Evening star., 1960-06-09

ducked a question in debate
and put a quality all his own
in that ringing cry-"I yield"
that seemed to both dare
and warn his questioner.
Average in height, frail and
even slightly stopped as he
hurried across Capitol Square
bearing a bulging briefcase, he
changed into a different char
acter when debating issues on
the floor.
Leading Orator
The undisputed champion OF
oratory in the Legislature, he
would make his arguments
with clenched fists and failing
arms as if he were laying a
whip across the backs of the
majority faction in the House
His point finished, he would
rear back and watch its impact
with his mouth snapped shut
and turned down at the corners
his gray-blue eyes glaring.
Older heads in the House had
learned to "let old Bob run.
when he took the bit between
his teeth. But there frequently
were some freshman members
who could not resist challeng-
ing him.
Lion of LovingstOn"
On such occasions, the older
ones. including those on the
opposite side, would watch with
appreciation as "the Lion OF
Lovingston" turned the ques-
ton on the man who asked.
"It's a might po' engine tina.
won't run both ways" Mr.
Whitehead would say in his
thick southern accent after
such an encounter.
He knew, too, when not tc
take part in debate and risk
antagoniSm in the General AS
sembly. At these times he
would lean back and rock
gently in his swivel chair, sip
ping milk for ulcers c'for ulcers
he gave Others" said one soul
critic.
For the last four years his
deskmate in the l00-membel
House was Delegate Kathryn
Stone OF Arlington.
His spicy comments always
added zest to the day." Mrs
Stone said. with all of his
intelligence and wit, hatred Of
sham and his ability to gel
at the heart OF the matter
he stood out uniquely in the
General Assembly. He was thl
soul Of courtesy and kindness.
Speeches Filled Galleries
When advance word got out
that Mr.. Whitehead was abou
to make a speech, the gallerie!
would fill with State employe,
who left their jobs 10 "watct
the show"
The longer he spoke, the
larger the audience would grow
just the reverse proposition
under which most politica
speakers operate.
Hardly any political figure
escaped the whip of his wit
He kept a bulky file of news.
paper clippings on his foes anc
delighted in condemning then
with their own words. This
he would say, would be calling
his adversaries ito the mourn.
ers' bench"
Examples Of Wit
A few years ago, in a hard,
fought campaign, Mr.. White
head brushed aside a statemen
from Senator Byrd by declar.
ing:
He ought to put some pop.
lar leaves in his hat. He''
getting too much sum-"
During debate on poll ta2
repeal legislation, Gov. ALMOND
who then was attorney general
said of Mr.. Whitehead thai
he wished that squirrel" ir
the House of Delegates woulc
stop cracking nuts.
Mr.. Whitehead fired back ir
the next edition of the after.
noon newspapers: Yes, I'm
chewing nuts, and they're al
monds, too"
Study Preceded OratOry
Hours of study preceded his
oratory, particularly those
dealing with finances. BY law
the Governor delivers his bud
get message to the Legislature
at each opening session. Gus
tomarily, Mr.. Whitehead's bril-.
liant analysis would follow
within a day or two.