Page:Men of Mark in America vol 1.djvu/281

Rh Mr. Cannon is essentially a man of the people. His unfailing kindness has endeared him to his acquaintances; and though his unconventional ways have often made him the object of humorous caricature, and have caused him to be known in congress and throughout the country as "Uncle Joe," he is a man whom his associates, without regard to party preferences, and the people at large, sincerely respect, and in whom they have the utmost confidence. Speaker Cannon opposed the strong and widely spread movement to make him the candidate for vice-president of the United States in 1904, and with especial firmness at the Republican national convention at Chicago, of which he was permanent chairman. He opposed this suggestion because he believed that on account of his long service in the house of representatives, and his intimate familiarity with its requirements he could be more useful to the country as a member of that body than in any other position.

In the choice of a profession, Mr. Cannon was largely governed by circumstances. He had no special knowledge of the exacting requirements of the law, but its practice became very attractive to him, and for this reason, as well as for the financial rewards which it offered, he followed it for many years. The change from the law to political service was largely accidental. Mr. Cannon was fully qualified for the duties and responsibilities of official life; and when the time to enter it came, he saw the great possibilities of the wider field. It is worthy of note that in speaking of the means which have been efficient in securing his advancement, Mr. Cannon says that he "took advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves." That he has made an excellent use of these opportunities is evident. And he has the satisfaction of believing that if life were to be lived over again under the same conditions, he could not, in the main, choose a better course than the one he has followed. The influence of home was very strong in the formation of his character and in the development of his intellectual powers. The memory of his parents he holds in the highest regard. Indeed, he says that "to his mother first, and to his father next," he owes most of the success which he has attained.

From his experience and observation, Mr. Cannon would say to the young people of America that to a great extent their future will be according to their own choice. He holds that one may be useful and influential, whatever calling or profession is chosen; but that