Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/337

 “I am done with that fellow; I shall not permit him to do a thing again.”

To me the quickness with which he announced a purpose to dismiss a man with the strength of Durham was startling. In this instance I threw oil on the waters and said:

“Senator, Durham is not at all well. With all of us when the nerves are a little jangled and things do not come our way we are apt to show irritation. Durham will come around all right.” The thought seemed to appeal to his sympathy and experience.

On one occasion about this time there was a vacancy in the court of common pleas in the Twentieth Judicial District, and I consulted with Quay and Penrose about it. Penrose urged the appointment of a man who had been active and useful in the politics of one of the counties. Then I indicated a preference for, Joseph M. Woods, a gentleman and a man of good antecedents, being a descendant of John Witherspoon, and a lawyer of standing in the profession. At once Quay said:

“Woods will be the best appointment.” Penrose did not utter another word, but immediately after the interview telegraphed to Woods that he would be appointed. I was informed long afterward that Judge Woods was under the impression that he owed his appointment to the intervention of Penrose.

Sometimes I queried whether Quay ever tried to influence the men around him, whether he was even fully aware that he was influencing them, whether he did anything more than, seeing clearly what the situation required, indicate his line of thought, with the result that they, after pondering, saw that he was correct. At all events, he made no apparent effort. He was, of course, helped by the fact that his success in many contests made men feel that he was probably correct, especially since often he had information outside of their ken. Sometimes, where I have differed with him, I Rh