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Editorial
January 24, 1931
Las Vegas Age
Las Vegas, Clark County, Lincoln County, Nevada
What is this article about?
Kirke Simpson's column observes the informal Senate induction of Vermont's new Senator Frank Partridge, a longtime Republican, and highlights the irony in his credentials demanding impartial service without party favor, suggesting it could make headlines if followed literally.
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WASHINGTON BYSTANDER
By KIRKE SIMPSON
WASHINGTON-When that slender, gray Vermonter, Frank Partridge, came down to serve out the term of the late Senator Greene, Washington and its ways were no new thing to him.
Senator Partridge has been in and out of the government service, in one way or another, over and over again these last 40 years or more.
Yet watching the informality of his induction into the senate, the Bystander could not help wondering if the new senator did not feel a bit chop-fallen at the callous indifference with which the senate observed the greatest moment to date in his political career.
He was led to the rostrum by his colleague, Senator Dale, duly swore that he would "support and defend" the constitution-"obey" is not in the oath except by implication-and before he could even sign the book the senate had forgotten him and was busy at something else.
The Blasé Senate
All that is quite usual. The senate ordinarily is a bit brusque in greeting its own newcomers. Only rarely, in a special instance like the advent of Dwight Morrow, or where a fuss has been kicked up against seating the applicant, as in the case of "Puddler" Jim Davis, does the senate indicate any general attention to the event, much as it may mean to the new senator
And to Senator Partridge it must have been something of an event His first Washington experience was as secretary to a secretary of war, more than 40 years ago. But, compared to his senatorship, his other government jobs were small potatoes.
What a Chance:
Yet looking over his credentials to "represent in part the great state of Vermont," the Bystander discovered a grand opportunity for Mr. Partridge.
All he has to do is obey literally his instructions from "The Freemen of the State of Vermont" and he can stir up a "story" that will get first page play aplenty.
For the said "Freemen," via the agency of Governor Weeks, addressed Senator Partridge's credentials to him personally. They informed him of his appointment, then commanded him to execute the duties of his office and perform "all and singular the matters and things thereto relating, without partiality or favor to any person or any party," and so forth.
Shades of all bygone Vermonters who ever held office!
Suppose Senator Partridge should do just that thing the "Freemen" have directed him to do. Suppose he should do his "senating" from now until March 4 or later "without partiality or favor to any person or party," and he a life-long active Republican.
Wouldn't that be a story?
By KIRKE SIMPSON
WASHINGTON-When that slender, gray Vermonter, Frank Partridge, came down to serve out the term of the late Senator Greene, Washington and its ways were no new thing to him.
Senator Partridge has been in and out of the government service, in one way or another, over and over again these last 40 years or more.
Yet watching the informality of his induction into the senate, the Bystander could not help wondering if the new senator did not feel a bit chop-fallen at the callous indifference with which the senate observed the greatest moment to date in his political career.
He was led to the rostrum by his colleague, Senator Dale, duly swore that he would "support and defend" the constitution-"obey" is not in the oath except by implication-and before he could even sign the book the senate had forgotten him and was busy at something else.
The Blasé Senate
All that is quite usual. The senate ordinarily is a bit brusque in greeting its own newcomers. Only rarely, in a special instance like the advent of Dwight Morrow, or where a fuss has been kicked up against seating the applicant, as in the case of "Puddler" Jim Davis, does the senate indicate any general attention to the event, much as it may mean to the new senator
And to Senator Partridge it must have been something of an event His first Washington experience was as secretary to a secretary of war, more than 40 years ago. But, compared to his senatorship, his other government jobs were small potatoes.
What a Chance:
Yet looking over his credentials to "represent in part the great state of Vermont," the Bystander discovered a grand opportunity for Mr. Partridge.
All he has to do is obey literally his instructions from "The Freemen of the State of Vermont" and he can stir up a "story" that will get first page play aplenty.
For the said "Freemen," via the agency of Governor Weeks, addressed Senator Partridge's credentials to him personally. They informed him of his appointment, then commanded him to execute the duties of his office and perform "all and singular the matters and things thereto relating, without partiality or favor to any person or any party," and so forth.
Shades of all bygone Vermonters who ever held office!
Suppose Senator Partridge should do just that thing the "Freemen" have directed him to do. Suppose he should do his "senating" from now until March 4 or later "without partiality or favor to any person or party," and he a life-long active Republican.
Wouldn't that be a story?
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Senate Induction
Frank Partridge
Vermont Senator
Political Impartiality
Republican Affiliation
Senate Formality
What entities or persons were involved?
Frank Partridge
Kirke Simpson
Senator Dale
Senator Greene
Dwight Morrow
Jim Davis
Governor Weeks
Freemen Of Vermont
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Induction Of Senator Frank Partridge And Demand For Political Impartiality
Stance / Tone
Humorous Commentary On Senate Informality And Ironic Impartiality
Key Figures
Frank Partridge
Kirke Simpson
Senator Dale
Senator Greene
Dwight Morrow
Jim Davis
Governor Weeks
Freemen Of Vermont
Key Arguments
Senate Induction Is Typically Brusque And Indifferent To Newcomers
Partridge's Long Government Service Contrasts With The Casual Swearing In
Credentials From Vermont Freemen Command Impartial Execution Of Duties Without Favor To Any Party
Partridge's Lifelong Republican Affiliation Makes Literal Impartiality A Potential Major Story