The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-06-04

over a successor to the late Speaker Henry T. Rainey. He had been ma- jority leader under Rainey during the crucial first two years of the Roosevelt administration and prev. iously chairman of the important appropriating committee.
 Picturesque Figure
 Washington, June 1 - (UP) - The death of Speaker Joseph w. Byrns removed from the Washing ton scene today one of the most picturesque New Deal figures - a shaggy eyebrowed, bushy.haired man with Q wide, attractive smile and a handshake for everyone.
 His suave political touch was credited with i1aneuvering vital Roosevelt bills through an unruly house. Observers generally admitted that the gentle gloved actions of the speaker alone kept the preponderant democratic majority in hand. The iron handed methods of former Speaker John N. Garner - effective during . close party division - leaders agreed, would have been iI1- effective in 6 house with three democrats to every republican.
 Known As "Joe"
 Byrns was known as "Joe" by thousands. He resembled in his physical size Q Tennessee pioneer. He was six feet four, built like an arrow, and had 6 long, swinging stride.
 Few speakers talked to as many people during the day as Byrr1s. HIS wife often remarked that she had ito tug Joe away" from parties and office chats. He was never boring to his listeners.
 "Joe likes people," Mrs. Byrns said to a friend at Q recent tea. "lts often hard to get him to bed early"
 Many Q weekend ByrnS and Q group of congressional friends would go off on fishing trips. He said more than once that while he liked to fish, he liked best the evenings by Q camp fire, talking with his companions.
 He often would blush like a school girl. Once his tongue slipped at Q press conference and he referred to Secretary of Labor Frances Per. kins as "Old Lady Perkins" He biushed when he was teased about 1t, denying with Q smile that he had said anything but Lady Perkins".
 Good stOry Teller
 He was one of the best raconteurs in congress. His stories were always homely ones, never "raw".
 He used to like to tell about the first time he chewed tobacco. It was when he was Q l2.year.old schoolboy and desperately in love with c little blond girl in his class.
 "The big boys said was afraid to chew tobacco" Byrns said. "They dared me to, 50 at recess time l tried. felt all right until I went back into the room. Then my head began to swim. I had to run to the window. The window was right by sailys desk. That ended the romance"
 Expression of Regret
 Washington, June { - tUP) -Ex- pressions of grief came from con- gressmen and government officials, shocked by the death of Speaker Joseph Byrns. Members of both parties paid tribute.
 News of the speakers death was withheld until today from President Roosevelt, who had retired earlier.
 Expressions of sorrow included:
 Senate Majority Leader Joseph T. Robinson: T am shocked and grieved to learn of the death of Speaker Byrns. His death Is a great loss to the country. He had the confidence and respect of his associates in both the house and senate. He was my personal friend and I feel the loss very deeply"
 Assistant House Republican Leader Joseph w. Martin: T am shocked to hear the news. He was most kindly, fair and one of the really great speakers. Everybody will re- gret genuinely his passing. He gave both sides fair treatment always" |"
 Tennessee In Mourning