Arizona republican., 1922-02-15
Uncle Joe Cannon

When man has served in Congress for almost
half century, and when for half that time he has
been a commanding figure and has part of the
time so commanded that his enemies have called
him czar, retires, he must leave a void. Since
Uncle Joe Cannon entered the house of represent
atives ten men have entered and left the White
House. AS a member he witnessed the passing
OF members who had become famous in the troublous
days before and during the civil the bitter
aftermath which had not then quite passed Randall
OF Pennsylvania and Reed Of Maine then and long
after. were familiar figures in the house. Garfield
and Mckinley not far from the beginning OF
their glorious careers. The voice Of Sumner Of
Massachusetts had but lately been stilled in the
Senate and to that body had come former President
Andrew johnson from his discredted retirement only
die the year before the beginning of Mr.. Cannons
public career Blaine in the house then, having
just reinqushed the speakership.
The Cannon rule in the house was more auto
cratic than any speaker had dared to enforce. It
largely responsible for the overurn OF the revolt
Of the representatives and the oyerturn of the Re
publicans in 1910, and then and for after
he subjected to bitter criticism. But that has
long since been slenced. OF late years Mr.. Cannons
part in the legislature has been inconspicuous
though he has never been neglected member. His
advice sought by his colleagues and his infre-
quent remarks in pending issues were widely quoted
and needed.
Mr.. Cannon seems never to have aspired to the
Senate preferring the active field OF the house
His was frequently mentioned in connection
with the presidency. but he probably seriously
considered attempt secure the Republican nori-
nation. It is doubtful too, though whether he could
have secured it. for by the time he had become a
national figure, his aggressiveness has created
emes within his party powerful as those who
defeated the aspirations Clay webster and Blaine.
The shortcomings OF Mr.. Cannon have been faults
but not weaknesses but above them all was and is his
intense Americanism.
Something more than year ago the writer was
in the smoking compartment of west bound train.
A companion was railroad executive Southern
man and a Democrat. He said: Il have gone out of
my way to Danville 1 had happened never to see
Uncle Joe Cannon and did not expect to see him.
But the other morning I passed his residence as
he leaving it. At the gate introduced myself.
He took my hand cordially and jovialy. l spoke Of
the disturbed state OF the country and asked him
when he thought things would right themselves
You mean he replied when the order will be re-
stored? Son. will not live TO it, doubt whether
you wills perhaps But tho country is all
right and always will be. 1t is disturbed because
the whole world Is. But America is SO powerful and
rich and It's people resourcefui that things
cannot 80 wrong very long. The who worries
about the future Of this country is foong away his
time and giving himself needless trouble"
The whole career Of Mr. Cannon is an incentive to
the youth Of America, to its middle aged. and to
it, early aged who have looked forward to retirement
at sixty at the most at seventy Few have worked
harder than he Yet at sixteen years beyond the
allotted span ana quarter of century beyond tho
period which most have fixed as the END Of their
service, he is stiil in the harness.