Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1924-03-08

There really are three "Sams." One
is the lawyer. That one has mind
that is remarkably virile, capacious
and industrially efficient. The Sec
end is the social "Sam." That one is
among the half-dozen most delightful
men in Maryland, marked by old
fashioned courtesy and hospitality,
wide and catholic reading and an in
comparable sense of humor and power
of mimicry. The third is the politi-
cal "Sam." And in that "Sam" all
the qualities of the first two "Sams"
are completely surrounded by ha-
tired of change that rises to verit-
able classicism.
In the many years that "Sam"
Dennis has been fooling with Mary
land politics, running with increasing
Importance from 1898 until 1923, he
has opposed every change that has
been proposed, usually quite furious
ly. He suspects every proponent of
change, no matter how obviously de-
sirable the change may be, of being
a reformer; and he suspects every
reformer of being a scoundrel or a
fool.
And he is ag'in them all-roaring
mercilessly. When he could get the
advocate of change flat on his back
"Sam" cheerfully chopped off his
head and callously threw the CULVER
ing political torso to the dogs. When,
! as happened often in the Crothers
days, the advocate of change got
"Sam" on his back ,"Sam" viciously
bit him on the leg. He never gave
nor called for quarter when he en-
countered some one with a new politi-
cal idea.
And he not only insisted upon stay
in as near medievalism as possible
n political institutions; he insisted
upon Richard Occur de Lion code
of loyalty among politicians. For ex-
ample, his relations with Mr.. Smith
and his attitude toward the relations
of others with Mr.. Smith.
Years agone Mr.. Smith rescued
"Sam" from the sand dunes of Wor-
cester county and made him his Sec
rotary. The Lord knows it was a
noble act. I concede that, although
! do not suppose for minute that if
Mr.. Smith had not rescued "Sam"
the latter would not have rescued
himself, vigorous as he is, and con-
cede it, too. although hold that
"Sam" has repaid Mr.. Smith many
fold. But noble as Mr.. Smiths res
cue was, I never, until I had insight
into the Richard Occur de Lion code,
was able to understand why "Sam"
should imperiously demand that ev-
cry other soul in Christendom be as
grateful and as loyal to Mr.. Smith as
he always has been.
Time and again, when some one
has spoken or acted without complete
respect for Mr.. Smith and his politi-
cal leadership, "Sam" has told the
story of the famous rescue. If, when
"Sam" had told that story with the
calm air of an authority disposing of
a troublesome question, disrespect-
full one did not instantly change his
manner and purpose, why, "Sam"
promptly tried to cleave his skull
with a broadax. And, whether or not
he succeeded, whether the poor fellow
lay dying at his feet or sprawled mis-
erably to safety, "Sam" consigned
him to the bottomest pits of his good
old Presbyterian hell, usually asking
Satan as special favor to break the
back Of the disrespectful one, in adj
dition to roasting him.
What is the use Of talking about
such a man as the younger political
leader? It is a pity that, within linn
its, we cannot have such medieval
list among our leaders. He would be
a good offset. But it is not to be.
With the passing of The Smith power
We must reconcile ourselves to the
first two "Sams" and watch the de-
velopment of the modern, competent
lawyer and of the delightful fireside
philosopher and humorist-