Elevation of Moses

The Senate of the 69th Congress, settling down leisurely to the business of giving its advice and consent on the President's appointments, paused to organize itself for the next two years.

It turned at once to the election of a President pro tempore. Mr. Cummins, who served in that post, did not care to continue. The Democratic candidate was Senator Pittman of Nevada. The Republican candidate was Senator Moses of New Hampshire. The vote was entirely on party lines and Senator Moses won, 50 to 36.

The job which George Higgins Moses undertook was nowise that which his predecessor had had. Since there had been no Vice President for 18 months, Mr. Cummins presided during that time and drew the Vice President's salary perquisites (notably an automobile and an office in the Capitol). Mr. Moses will preside only when Mr. Dawes is absent from the Chamber and draw only his normal salary-now $10,000.

It is unique to see so keen a wit elevated to high political places. The shafts of Mr. Moses penetrate swiftly wherever he sees an opening in his opponents' armor and are usually fatal. It was he who analyzed the farm bloc as "several lawyers, a few editors and one well-digger." His wit is not of the Harrison sledgehammer type. He plays the fish, and then he neatly spears it, while the audience roars. It was his sardonic humor which put the prophecy into the mouths of observers that he would never rise higher than Senator.

Nonetheless, by evident ability, he made his way upward in New Hamp- shire politics. His one excursion from his state was four years spent as Minister to Greece and Montenegro during the Taft administration. In 1918, he was elected to the Senate (succeeding the late Senator Gallinger). In 1920 he was reelected, and now his colleagues, pulling from their hides the quills he has discharged at them from time to time, elevate him again.