. for he has the looks that so to
make up the star s~pot-lighter. Tall.
rect. black haired, black eyed; in a
. word, a handsome, dashing chap.
born to lead if he would only give
that Unborn leadership a chance
This introduction, OF course, Is not
intended for his colleagues in the
House of Representatives, for they
know him and he knows them. He
las been III Congress thirteen years.
He knows the ropes and the rules,
and is one OF the first To greet the
new member with a real handshake
that means "a lot to the stranger, and
a OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES that is
most reassuring.
Makes Few Speeches.
During all the years he has been in
Congress-, Mr.. Kitchin has made few
speeches. 1t has cost the Govern
ment very little to print what he has
said publicly. blu what he has said is
worth reading; when you read it you
remember it.
without a doubt, Claude Kitchin is
one Of The very best public speakers
I'm or out OF Congress. AS the new
Democratic leader, he will have to dc
a great dea more public talking thar
he has ever done. and consequently
there are many talk-treats in store
Tor the House and the country.
Mr.. Kitchin masters every subjec
lie attempts to talk about. He is {
student Of the most thorough sort
lie collects every bit of information
he can get from all sources on an,
subject in which ne is interested. III
not only does it himself. but asks hi
friends to help out with neWspape
clippings on the proposition, the re
suit being that when he gets ready t
put a speech in shape he has a vas
supply of facts regarding the mattel
He will remain in his room in tn
Driscoll Hotel. where he has lon
lived, for days at q time getting
firm grip on his subject in prepare
ton for use in a speech. or to equi
himself for Ways and Means Commit
Tee work.
A Hard Student.
During the hearings on the Under
wood Tariff Bill. Mr.. Kitchin WI
practically a recluse. After sittir
all day with the committee he won,
often sit up all night. preparing h
work for the next day. 1t is no di
credit to Chairman Underwood or Il
other big brainy men Of that cor
mittee to say that on a majority
the schedules, Mr.. Kitchin was Il
best posted man Of the committee.
He knew his book thoroughly al
She man who came before the cor
nhttee to do any fourflushing or sid
stepping generally regretted it.
With the resignation OF Burt
Harrison. of New York. from the col
mlttee to become Governor General
the Philippines. Mr.. Kitchin becar
ranking Democratic member and
Will surely be the chairman Of t
committee when Oscar w. Underwo
goes TO the Senate e March. Wi
That craftsmanship goes the Hot
leadership.
There was some talk for a time
Ter Mr.. Underwood decided to EN-
the senatorial race, OF a contest
ms place as chairman. but it did !
Iast, 1T being so apparent that /
hltchin was the overwhelming chO
OF the Democratic members Of
House
the chief compensation for the
81 Oscar w. Underwood as a leader
me gaining of Claude Kitc1
Though of an entirely different ty
he will lead as successfully as his
huS'rious predecessor, and that will
Some leading.
By mis- great ability, by his rene
by ms courteous name by his de
ZION 10 dltv AR TIn1arrr,an1 hos