Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-05-08

Washington, May THE House of
Representatives put aside its parti-
sanship and its legislative program
for two hours Saturday and staged a
former Speaker, Joseph G.. Cannon,
who will be 80 years old tomorrow.
The House never before eulogized a
living member as it paid tribute to
Uncle Joe" Saturday. The demonstra-
ton was unique in the history of the
American Congress and the occasion
was one of sentiment and thrills. I'm
Gle Joe" himself, with a tremor in his
voice. and something akin to moisture
continually in his eyes, made a sympa-
thetic speech, reviewing his near half
century in public lie.
Entered House "a Years Ago
Mr. Cannon entered the House A
years ago. He has served continuously,
with the exception of two terms, since
that time, and as Speaker Champ
Clark said Saturday, no man has ever
served that length Of time in the lower
chamber. Two members of Congress
Morrill, of Vermont and Allison of
lowa-served for longer period if the
years they passed in the Senate and
House were added together
"Mr. Cannon owes to himself and to
his country to write {. book of reminis-
oences," said Speaker Clark, in con-
Guiding a resume of Ny. Cannon's
long years Of activity and history
making.
Uncle Joe Cannon day" was OBJ
served in the House by an agreement
quietly made among the leaders early
this week. The entire membership
present arose and cheered Mr.. Cannon
When he finally arose to speak. The
galleries, which were packed full,
Joined in the demonstration and the
scene was an unusual and inspiring
one
The ghosts of Blaine, Reed. Carlisle
Crisp, Mckinley, Alexander H. Steph-
ems Randall, "Pigiror" Kelly, Dingley,
Wilson, Ben Hill, Henderson and 9TH
ers whose names are linked with the
legislative history of the country were
called into the chamber by Uncle
Joe" when he said:
IF l sometimes see the faces and hear
the voices of others not now here to an
swer the roll call, I may not be charged
with dreaming For among the 5000 men
with whom l have been associated here
in legislative efforts and partisan con-
tests there were hosts Of personal friends
of whom l never thought as Republican
or Democrat, except as we discussed diff
ferent policies.
These men had their hour on this
stage, did their work in their time, as you
are doing now, and followed the line of
precedent-and when I see ghosts in this
chamber I am not frightened, for they
typify the spirit of a representative
democracy as truly as do the words and
works Of those who laid the foundation
of the government in the beginning.
"Who could hear the ghosts of Blaine
and Randall, of old Alexander Stephens
and Henry L. Dawes, Ben Butler and
George F. Hoar. Of Sunset Cox and Tom
Plat, of Charles O'Neill and Pig Iron
Kelly, of Morrison and Casson, of Fer
nando Wood and William P. Wheeler
when he gave voice to that far sounding
and malicious desire.
There are two other Americans who
owe it to themselves and the country to
Channcey NJ. Depew, the incorrigible op-
timist, and 'Marse' Watterson. the last
Of that marvellous school Of editors of
whom HORACE Greeley, George D. Prem
tice. James Gordon Bennett, the elder,
Henry ]. Raymond, Shadrack Penn,
Thurlow Weed and Samuel Bowles were
the founders.
"All Of us heartily and affectionate-
ly congratulate Mr.. Speaker Cannon
on attaining the psalmist's extreme al
lotment of four-score years, and upon
having that which should accompany
old age-'as honor. love, obedience.
troops Of friends and we hope from the
bottom Of our hearts that he will live
many years full Of happiness and pros
perity."
Another Aged Member
Representative Isaac Sherwood of
Ohio, who is few months older than
Uncle joe" but has served but six
terms in Congress, was among the
speakers who reviewed the legislative
battle OF past Congresses and paid
tribute to the courage and fairness Of
the Danville statesman. Others who
spoke In eulogistic terms included Rem
resentative Frederick H. Gillett, Claude
Kitchin. majority leader, and Repre-
sentative William A. Rodenberg of H.
linois.
never saw a man. in my life who
loomed up such complete director Of
a Storm" said Mr.. Kitchin. referring