Thus, in the debate on the Spanish treaty, Mr. Lodge delivered
himself of these noble sentiments: "I have ideals and beliefs which
pertain to the living present, and a faith in the future of my
country. I believe in the American people as they are to-day and in
the civilization they have created," and many more beautiful words
to the same effect. It was the language of a statesman with
aspirations and convictions. It sounded splendidly. Mr. Lodge is a
classical scholar, and one wonders whether he remembers his
Epictetus: "But you utter your elegant words only from your lips;
for this reason they are without strength and dead, and it is
nauseous to listen to your exhortations and your miserable virtue;
which is talked of everywhere."
It was the late Senator Wolcott, one of the most brilliant orators
of his day, who explained why Mr. Lodge's oratory left men cold.
Wolcott was commenting on a speech delivered by Lodge a few days
earlier and someone said to him that men listened to Lodge with
eyes undimmed.
"To bring tears from an audience," said Wolcott, "the speaker must
feel tears here (and he pointed to his throat), but Lodge can speak
for an hour with nothing but saliva in his throat."
Mr. Lodge's dislike of Mr. Wilson was almost malignant. Rumor
ascribes it to professional jealousy. Before Mr. Wilson came into
prominence Mr.
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