Congressman Seeks Apartment at Swellest Hotel

1903

The salary of a member of congress is $416.66 2-3 a month. "Uncle Joe" Cannon, of Illinois, when it became apparent that he would be the next speaker of the house, relates the Baltimore Herald, thought it would be a good idea to move from his present comfortable but rather modest apartments to where "a little more dog," as he expressed it, "was put on." He went to the swellest hotel in town and asked to be shown some rooms. The gentlemanly clerk conducted him to the upper regions and unfolded to his vision a handsome suite.

"They look rather likely," said Mr. Cannon, "how much are they?"

"Four hundred dollars," was the reply.

"A year," persisted the chairman of the appropriations committee, who likes to be definite where figures are concerned.

"Oh, no, sir; $400 a month," explained the clerk.

Mr. Cannon appeared lost in reverie for a few moments. The clerk shifted meanwhile from one foot to another, and finally ventured: "What's the matter, Mr. Cannon?"

"Oh, nothing," said Uncle Joe, as he came back to life; "I'm just thinking."

"About what, Mr. Cannon?"

"What I'd do with the other $16.66 2-3."

—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, March 4, 1903, page 5.