Page:Men of Mark in America vol 2.djvu/481

Rh Since he left the university Mr. Williams has given much time to study. His reading has been along broad lines and he has an extensive knowledge of foreign as well as of domestic affairs. While he firmly holds his own opinions, he does not seek to impose them upon others. He is always willing to listen to suggestions, and he often seeks advice. Though not a polished orator he is a forceful and interesting speaker and is able to use at a moment's notice any knowledge which he may possess. His speech on taking the chair at the Democratic convention to nominate a candidate for the presidency at St. Louis, in July, 1904, is regarded by his friends as a marked instance of his force and tact as a public speaker.

His convictions are strong and when important subjects are under discussion he sometimes " carries the war into the enemy's country" with a great deal of vigor; but he is invariably good-natured, and his opposition is directed against principles and measures rather than men. He is a strong reasoner, a skilful debater, and his keen, incisive wit not infrequently disconcerts his party opponents as much as it entertains the members on his own side of the house. By the extent and accuracy of the information which he has obtained from a wide range of study and reading, and his ability to use it effectively, he has not infrequently made difficult the way for his political opponents. He occasionally draws on the lighter literature for his illustrations and on one memorable occasion, when the house was in the midst of an exciting and somewhat acrimonious controversy, he made a quotation from the comic opera "Pinafore" which was so apt and effective as to greatly divert the members and cause a demand from all parts of the country for printed copies of the speech in which it was used. In regard to legislation which might favorably affect his own interests he has been careful to avoid even the appearance of evil. An instance of his scrupulous regard for propriety and honor in this respect occurred in the assignment of committees in a recent session of the house. As minority leader, Mr. Williams had suggested a member from North Carolina for a place on the committee on Rivers and Harbors. Speaker Cannon did not feel justified in making this appointment because the Atlantic coast was already fully represented. He suggested a member from Mississippi; but Mr. Williams replied that as his plantation was defended by levees he could not allow a member from his own state to serve on a committee whose duty it was to protect such interests.