The daily monitor leader. [volume] (Mount Clemens, Mich.) 1942-19??, 1942-05-23
BY PETER EDISON
MOnitOr-Leader Washington

private dining room OF the
speaker of the House.
They can do that, of course,
because Speaker Sam Rayburn
is from Texas and he invites the
delegation in to use the accom-
modations of his office as meet
ing place. The speaker is host,
but the affair is strictly dutch
treat and not at government ex-
pense.
Every member of the delega-
ton can invite guests, and ev-
cry important Texas politician.
banker, oil man, plainsman or
cattleman who comes to Wash
ington on a Wednesday manages
to drop in on his congressman
and get invited. All guests are
introduced and so, for the mid
week lunch hour at least. the
heart of Texas is deep in Wash
ington. The Hon. Wright Pat
man presides. There are no set
speeches, but about the only
subject of conversation heard or
listened TO is Texas and folks
back home.
The talk is al as flat "a, ST.
lent "g' and braSSy 'r' as you II
hear at any Panhandle or brand
in barbecue! They even eat oar-
becued steer meat. If they didn't
the delegation would hear about
it from every rancher an the
state.
This Texas delegation in Con-
gress is somethin.' One or both
of the senators, Tom ConnalIy,
the blushing bridegroom, and
Pappy ODanie,, usually stroll
over from the other side of the
capitol to break biscuits with
the 81 representatives. The num-
Der is reduced TO 20 now by
Lyndon Johnson's absence on
leave to serve as a commander
in the Navy, though his wife,
Lady Bird Johnson, who has
stayed in Washington to run
the office for him (without pay
sometimes is invited, for the at
fair is stag except on special &C.
casions like honoring the new
WAC Major Hobby.
The delegation doesn't have
to worry ali out or be embarrass-
ed by Republicans, who just
don't get elected in Texas. The
Democrats down there fight
among themselves like wildcats
in the primaries, New Dealers
lining up against conservatives,
and machines going all out for
some candidate. Victory in a
primary is as good as election in
Texas, however, SO when the
run-offs are over, it's all just
one big happy family again.
BROTHERLY BEEF
To see the delegation chewing
Wednesday beef, it's a picture of
beautiful brotherly love and af-
lection in the wholesome, he
man Texas way. Behind the
scenes there may be jea.ousies.
Speaker Rayburn and Senator
Connally aren't believed to be
any too cooperative, Pappy O.
Daniel is respected largely for
his ability as guitar player,
Lyndon johnson was considered
too New Dealish for some, Mar
tin Dies is, Well-Martin Dies.
But by and large, this is a
Texas gang and it sticks togeth-
er to pack terrific punch in
the conduct of the affairs of the
lower House. All of its mem
bers have lived most of their
lives in Texas, from baby Coz
gresham Lindley. BeckWorth Of
Gilmer, who is %, to wise old
Judge Hatton w. Summers OF
Dallas. Only five were born out
side the state-O'Daniel, who
originated in Ohio; Reyburn
and Robert Z. Thomson, who
were born in Tennessee, ana Ed
Gossett and hard-work n g
young George H. Mahon, who
came across the border from
Louisiana.
In the House of Representa-
tiveS, this Texas delegation is so
assigned to committees that
their finger is in every import
ant pie. Of the so standing COM
mittees which steer the affairs
Of the House, you will find
Texans on all but eight, and
those eight aren't any too i'm
portant, being largely concern
ed with readin', writin' and such
literary matters-committeeS on
education, library, printing,
memorials, and SO on. But how
they ever overlooked even
those eight is mystery.
Of the score OF Texas con-
greSsmen, five hold chairman
ships of important committees
Judge Summers of Judiciary,
Fritz Lanham Of Public Build
ings and Grounds, Joseph j.
Mansfield of Rivers and Har-
bors, Wright Patman of Small
Business and Martin Dies of the
Select Committee on Un-Amer-
lean Activities. And in addition
they have Speaker Rayburn,
boss of the whole works.
Other states have larger dele
,,ot;,,e tbop Toyas blIt becatSp