The Washington times., 1917-03-30

! he has not followed La Toilette when
the latter's views have run counter to
his own. Lenroot supported the Presi-
dent on his EARNED neutrality" reso-
tuition in the closing days Of the last
session. La Toilette was OF the will
full dozen" men who -hllbustered
against that resolution and killed 1t
In the Senate.
The two wisconsin legislators were
closely allied in their public service
of the assembly, while La Toilette
served as governor.
Defeated for Governorship.
Subsequently Mr.. Lenroot became
the La Toilette candidate for COVER
nor, but was defeated by James o.
Davidson.
When Congressman Lenroot came
to Washington he aligned himself
with the old insurgent faction in the
House led by Norris OF Nebraska and
Murdock of Kansas. He participated
in the famous rules fight in March,
1910, when Speaker Joseph @. Cannon
was unseated a. q member. of the
On 1Sult8 anu ocUElNCo OL
his power. On every ballot during
the two-day struggle Lenroot stood
with the Democratic-insurgent coali-
ton
Later, as a Republican member of
the Committee on Rules under Demo-
cratic control of the House, Con-
gresham Lenroot became an active
exponent of rules reform. He has
opposed practically every "gag rule"
brought into the House, whether un-
der Democratic or Republican organ
ization, and perhaps q majority of, his
speeches have been devoted to that
topic.
Analytical PIeader.
In action Mr.. Lenroot Is an analytical
pleader rather than an orator. He does
not indulge in flowers of speech nor
gallery-rousing perorations. but he is
one Of the best rough-and-tumble de-
baters in the House. Unlike many Of
his colleagues. he has no inclination to
take part In routine House discussions
and Is not given to making speeches for
home consumption"
The Independence Of CONGRESSMAN
Lenroot crops out In his correspond
ence with constituents. His district is
not without its Germans and German
Americans, but II Is understood that
since the international crisis became
acute, Lenroot In more than one letter
has informed his constituents that he
Is an American first. and IL they disap-
prove Of such a course II Is immaterial
to him. During the recess Of Congress
Mr.. Lenroot delivered pro-American
speeches to part-foreign audiences In
his State.
Congressman Lenroot comes OF Swed-
ish stock. He Is rather slender in build.
energetic in manner. and outspoken in
daily converse with his colleagues and
the public.
Dynamic Personality.
His personality Is Of the dynamic,
aggressive sort, but a spirit OF fair
play and tolerance exerts q softening
influence and tends to round out an
agreeable fellow and q likable legis-
lator with the qualities of leadership.
Lenroot's recognition in the House
has come because of constant appli-
cation to public duty and an increas-
ing ability to say something worth
while at the right time. He has
talked neither too little nor too much.
Most OF the time he has been con-
sistent and always above board.
Congressman Lenroot's biography
Is a modest one OF less than seven
lines. The Congressional Directory
reveals that he began life as a short
hand reporter for q district court in
Wisconsin. While reporting trials he
learned law, was admitted to the bar,
and subsequently was elected to the
legislature, where he served for five
years. He was elected to the Sixty
first Congress to succeed John ].
Jenkins, a standpat Republican and
Cannon lieutenant