Page:The American Magazine (1906-1956) - volume 73.pdf/23



Photograph by Bell, from the collection of F. H. Meserve

"Carlisle was then Speaker. A near view of his face was disappointing, but, seen from the floor, his great, slow-moving figure and his strong head were indeed striking"

ity. It all belongs to the United States, and whatever is appropriated with any other view of a misappropriation of public funds. I might use a severe term. NO man can shirk the responsibility.... He cannot say, 'My constituents want this money, and I will therefore vote for it, though I do not approve of the measure.' The money is neither his nor theirs. So far as this money is concerned, when by his vote he takes it from the treasury, he becomes, in a liberal use of the word, a trustee of the money, and he is bound to expend it for the benefit of national commerce."

I knew that the bill would pass, as it did, but I felt that I ought at least to express my convictions upon the subject. I did not oppose the bill; I opposed the policy.

This little speech- it does not seem of much importance to me now- was commented on, not only in Wisconsin, but by the pres of the country. The New York Tribute, the New York Sun and other papers gave it favorable editorial notice. This

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