The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-15
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There are few orators in the
United States. They may be
counted on the fingers of one
hand. In congress. there are not
more than two. and both Of them
are in the senate. The first is b.
rah Of Idaho. and the second.
Reed OF Missouri.
The last orator among the mem
bership Of the house was Bourke
Cochran OF New York. He was
more nearly perfect than either
Borah or Reed. Outside OF con-
gress there are two-only two
who have attracted nationwide at
tention. They are Bryan and
cambridge Colby. the former Bull
Moose whom Wilson made secre-
tary of state.
The orator, in addition to poise
and posture and appearance. fine
articulation and a mellifluous flow
of language, must be able to ex-
press a real thought. That defi-
milton eliminates the many mem
bers of congress who are able to
stand on their legs for countless
hours, and, hopping their faces
furiously while thinking of what
next to say, exercise their lungs
with loud and blatant speech.
In the house it requires a real
orator to secure special favors.
Cochran never asked for time but
that he secured 1t by unanimous
consent. He could speak an hour
whereas lesser men were limited
to five minutes. He always had
IN
was perfect His manner was
pleasing. Interruptions brought
into play his flawless wit. And
his words were almost music.
The majority of the orators Of
the country are Democrats. In
the last Republican convention
there was no man who could en-
terrain save Chauncey Depew, the
inimitable story teller, and Uncle"
Joe Cannon, generally beloved.
But neither was an orator.
When the Democrats gathered
at San Francisco, however, three
orators of recognized ability were
present. They were Bryan, Colby
and Cochran. The three debated
the liquor question. Each re-
CtlNcu HIS tdtii as
remarkable for its spo< and
endurance.
Bryan asked the convention to
write prohibition in its platform:
Cochran that the convention in
dorse a beer and wine plank. and
Colby that the convention eschew
the liquor question entirely. Colby
won because Wilson had stacked |
the cards in his favor Had the
debate been determined on its |
merits, it is doubtful as to which |
head would have worn the myrtle |
wreath.
Colby was learned and convinc
ing. Bryan was grim, very grim,
and given to exhortation. Cock
ran demonstrated that he had |
kissed the barney stone. He |
smiled throughout. He compli-
mented his adversaries in such
charming manner as to delight the
convention but render his adversa-
ries furious.
Borah. in the midst of things. |
appears inspired. One finds him. |
self wanting to agree with him.
He can appeal to the emotions and |
move stones to tears. Reed is
more stern, more bitter. even caus-
tic. Were he to drape himself in
red robe, some of his utterances |
would sound as dynamic as those |
of Richelieu. But he Is not low
able as Borah Is and Cochran was. |
Other than these congress is /,
barren. There are many who
speak. Some seem lacking in sim
certify On the brow of others |
"demagogue" is too plainly |
stamped. Others still have minor
ness of voice At any rate. the |
average member releases his elo-
uuent periods to empty galleries. |
and if ever an audience hangs on
his words it is not due to the en-
slavement of the audience. The |
audience is sometimes amused,
and at other times Is entertained |
by the speakers endurance or the |
weirdness of his physical gymnas
tics.
But orators are not needed. it is |
said. Work is done in committees
the scenes. And seldom
is vote changed on the floor. 1t |
is possible, however, that the in
ability of the average man to
change vote has made it neces-
sary that work be done in the
dark.
PEOPLES FORUM