The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1944-09-05
Sen. George w. Norris

Senator George w. Norris whose death at
eighty three shocked the nation, was, perhaps,
the staunchest example of rugged Americanism
in two generations. From the start of his con-
gressional career to its finish he upheld and
fought for issues in which he had faith regard
less of partisan affiliations.
Toward the end he discarded all parties and
occupied his seat in the Senate as an indie
pendent, Notwithstanding his support of Presi-
the prime tenet OF his political philosophy
which was founded on insurgency.
From the outset of a national career begun
in 1903 with election to the house of represen-
ministration simpler and at an age when most
men are in retirement. still was thinking of
the new in government.
One Of his notable achievements was abo-
lition Of lame duck sessions of congress by
adoption of the goth amendment. 1t provided
that congressional terms should begin on jan
uary and those of the president and vice
president on January 20. 1t became effective
in 1888 as a climax to Norris Il years of eff
fort. That year also saw creation of the Ten
project for government operation of Muscles
Shoals.
Another triumph was Nebraskas adoption of
a unicameral legislature in 1884 Norris spon-
sored and stunped for a state constitutional
amendment authorizing the single-house law
making body.
In the bitter 1887 battle over the supreme
court, Norris proposed that a unanimous vote
of the justices be required to invalidate an act
of congress.
ments be submitted direct to popular vote in
the states, instead OF being passed upon by
legislatures or special conventions
Political appointment of postmasters drew
his ire. He advocated their selection through
merit system
Party control Of individual votes had no
place in the political thinking of Norris who
was a wellspring of insurgency in American
politics through five successive terms in the
house and Ike number in the senate.
He entered congress in 1903 as Republican
but was an Independent in voting and eventual
ly achieved this formal designation.
L am no longer Republican, he said in
1922. II believe the independent voter is the
salvation of the country. There is not a speck
Of partisanship left in me-
Two years later he campagned for the third
party presidential ticket headed by Robert M.
LaFollette and in 1923 stumped Nebraska for
Aired E. Smith, Democratic presidential NOM
inee. In 1882 and 1886 he SUPPORTED Franklin
u. Roosevelt's Democratic candidacy.
An historic fight against "Cannonism'' in the
house in 1910 boosted Norris into the senate,
His state promoted him because of the fighting
qualities and oratorical ability he displayed as
one OF band of members who determined to
strip from the speakership the wide powers
which the venerable Joseph G. Cannon had
welded with an iron hand through Norris
terms in the house
Norris was drafted again in 1886 after saw
ing ne wished to retire. President Roosevelt
SAID Nebraska should keep him in the senate
as long as he lived. Republican and Demo-
cratic senatorial candidates already had been
named, but friends circulated a nominating ne.
tltlon and 10000 signatures put Norris in the
race as an independent. He won easiIy.