"The house will come to order." "Ladies and gentlemen, our visit to the capitol will take approximately an hour and 30 minutes," "During which time I'll have to ask you for your undivided attention." "Thank you very much." "Mr. Nunnally?" "Yes." "Well, how do you do?" "I'm Alice Kingsly." "Well, I was expecting somebody" "Who looked like a newspaperwoman." "Would you like me to show you around the capitol?" "If it's not asking too much." "Not at all." "I'm sorry I couldn't meet you at the airport," "But as I explained to cumberly when he phoned" "I know how busy you must be, Mr. Nunnally, but you know how he is." "He runs your column in his paper," "And he figures you'll by-Golly do what he says." "Which, of course, I will, since the cumberly press" "Is the biggest outlet I have." "Just what is it you want" "The grand tour, or have you something specific in mind?" "If you'll just help me get my bearings." "I hate to impose on you, Mr. Nunnally." "Really, I do." "Miss Kingsly, please." "The wide-Eyed approach is most effective in Washington, but not with me." "Do you mind?" "All right." "I'm here to get" "A sensational series of articles about Washington," "And I don't care who I impose on to get them." "Let us begin at the fountainhead," "The congress of the united states." "Which will it be?" "The house or the senate?" "Whatever you say." "The house." "They have a time limit on speeches." "In the year 1810," "The number of post offices had increased to 2,300." "Gross revenue, $552,000;" "Gross expenditures, $496,000;" "Surplus, $56,000." "1811." "Number of post offices, 2,302." "Gross revenue, $552,972." "Gross expenditures, $497,110... how many representatives are there all together?" "435." "1812." "Number of post offices, 2,334." "Gross revenue, $573,604." "Gross expenditures, $508,312." "1813." "Number of... where are you going?" "Back to California." "$95,000." "1859... what about that time limit on speeches?" "Whenever one of them has something particularly boring to discuss," "They give him an extension of time." "$428,590." "Gross revenue, $8,518,067..." "Mr. Speaker!" "Gross expenditure..." "Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?" "...$171,283." "Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?" "Will the gentleman yield" "To the gentleman from Massachusetts?" "Mr. Speaker, I cannot yield." "These statistics are of vital importance." "1860." "Number of post offices... 28,948." "Post route" "Mileage, 231,512." "Gross revenue... number of post offices, 28,372... how do you stand it?" "I don't spend much more time here than the congressmen do." "Just to get my mind off the post office, I counted heads." "Out of 435, 396 are playing hooky." "Thanks." "A lot of them are in the t-And-T club" "In Tuesday and out Thursday." "They leave their hometowns on Thursday" "And get back in Washington on Tuesday." "T" " And-T." "That might make a cute lead." "No, no." "Absenteeism's cold turkey." "Been kicked round in the papers for years." "I'll tell you something that hasn't been kicked around." "Most of those absentees are hard at work in their office," "Ready to get here in a matter of minutes" "When something important turns up." "May I present Mr. John Sheldon," "Dean of the press corps" "And custodian of our most cherished illusions?" "This is miss Alice Kingsly." "She writes for the" "Oh, how do you do, Mr. Sheldon?" "Welcome to capitol hill." "I take it you're new on the beat." "That I am, Mr. Sheldon." "Grassy green." "Mr. Nunnally, can I talk to you for a moment?" "Excuse me, please." "Isn't that Lloyd Alcott?" "Surprise winner a couple of years ago." "Now he's working for Nunnally." "What happened?" "Nunnally pays big." "Wonder what his weekly payroll is." "So that's how he gets those exclusives." "Exclusives!" "Hatchet jobs." "Exposes, snide innuendos." "If there was a full membership out there all the time," "The work of congress never would get done" "Because most of that work is handled off the floor" "Committees, subcommittees," "Research, correspondence." "Of course, Nunnally is just interested in the seamy side," "But most of us here" "Ah, good luck, miss Kingsly." "Call on me if I can help you in any way." "Thanks." "Want to go to the senate office building?" "I got a lead on a story." "That's for me." "I'm afraid it's for me." "Get this right out, will you, jack?" "Um, Mr. Nunnally, I'd rather you didn't mention" "That I work for the cumberly press." "So I gathered." "Why?" "People don't open up." "They know in advance it's a hatchet job." "Where has your little hatchet been chopping away?" "All over." "Teenage crime, adoption rackets, quack psychiatrists," "Corruption in New York, Podunk, and all points west." "Roving assignment." "Wherever the boss smells a story." "Cumberly's in New York, only 200 miles away," "And this is the first time you've smelled Washington?" "I'll be right back." "Anything new in your committee, congressman?" "No comment." "When's the first open hearing?" "No comment." "Who was that?" "No comment Joe, the human clam." "This is the monorail tunnel," "Connecting the capitol and the senate office building." "Built in 1912 at a cost of $25,000," "The subway car travels at the rate of 26 miles per hour" "And makes the trip in 64 seconds." "The elevators to the rear, please." "Hello, senator." "Happen to see my column this morning?" "I did, sir, and in my opinion," "It marks a new low in journalism." "If I could find the right man," "I could build a whole series around him." "You know, a kind of day-By-Day diary of his activities." "Play it straight at the start," "And then I'd gradually get across the idea it's all an act." "He's a phony, a demagogue." "Who winds up by taking a bribe." "Wouldn't that be great?" "I've got your man." "Old honest abe himself, so they think." "But I happen to know that he's just waiting for the right setup" "To make a killing." "Who is it, Mr. Nunnally?" "No comment Joe." "The human clam?" "There's more than one way to make a clam open up." "You really think he's going to take a payoff?" "He can't sleep nights, his palm is itching so bad." "He has such an honest face." "There are a lot of honest faces around here." "Look hard enough, you'll find a skeleton in everybody's closet." "Where's the closet?" "Old house office building, room 487." "I'll brief you first." "His name is Gresham, Massachusetts." "Afternoon, miss gilberts." "Afternoon, Mr. Watkins." "It's always a pleasure to see somebody from home." "Thanks for your time, Mr. Congressman." "Thank you, miss gilberts." "You're welcome." "There may be some phone calls first." "Miss gilberts, this is Mrs. Bell." "She lives in Newchester." "Just 3 blocks away from the congressman" " Well, 31/2." "I'm sure he'll be glad to see you." "I've never met him, you understand." "Come right in, Mrs. Bell." "Imagine- Without waiting." "Mr. Congressman, this is a neighbor of yours, Mrs. Bell." "I'm beginning to think" "The only way I'm going to get in to see him" "Is to establish residence in Massachusetts." "He'll see you." "Thanks." "He sees everybody." "Oh." "What was that?" "Signal from the house chambers:" "Quorum calls, votes, recess." "That was 3 rings." "Must be the vote on the post office appropriation." "Looks like the congressman's not going to vote." "They call the roll twice." "He usually catches them second time around." "The congressman said that you'd give me" "A pass to the visitors' gallery." "House or senate?" "House." "I want to see congressman Gresham in action." "I believe I'm next." "Constituent?" "Start putting the phone calls through in one minute." "My name is Alice Kingsly, Mr. Congressman," "And I'll come straight to the point." "I'm a writer, and I'm ashamed of what other writers have been doing to congress:" "Hatchet jobs, exposes, snide innuendos." "I think it's high time somebody presented" "The other side of the story, don't you?" "No comment." "Well, now, surely you must agree that" "I make it a rule never to give opinions to the press." "Well, anyway, my idea is to write a series of articles" "I'm afraid I'm not interested." "If you'll just give me 5 minutes." "I've seen too many interviews twisted around." "Two minutes." "I'm sorry." "So am I." "Look, I have such a backlog of dictation," "I hope you won't think me too rude." "No comment." "It's a shame." "It really is." "A thoroughly honest congressman in the foreground." "Behind him, the capitol dome." "What an inspiring picture that ought to make," "And what would it symbolize to millions of Americans?" "Corruption." "Because a portion of the press has consistently distorted the truth." "That's part of it." "What's the rest?" "If the good congressmen always say "no comment,"" "The bad ones will keep grabbing the headlines." "What would you do?" "A reporter once asked me," ""Is it true you're going to request a $50 million appropriation" "To investigate methods in government fish hatcheries?"" "I said, "no. 50,000." End of interview." "And how did it come out in the papers?" ""$50,000 will buy rifles for an entire infantry battalion," ""And that's what Gresham wants to spend" "To study the love life of the mackerel."" "It wasn't even mackerel." "It was trout." "What would I do, you ask?" "I'll tell you, Mr. Congressman." "I'd jump at the chance of restoring a little dignity to congress." "I'm not promising miracles," "But millions of people will gain a new respect for congressmen." "They'll learn what your job is really like." "The committees" "Hello." "I can't take it now." "Hold off other calls, will you?" "Go on." "The subcommittees, research, correspondence." "A week with a congressman." "A straightforward, factual account of every move you make" "For an entire week- Morning, noon, and night." "I'll be with you constantly." "That's not a bad idea." "It's a wonderful idea." "You've just got the wrong congressman." "I've got the right one." "Gresham of Massachusetts:" "In on a veteran's vote in 1946" "And doing splendid work ever since." "Loyal party man but peels off on occasion." "Brilliant committee work, exceptional attendance record," "Drinks and smokes in moderation" " Last night was an exception." "I had two drinks." "Three, but the gridiron club only throws a party once a year," "And I'm glad you had fun." "I want to show you as a human being" "The hard-Working servant of the people, yes, but also" "Tell me, how did you happen to pick me?" "I've talked to people." "John Sheldon, for one." "Oh, so that's who was counting my drinks last night, hmm?" "It's unethical to reveal sources." "No." "Anything he wants to tell me, he can put in the mail." "He says it's information that you ought to have" "Before the committee hearing." "Will you excuse me?" "No." "I'll see him out in the corridor." "I'll be right back." "Uh, make yourself at home." "Thank you." "It's only gold-Plated," "And it doesn't keep very good time." "It's very unusual, isn't it?" "I value it because it was my father's." "I'm afraid you won't find very much around here, miss Kingsly." "You see, I collect all my bribes in bills of small denominations." "You're a very suspicious man, Mr. Congressman." "Thank you for your time." "Wait a minute." "Uh..." "I am suspicious." "I have to be." "Time after time" "I have to go to the capitol." "What paper are you with?" "It's a magazine." "Can I wait here?" "No." "I'll be too busy." "How can I get in touch with your editor?" "He's in Europe." "Who's in charge?" "I'll have him call you." "A phone number, please." "They get to my name in less than 5 minutes." "Can I come back?" "Miss Kingsly!" "Roll call, Mr. Congressman." "Second time round." "District 6530." "That's our Washington office." "3-0." "I'll call today." "Thank you." "Good-Bye." "Who's Philip Emery?" "He's a lobbyist for some pressure groups" "That want the shipbuilding dispersal bill passed." "That's the bill I told you Gresham is working on." "Yes." "Gresham's opposed to it, isn't he?" "He is, unless somebody makes it worth his while" "To switch to the other side." "Why do you ask about Emery?" "Oh..." "I just happened to run across his name." "National women's home gazette." "Oh, yes, Mr. Congressman." "I can have him call you tomorrow," "But as it happens, he's working late tonight." "Yes, Mr. Congressman." "I'll put him right on." "Hello?" "This is Mr. Brown." "I'm delighted to hear from you, Mr. Congressman." "We've been very disturbed" "At the kind of publicity congress has been getting" "You know, the Gilbert Nunnally sort of thing." "Publicity?" "Is that what you call it?" "Blackmail is more like it." "Character assassination!" "Yes, I completely agree, Mr. Congressman." "We at the national women's home gazette" "Consider it our patriotic duty" "And your duty, Mr. Congressman... morning." "Good morning, Mr. Congressman." "Good morning, miss gilberts." "Good morning, Mr. Congressman." "Hello." "Oh, I didn't expect you till 10:00." "I dropped in early to get a little background material." "I hope you don't mind." "I have some dictating to do," "But maybe you'd like to go through the files." "I'd rather sit in with you, if it's all right." "It's all official mail, isn't it?" "Well, yes." "Good." "Then, unless some confidential matters come up..." "J.J. Connisby, your letter referring to pending legislation has" "Do you mind if I ask you what you wrote down?" "Started dictating at 8:22." "8:24." "Pending legislation has been received." "This bill is now in committee." "When it comes up for consideration on the house floor," "You may be assured I shall only be too happy to address your organization" "The next time I am in Newchester." "Although I am not a bird-Watcher myself," "I can understand the fascination of this hobby." "Hello?" "Yes." "Constituent?" "Ok, bring him in." "And it would afford me real pleasure" "To meet you and your fellow bird-Watchers." "Next?" "Cocktail party in honor of the" "No, no." "Decline with regret." "You can word it." "Mr. Congressman, this is Rodney delink of Newchester." "How do you do, Rodney?" "Sir, as official representative of troop 672," "May I say this is indeed an honor?" "Well, well, well." "Troop 672." "Your old troop, sir." "I was wondering, would it be possible" "To have a picture taken with you in front of the capitol?" "I'd be delighted, Rodney." "It would have to be now, sir." "We're just here on a one-Day encampment." "Committee meeting at 10:30." "Yes, yes." "We'll have to hurry, Rodney." "Radio transcription." "You'll have to squeeze it in before noon." "This way, Rodney." "Attention!" "Forward... march!" "One more, please." "How about a salute this time, Mr. Congressman?" "That does it." "Thank you." "Good-Bye, Rodney." "So long, fellas." "Bye!" "Gammett." "Present." "Present." "Glensen." "Grenfeld." "Here." "Present." "Gresham." "Here." "Present." "Griswald." "Present." "Kittering." "Here." "Present." "Kolby." "Malloway." "Markhead." "Here." "Present." "Marley." "Mayle." "Present." "You said room 6, 851-E?" "That's right." "You turn at the end of this corridor," "And then it's the 44th door on your right." "Thank you." "Ohh... this tunnel is a shortcut" "Connecting the house office building and the capitol." "It is 760 feet in length." "As you noticed, there is no subway car here," "As on the senate side." "You couldn't be a senator." "No, not you." "Ha ha!" "We'll be right back, Ernie..." "I hope." "The capitol and the congressional office buildings" "Are the heart of the government... no!" "Comprising a total floor area of 621,000 square feet." "The connecting corridors and passageways are approximately 53 miles in length." "53 miles in length, and we covered them all." "You know who's skeleton I'm going to find?" "Mine!" "I bet I walked off 10 pounds today." "No lunch, and now I'm too tired to lift a spoon." "If there was a story in it," "I'd walk from here to Newchester, Massachusetts, and back" "On razor blades." "But Joseph t." "Gresham... the only thing hidden in his closet" "Is a stack of congressional records and a collection of medals" "For perfect attendance in Sunday school," "And, oh, yes, a navy cross, no less." "This man's on his way to the presidency," "And if I don't get a good smear job by next week," "I'm going to be out on my little pink ear." "I suggest that you follow through on Philip Emery." "If he comes to Gresham's office again" "How did you know he was there?" "I get around." "Emery would give anything" "To get Gresham to come out in favor of shipbuilding dispersal." "Why Gresham?" "Why is he so important?" "He's the key man," "Chairman of a special committee studying the bill." "If they recommend accepting it, it'll probably swing the entire house." "You should have heard the speech he made today against dispersal." "That could be to raise the ante, couldn't it?" "It could also be to get reelected." "He might get to like being a lawyer again," "At, say, 100,000 a year." "He could make that kind of money?" "A man like Emery could fix it." "You couldn't shift into low going around the curves, could you, Mr. Congressman?" "Sure, no hurry." "Oh, I forgot." "I have to run for that television speech." "The, uh... proponents of shipbuilding dispersal" "Claim that our present shipbuilding facilities are an invitation" "To atomic attack." "They recommend dismantling the large coastal plants" "And replacing them with smaller plants, each to build one section of a ship." "The sections would be transported by rail to various points" "Central points." "Central points along the coast, where the ships would be assembled" "Much as were the liberty ships in world war ii." "Let us see how this would work out in practice." "Part of the hull of a destroyer might be made, let us say, in Kentucky." "You told me to remind you to keep facing the camera." "Thank you, miss gilberts." "Another part of the same ship might be built in, uh, c-Colorado." "Colorado." "You're hiding the map, Mr. Congressman." "How's this?" "That's fine." "Seems a little awkward." "Here." "Just in case you plan on building" "Any plants in California." "Thanks." "Another part of the same destroyer" "Ship." "I cannot learn a speech word for word." "I never could." "Well, it's difficult with interruptions." "I'm sorry." "For what?" "I seem to be distracting you." "Not at all." "That's just what I need." "I'm all tensed up." "You mind distracting me a little more?" "I'll tell you a story." "Once upon a time, there were 3 little bears:" "Mama bear, papa bear, and the little baby bear." "Is that two minutes of 10:00?" "Oh, Mr. Congressman, I'm terribly sorry." "I don't know how I could have forgotten." "Committee meeting." "I'll get your notes." "Aw, it was such a nice story, too." "It'll keep." "Till tonight?" "Mm-Hmm." "At the risk of repetition," "I should like to state once more," "My organization feels that these statistics" "Are conclusive evidence that the shipbuilding dispersal bill" "Should be passed." "The defeat of this bill would be a sign of weakness," "Offering encouragement to our enemies both here and abroad." "Oh, thank you, Danny." "Now I'd like to thank the committee" "For this opportunity of appearing before it." "Any questions?" "Congressman birch." "Mr. Chairman, I should like to thank the witness" "For his extremely able presentation." "Your testimony was factual, concise," "And thoroughly documented." "Mr. Birch, I asked if there were any questions." "I realize that, Mr. Chairman," "But I think a cooperative witness should receive" "A statement of appreciation from the committee." "I had every intention of making such a statement." "In that case, I apologize," "And I ask that my remarks be stricken from the record" "So our appreciation may be properly stated." "That won't be necessary, Mr. Birch." "You've expressed the committee's sentiments most graciously." "Thank you, Mr. Chairman." "Thank you, Mr. Birch." "Next witness." "Mr. Philip Emery." "Mr. Chairman, as you know," "I am a registered lobbyist." "I'm well aware that the word lobbyist" "Has rather sinister overtones for the general public," "As well as for many government officials." "I'm sorry, Mr. Emery." "I must ask that you limit your remarks" "To testimony which has direct bearing on shipbuilding dispersal." "Mr. Chairman?" "Mr. Birch." "If the chair will permit," "I, for one, would be very interested in hearing" "Mr. Emery's views on lobbying." "I suggest that you arrange a private meeting with the witness." "This committee, unfortunately, is working against a time limit." "Will you present your testimony, Mr. Emery?" "Uh, Mr. Chairman?" "Yes, Mr. Birch." "I am reluctant to do this," "But I feel it necessary to appeal" "The decision of the chair." "An appeal has been taken." "Those in favor of upholding the chair will say "aye."" "Opposed?" "No." "No." "No." "No." "No." "You may proceed, Mr. Emery." "Thank you, Mr. Chairman." "As I was saying, I am well aware... and in my opinion, these statistics prove conclusively" "That dispersal would be of tremendous financial benefit" "To the nation as a whole." "I should like to read a few articles" "Culled from the nation's press." "Mr. Emery, I'll ask you just to file them with the clerk" "For inclusion in the printed record." "Uh, Mr. Chairman." "You'd like to hear the articles, Mr. Birch?" "If the chair will allow." "The chair will be delighted." "Go right ahead, Mr. Emery." "Read slowly, so we can absorb every word." "I will begin with an article" "In the nation." "I'm sorry." "Our time is up." "You may resume your testimony at tomorrow's hearing." "Meeting's adjourned." "Alice." "Hello." "I have to catch a plane right after my broadcast." "Just wanted to know how you're doing." "Oh, fine." "Fine." "Big date for tonight." "We're having dinner together." "Good." "At the snack bar at union station." "Then he catches the train for Newchester." "No leads at all, eh?" "Just one." "Gresham and another congressman have been tangling all morning." "Looks as if it might be a grudge fight." "Well, get to the other fellow before he cools off." "That's the time to get them to talk." "If they know anything." "Well, let's hope you find something in Newchester." "You don't think I'm going, do you?" "I think you should." "But, of course, that's up to you." "This is more than a hunch, isn't it, Mr. Nunnally?" "It's more than a hunch." "Hey, there he is" "The one who's been needling Gresham." "Couple of times in there," "I thought Gresham was going to slug him." "Hey, maybe he will yet." "How did I do, Charlie?" "Oh, not bad for a beginner," "But a good chairman never loses his temper." "Just the same, I got you on a couple of points." "You got to admit that." "I didn't want to make you look too bad." "You made a lot of progress, Joe." "You're coming along fine." "I'm proud of you." "This is the writer I was telling you about." "Miss Kingsly, congressman Charles w." "Birch." "How do you do, Mr. Congressman?" "I'm delighted to meet you, miss Kingsly." "I think your idea is excellent, and you couldn't have picked a better man." "However, if you don't get what you want" "And you're looking for another congressman to spend a week with," "I happen to know a likely prospect" "Bit older than Joe, hair graying at the temples," "But young in ideas." "Do you enjoy dancing, miss Kingsly?" "Yes, very much." "My card." "Thank you." "Seriously, miss Kingsly, I think it's time" "Somebody presented an honest picture of congress." "I want you to call on me if I can help in any way." "Thank you, Mr. Congressman." "Going up?" "I hope I'll see you soon." "Bring her up to the house, Joe." "Fine, Charlie." "Thank you." "You know, I'm just a little confused" "About you and congressman birch." "Because we exchanged a few words at the hearing?" "That what you call it?" "You were tossing words at him as if they were rocks." "You ought to hear us when we really get going." "Thanks, ted." "You know what you two remind me of?" "Professional wrestlers." "If you mean we just put on an act, you're wrong." "Well, if you're really friends... we just happen to disagree on some important issues," "And we fight for what we believe in." "We are friends, and have been for a long time-5 years." "I was pretty lost when I first arrived in Washington" "For two days, that is." "Then Charlie birch dropped in, introduced himself," "And all of a sudden, I felt at home." "He's a republican, mind you, and I'm a democrat." "But, well, he'd happened to read a couple of my campaign speeches, and... well, anyway, he showed me how to organize my office," "Recommended miss gilberts, who'd worked for a friend of his," "Gave me pointers on who to meet, who to avoid," "How to handle myself on the floor, how to speak from the diaphragm." "If you think I'm a poor speaker now," "You should have heard me in the beginning." "I think you're a very good speaker." "Well, wait till 1:00." "Radio wasn't good enough." "They had to invent television." "I'm nervous, you know that?" "Where's the television room, Johnny?" "We're running a little behind schedule, congressman." "Ready, congressman Quimby?" "Sir, you can get a preview of yourself in there" " Full-Length mirror." "Thank you." "Hi, Gresham." "Would you mind waiting here, miss Kingsly?" "Not at all." "Hello, Charlie." "My, my." "Don't you look nice?" "New suit, eh?" "Carnation." "Haircut." "Heh heh heh!" "It's not a new suit, Charlie." "I just had it pressed." "You next?" "No, no." "I'm waiting for color television" "So they can get the full impact of my beauty." "I just came up here to make a radio transcription." "One of the boys called me in to try out his television act on me." "I've seen 4 dress rehearsals so far, and I must say I" "Too bad it's not smell-O-Vision," "So they could get a whiff of that hair tonic." "Ha ha ha!" "Aw." "Yes, television certainly does things to people." "Like, you take this fellow Quimby just went out of here." "The thought of being right up smack against his constituents," "Right in their living rooms, so to speak" "Well, it certainly did something to him, all right." "Folks, I don't need to tell you," "I'm the same li'l old country boy" "As you sent to congress 9 years ago." "Folks don't change much at heart" "Not real folks," "The kind they grow down lower toomy county." "Now, you-You know me." "I" " I don't like to talk about myself," "But shucks, I..." "heh heh!" "I reckon I have been doing a pretty good job," "And when you mosey over to that voting booth come this November," "I tell you what I... just plain folks" "In a double-Breasted pinstriped suit." "Say!" "That's kind of pretty." "Hmm, I like that." "Where did you get it?" "Newchester." "I've had it for years." "I never noticed it before." "Ha ha!" "Then there was judkins." "Old judkins, he..." "He, uh... he uses props." "Keeps it kind of, uh, nice and informal." "I am delighted with this opportunity" "Of appearing before you." "Our once contented world is, uh... now, he's looking for the right phrase." "...a seething cauldron of discontent." "Of course, he knows that speech by heart." "He could rattle it right off." "But, oh, no." "That wouldn't seem so sincere." "My very dear friends... this is old Gelberson- You know, suit smoother," "Handkerchief fixer, tie adjuster," "Hair patter, cuff shooter," "Thumb twiddler." "The time has come for action!" "The glorious mantle of leadership" "Has fallen on puny shoulders indeed." "Compromise?" "Never!" "I have but one lamp which guides my feet," "And that is the lamp of experience!" "Oh, hello." "You ready for your next victim?" "Yes, sir." "Sure there's nothing we can do for you, Joe?" "You've done enough. 3 speeches already, and I haven't even unpacked yet." "Get a good rest." "We'll pick you up tomorrow." "Nice to have met you, miss Kingsly." "See you tomorrow." "Welcome to the old homestead." "I thought you weren't tied in with the political machine." "That sounds so sinister." "One of them publishes a paper that backs me." "And the other's a politician." "Nobody can do it all alone." "I'm so glad you like it, my dear." "Joseph always wants Newchester's specialties when he comes home." "I was afraid it might not be to your liking." "Oh, no." "It's simply wonderful, miss Dee." "There's plenty more." "I got it." "No." "Let me." "You did the cooking." "I'll do the serving." "It's only fair." "I'll do the dishes." "A congressman washing dishes." "Imagine!" "That reminds me of grandfather." "He was a senator." "Uh, one night, he had a very important speech to make, and" "Joseph, I don't think I told you." "The harkriders next door have a television set," "And I went over today to hear your speech." "What did you think of it?" "No more for me, thank you." "I'm of an elegant sufficiency." "Thank you." "Joseph, a statesman must never pussyfoot." "That's what father used to say." "You spoke against shipbuilding dispersal," "But you did not definitely state that you are voting against it." "Let's not talk politics, aunt Dee, huh?" "Dispersal is more than politics in Newchester, Joseph." "It's a matter of life and death." "If naval construction is taken away from us," "Half the people in town will be thrown out of work." "That's all anybody talks about." "And Mrs. Harkrider said her husband told her" "That this election will be fought on one issue" "And one only, and if you" "Well, aren't you sweet!" "Well, I'd much rather wash than dry." "Is it all right for a congressman to dry?" "If he really wants to, Joseph," "And I think you do." "Would you like to take a walk when we finish the dishes?" "Did you say walk, Mr. Congressman?" "All right, ride." "I'll show you the harbor." "This is what you call being rusty?" "You're so easy to lead, it's like dancing with nothing at all." "There's a compliment to treasure." "Ha ha!" "You know what I mean." "Down the hatch, mate." "Down the hatch." "Drink up, mate." "Drink up." "Well, how about it?" "Do you want a drink?" "No, thanks." "Cigars?" "Cigarettes?" "How long has this been going on?" "Oh, they've had her anchored here" "For about a year, I guess." "She was stranded over there on the beach when I was a kid." "See that light?" "That's where she was." "Oh, I love this old ship." "I wish I had a vote for every time I fished off this deck." "First one to catch a fish was the king." "The rest of us had to cut bait for him," "And clean his fish at the end of the day." "You miss this place, don't you?" "Oh, yes." "If Washington was an inland city," "I don't think I could stand it." "I just have to get out on a boat every once in a while." "You know, my father was skipper on a freighter," "And I guess maybe I'd have been on one, too," "But he always wanted me to be a lawyer." "What made you decide to run for congress?" "Oh, I didn't." "When I got out of the navy, I hung my shingle up." "I was active in a veterans group, and they decided" "Pardon me." "What?" "Will the gentleman yield?" "You mean it's the last dance already?" "Land ho!" "All ashore that's going ashore!" "You have very nice stars in Newchester." "This is our best set." "We just use them for company." "Thanks a lot, Jim." "Good to see you." "Hmm?" "Huh?" "Oh, excuse me, Mr. Congressman." "The lady in the house didn't know when you would be back, so I... well, you're here now." "My name is Peter Kralik." "There is much to explain." "Shall we go inside?" "Well, it's a little late, Mr. Kralik." "I wait two hours, almost three." "Please listen." "I'll make it quick." "Well, what is it?" "Well, early this year," "I worked my way over to Europe." "Pardon me, lady." "You sit down." "Please." "That's it." "When I came back from Europe," "They wouldn't let me off the ship." "They said I should have got a reentry permit before I left this country." "I jumped ship." "After 28 years in this country, I thought I have a right to come back." "Now I am being deported unless you can help." "I'm not too familiar with the immigration laws." "I am." "I talked to enough lawyers." "My only chance is a special act of congress" "A private bill." "Mr. Kralik, you've been in this country so long without becoming a citizen." "I tried, but with 5 children to raise," "Working all day in the shipyards," "It's hard to study at night." "I just couldn't make it stick in my mind." "No, I'm not a citizen, but I am pretty good American." "Well, you write all the details in a letter." "I have plenty of letters right here" "Lawyer to immigration service, them to him, me to them, them to me," "Back and forth for 3 months already." "What time shall I come back tomorrow?" "I'll be very busy tomorrow" " Speeches all day." "I'll listen." "Where's the first one?" "Main street and sycamore, 9:45." "I'll be there." "Thank you very much." "Good-Bye, aunt Dee." "Good-Bye." "And... salute!" "Mr. Congressman!" "I lost you after the first speech" "Flat tire." "Well?" "You put through private bill for me?" "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Kralik." "Are you not going to do it?" "I haven't had time to read the letters," "But I'll get in touch with you, huh?" "What's a private bill, Joe?" "Just about what it sounds like:" "A bill for the benefit of one person or maybe a small group" "When a strict interpretation of the law" "Is working an injustice on them." "Congress would drop everything else" "Just to study a case like Kralik's?" "Only if it has exceptional merit." "He may not need a private bill." "I know a couple of people in the immigration and naturalization service." "Joe..." "I can't ride backwards." "Do you mind?" "No, not at all." "There's plenty of room." "Joe?" "Hmm?" "You know what I like best about this?" "What?" "Mr. Kralik doesn't have a vote." "We enjoyed the evening so much, Mr. Ambassador." "Wonderful party, Mr. Ambassador." "Thank you." "I'm glad you enjoyed it." "We just have to tighten our belts." "That's all there is to it." "Isn't he handsome?" "So young to be a senator." "I'll see you later." "Alice, the birches!" "That's right." "We were supposed" "To have changed partners this time, weren't we?" ""This time" was about 3 dances ago." "Sorry." "We forgot." "Once a democrat gets in," "It's so hard to get him out." "They'd better begin to get used to it." "This is 1952, you know." "Are all congressmen good dancers?" "Oh, we develop pretty good footwork" "From straddling fences and dodging issues." "How are the articles shaping up?" "Well, I really can't say at this point." "Must be quite a bit different than you figured, eh?" "Yes, quite a bit." "I just hope you're not underestimating Joe Gresham." "Say, this isn't going to be one of those" ""Mr. Average congressman" things, is it?" "I really haven't decided yet." "Well, that boy's going places." "There's no doubt about that." "Uh-Oh." "Now, you owe me 9/10 of a dance, right?" "Right." "You know, I think you've cured him" "Of the one thing that might have worked against him" "That phobia he had about the press." "Ever since that run-In with Gilbert Nunnally," "He's been asking for trouble," "Antagonizing the press." "What run-In with Gilbert Nunnally?" "Oh, didn't you know about that?" "Nunnally printed an item about him last year" "Cute little insinuation" "That Joe was in on some government graft." "Joe slapped a libel suit on him." "Comes up in a few weeks." "I see." "Mr. Congressman, do you mind?" "There's someone I have to see." "I'll be right back." "Well, the republicans didn't stay in very long, did they?" "I see you got the bounce, too." "Where's Joe?" "He followed somebody into the bar." "Said it was very important." "It was, my dear." "It was fate" "Fate throwing the two of us together." "Good evening, Mr. Nunnally." "You wanted to see me?" "Philip Emery is here, watching Gresham like a hawk," "Just waiting for a chance to get to him." "It's so sweet of you to take such an interest." "I'd like to see you get a good story." "So you can use it as a club to make Gresham drop his libel suit?" "That might be an interesting by-Product," "Now that you mention it." "I help you find the skeleton, you toss me a bone." "Fair enough." "And if there isn't a skeleton... well, we can make one." "There must be some way we can frame him, don't you think?" "I will admit a few random notions have flitted into my mind." "That's what I thought." "Well, they'd better flit right out, Mr. Nunnally." "This man's honest, and you know it." "I'm warning you" "Oh, Alice, come now." "Dance with your eyes closed, if you like." "Enjoy your work, but take it in your stride." "You're a big girl now." "You're going to hate yourself in the morning" "If I get an exclusive on this." "I'll tell you one thing that won't be an exclusive" ""Congressman slugs columnist at embassy party."" "I'm going to tell him the whole setup right now." "You won't forget to mention that you came to Washington" "With a slightly used hatchet?" "I'm turning it in, quitting the cumberly press." "I'm going to do a real story on congress," "A story I'm not ashamed to put my name on." "You'll be interested to know" "That you're going to figure in it rather prominently." "Thank you." "I'm ready to sit this one out." "Make yourself comfortable." "Here comes the next shift." "Where's Joe?" "I'll be delighted to tell you as soon as we finish our dance." "I wish I could help, Joe," "But the immigration service just doesn't have the authority." "Why don't you introduce a private bill?" "But that takes time, Howard, and I'm all jammed up." "I'd have to see Kralik again and check up on the facts." "I'm not asking you to cancel the deportation order." "All I want is a postponement" " A month or two." "Well, thanks anyway." "I'm sorry, Joe." "Sorry." "Good evening." "Hello, Mr. Emery." "I wonder if you could spare a few moments." "Sorry." "There's some people waiting for me." "I doubt if they've been waiting as long as I have." "I've been trying to see you ever since the open hearing." "Mr. Emery, you had two full hours in which to give your testimony." "Unless you have new facts to present" "I have, Mr. Congressman, facts of vital importance." "I'll see you in my office tomorrow." "Thanks." "That's very kind." "Say, there doesn't seem to be anyone in there." "Wouldn't you like to get it out of the way now?" "All right." "I won't keep you very long, I promise you." "Well, we certainly have a hospitable host." "Liqueur?" "Brandy?" "No, thanks." "Quite a choice." "By the way, I wonder if you happen to know" "Former congressman Jethro of New York-Edmund Jethro?" "I've heard of him." "Why?" "He's a member of a law firm I've been consulting." "I happened to run into him at the bar a moment ago." "I was thinking that maybe we ought to call him in." "He's thoroughly familiar with all the facts and figures." "Aren't you?" "Well, yes, but I thought since you two speak the same language," "Both being lawyers, it might speed things up a bit." "You sure you won't have a drink?" "Quite sure." "You know, this is quite a coincidence, Mr. Emery." "Just this afternoon, someone was telling me" "About an opening in Mr. Jethro's firm." "Is that so?" "Yes." "It occurs to me they might be willing to wait for the right man," "In which case I might just possibly be the right man" "Assuming, of course, that I come out" "In favor of shipbuilding dispersal." "What does the job pay?" "I'd be interested to know." "I haven't the slightest idea." "Well, let's just forget about it, then." "Now, about those facts and figures..." "I think we may as well forget about them, too." "But you said they were of vital importance." "They are, but I can see they'd have no effect whatever on you." "Instead of conducting a fair and impartial investigation of the facts," "You've been biased and prejudiced from the start." "I resent that, Mr. Emery." "I resent being accused of offering you a bribe" "When the truth is, you've already accepted one." "You're being paid off, Mr. Congressman, with the promise of reelection" "Paid off to vote against dispersal no matter what facts and figures turn up." "If that isn't bribery, then perhaps you can suggest a more accurate term." "Mr. Congressman, please." "I had no right to put it that way." "I'm sorry." "I would like to present this new testimony if I may." "Why waste time?" "You know I won't be influenced by it." "No, I don't believe you will be," "Not enough to vote yourself out of congress." "But I do think you'll be impressed," "Perhaps sufficiently to let the word get around" "That you're really in favor of the bill" "That you're just voting for the record." "Just double-Crossing my constituents, in other words." "Yes, if you care to put it that way," "Because their interests happen to conflict" "With the welfare of the nation." "I'm impressed with this public-Spirited appeal," "But you did promise that it wouldn't take long." "May I take this with me?" "I'll leave it at your office in the morning." "If you don't mind- Hello, Alice." "Hello." "This is Philip Emery." "Alice Kingsly." "How do you do?" "I'm delighted to meet you." "My apologies for keeping him so long." "Good night." "Good night, Mr. Congressman." "Good night." "That's why I hate to come to these parties." "Anybody can get to you." "What did he want?" "Oh, new testimony, new arguments." "Convincing?" "I thought we made a deal not to talk shop tonight." "Where are the birches?" "Waiting for us on the terrace." "Let's keep them waiting a little longer, shall we?" "All right, Joe." "What's the matter, Joe?" "Oh, nothing serious." "Slight case of Potomac fever, that's all." "What's that?" "They haven't isolated the bug." "All they know is that it hits" "Every officeholder in Washington sooner or later," "Usually around election time." "You get cold chills at the thought" "That you might not be coming back." "Everybody in Newchester seemed to think you'd win in a walk." "Not if I switch my vote." "But I thought you'd definitely decided." "So did I." "But the more I think about it," "The more I realize I've been biased and prejudiced from the start." "I don't know what to do, Alice." "I just don't know, and the committee votes tomorrow." "You really think it would cost you the election?" "No doubt about it." "What would you do, Joe?" "Practice law, I guess." "I should think you'd do very well" "With all the connections you've made here in Washington." "Oh, I'd do all right." "I'm sure you would." "Good morning." "What a delightful surprise!" "Won't you join me?" "Maybe a cup of coffee." "Thanks." "I suppose I owe you an apology." "He did see Philip Emery the other night." "Oh, no." "Not oysters at this hour." "Oysters for breakfast?" "What a revolting thought." "Clams, my dear, and perfectly delicious." "Would you like some?" "No, thank you." "Just coffee for miss Kingsly, William." "Don't bother." "I've changed my mind." "Very well, miss." "Well, how's it going?" "Poorly, Mr. Nunnally, poorly." "If Gresham votes yes, I'd take my oath it's part of a deal," "But I have to have more to base it on." "Just because he saw Philip Emery once, that isn't proof." "Now, where were you last night?" "At the ball game with Gresham, and the only people he talked to" "You should put in a little more overtime, my dear." "Gresham got back to his hotel at 11:14," "Dismissed the cab, found a message waiting for him at the desk," "Came out and got another cab," "And didn't return until 8 minutes after 2:00." "How do you know that?" "One of my legmen checks with Gresham's doorman every day." "Maybe the doorman dreamed that up" "Just to get paid for a tip." "Look into it." "Check the cab company records." "Ask the night clerk, the elevator boy" "I intend to." "And if it's true, 3 hours in the middle of the night... of course, he could have been with somebody else." "Who?" "I don't know." "Maybe it was a girl." "He's in love with you." "Haven't you heard?" "You'll be sure and let me know if anything else turns up?" "Of course." "Birch?" "Aye." "Grunewald?" "Nay." "Dickery?" "Aye." "Timpkins?" "Aye." "The vote shows 5 ayes and 3 nays." "Since this represents a clear majority" "Without the vote of the chair," "It will be recorded as the final tally," "And the dispersal plan will be sent" "To the house for immediate consideration." "Mr. Birch?" "I'd like to know if the chair intends to register its opposition" "By filing a minority report." "The sole purpose of this meeting was to cast a vote." "Any other matter is extraneous, irrelevant, and therefore out of order." "Now, I should like to thank the members" "For their industry and cooperation." "Mr. Chairman?" "You've already been ruled out of order." "Meeting's adjourned." "Well, that's that until it comes up on the floor." "It's going to be a close one." "No doubt about that." "You want to watch that temper, Mr. Chairman." "Will you lay off?" "I'm tired of all this heckling" "And kidding around at committee meetings." "I wasn't heckling, Joe." "This bill is important." "I'd like to know what kind of opposition it's going to face in the house." "You'll find out when it gets there." "Oh." "You still going to fight it, then?" "What makes you think I'm not?" "Well, I don't know." "I must say, I get the impression" "I know something's been bothering you." "Haven't even seen you in the last two days." "I've been busy- Federal highway bill," "Mutual security act, rivers and harbors." "Maybe I'd better get a note from miss gilberts excusing my absence." "You have got a chip on your shoulder." "You've been throwing hooks into me ever since this bill came up." ""I know something's been bothering you."" "What, my conscience?" "I'm taking a bribe from my constituents, is that it?" "Is that your point?" "All I ever said" "I know what you've said and what you've implied." "You and I have been on opposite sides of the fence many times." "But this is different." "Yes, as a matter of fact, it is." "If you want to discuss it rationally" "I would when it gets on the floor." "I'll see you there!" "Well, how did it turn out?" "Recommendation that the house approve the bill." "Strong recommendation." "You'd better start working on the story right away." "There's no telling how the other Newchester papers will play this up." "Yeah." "Something with color" "The things you said, the fight you put up." "It was a closed meeting, bill." "You know that." "So it leaked out." "How about this?" ""It is reliably reported that our own congressman Gresham," "Fighting brilliantly until the bitter end"" "Wrapped the American flag around himself" "And sang Columbia, the gem of the ocean." "How's that?" "We came down to help you win the election." "If you don't want our advice" "Relax, will you?" "It happens that there's nothing to worry about" "Because dispersal hasn't got a chance." "Today the senate started debate," "And the word is, the bill is doomed over there." "That's what you're counting on?" "Don't you realize it has to be approved by both houses?" "If the senate knocks it out," "It doesn't matter which way we go." "It's just a token vote." "The man hasn't been born yet" "Who can predict what the senate will do." "Suppose they cross up the experts and vote yes?" "I'm going to put up as strong a fight as I can on the floor." "I'll give them every argument I know." "What else can I do?" "That's what we want to talk about." "Maybe we'll have some ideas." "I'll see you later." "I'm way behind schedule." "Wait a minute." "We've got a story to write." "I'll call you at the hotel when I'm free." "Well, let's see." ""Our own congressman Gresham," "Fighting brilliantly until the bitter end"..." "If you don't get to work pretty soon, Mr. Congressman," "You won't get elected for another term." "The house will be in order." "The chaplain will offer prayer." "Almighty god," "In these trying days," "Grant to the president and to the members of congress" "The strength, the vision, and the courage... the gentleman from Massachusetts has used up the time" "Allotted for arguments against shipbuilding dispersal." "If he persists in interrupting" "I merely asked if the gentleman would yield." "I said no." "Will the gentleman yield for a question?" "For a question, all right." "You know as well as I he was dickering with Emery," "So the deal fell through." "I should like to present a few facts." "I yielded for a question!" "I'm getting to the question." "Get to it on your own time!" "I refuse to yield further." "If there are no further interruptions..." "Hasn't got a chance of passing." "Not a chance." "The question is on the engrossing and third reading" "Of the president's shipbuilding dispersal plan," "Number 4422." "As ordered, the clerk will call the roll." "Mr. Speaker, a message from the senate." "Mr. Speaker." "Mr. Secretary." "I am directed to inform the house" "That the senate this day has passed the bill" "Approving the president's" "Shipbuilding dispersal plan, number 4422," "And the concurrence of the house is requested." "That's something I hadn't figured on." "Yeah." "Changes things, doesn't it?" "Doesn't for me." "It isn't a token vote now." "The house will come to order." "The house will come to order!" "Mr. Speaker?" "For what purpose does the gentleman rise?" "Mr. Speaker, because of the unexpected senate action," "I ask unanimous consent to address the house for an additional two minutes." "If there are no objections..." "Mr. Speaker?" "Reserving the right to object-And I will not object" "I ask for an additional two minutes" "After the gentleman from Massachusetts has completed his remarks." "Is there objection?" "The chair hears none." "The gentleman from Massachusetts may proceed." "Mr. Speaker, I am younger and less experienced than most of my colleagues," "And maybe it's a little presumptuous of me" "To act as spokesman on an issue as important as this." "However, we can all borrow from the wisdom of the past," "And I'd like to tell you a legend that comes out of the east." "It's about a wise man who tells a disciple," ""I hold before you a pane of glass." "What do you see?"" "The disciple looks through the pane of glass and answers," ""I see cattle in the pasture," ""The gently flowing river in the distance," ""The mountains far away," "Birds and flowers and trees."" "The wise man takes away the pane of glass" "And holds a mirror before the eyes of the disciple." ""Now what do you see?" He asks." "The disciple looks into the mirror and answers," ""I see only myself."" "The wise man says, "see what a difference a little bit of silver makes?"" "I have given you all the arguments I know against the shipbuilding dispersal," "But I have been looking into a mirror." "What a difference a little bit of silver makes." "How much will my district gain or lose if this program goes through?" "What will it cost in money?" "What will it cost me in votes?" "I don't like what I see in the mirror." "I suggest we all look through a clear pane of glass" "And see this in terms of the nation as a whole." "If we do, we most certainly will join with the other body in approving this measure." "It is the vital part of the defenses against aggression" "Which are being developed and must continue to be developed" "In free nations all over the world." "Emery is not to be confused with Santa Claus." "He called the deal off when word got around" "The bill was going to be defeated in the senate." "When the message arrived that they'd passed it..." "I'd better start typing if I'm going to hit the morning paper." "The house will come to order." "The gentleman from Indiana now has two minutes." "Mr. Speaker, I have nothing to add" "To the remarks of the gentleman from Massachusetts." "I suggest a roll-Call vote." "The house passed it on a roll-Call vote, 364-47." "What a surprise!" "I never thought it would happen." "Gresham made a switch." "Yeah, sure!" "364-47." "Gresham, Massachusetts... congressman Gresham, would you mind telling me" "No comment." "One question, congressman" "No comment." "Can I have a picture?" "The various states have selected their favorite sons" "To be honored in statuary hall, which you have just seen... congressman Gresham?" "No comment." "To whom the whole nation pays homage." "This won't take any comment, just a handshake." "I won't print anything about the deal you made" "With Philip Emery to switch your vote." "In return, you drop the libel suit." "Agreed?" "The great dome is 180 feet above the rotunda floor." "But this demagogue who desecrated our capitol" "With his storm trooper tactics" "Faces a charge far more serious than assault and battery." "What made you switch your vote, congressman Gresham?" "A little bit of silver?" "That's what the people are asking" "In Newchester, Massachusetts." "I want to talk to Joseph t." "Gresham..." "J.T. Gresham... as president of the federated women's clubs of Newchester, I demand... well, give him this message when he comes in... western union, I want to send a telegram..." "I don't care who it is." "I'm not taking any calls." "No more interruptions, please." "Why didn't you tell us you were going to switch your vote?" "We've got a stake in this election, in case you forgot." "We put you in office, and we're entitled" "Nobody put me in office except the voters." "They're the only ones I have to answer to." "You're going to have a lot of answering to do." "Phone long-Distance operator 26." "She's got 400 calls to put through so far, from the voters." "412." "An all-Time Newchester record for outgoing telegrams," "More than Truman got when he fired MacArthur," "And some of the telegrams he received were favorable." "Yours were all slams." "Wait till the mail starts pouring in tomorrow." "Those headlines in the afternoon paper" ""Newchester doomed." "Double-Crossed by Gresham."" "Yes, but the Washington star said" "How many subscribers do you think" "The Washington star has in Newchester?" "Just an offhand guess." "I wasn't thinking about the press when I switched my vote," "And I'm not worried about it now." "The daily worker calls me a warmongering fascist." "The other side says I'm a communist." "Nunnally's got me down as a storm trooper." "So what?" "Comes a revolution," "They'll put me up against a cellophane wall" "So they can all shoot me at the same time." "Until then, I'm going to call them as I see them." "I still think I'll win the election." "What do you think of that?" "I think you're wrong." "If you get the crowds out, I'll make them understand." "You dug your own grave, Joe." "I'll mourn for you, but that's all I can do." "How about you, bill?" "I can't do it alone, but with your help" "The bulletin's got more circulation" "Than all the afternoon papers put together." "I intend to hang on to it." "Sorry, Joe." "Good luck." "I've got to phone in my story." "Congressional hotel, please." "Hello?" "Who?" "Tell him I'm not in." "Well, you know where she is?" "All right." "District 6530." "I'll hang on." "Hello, national women's home gazette?" "I'm afraid you have the wrong number." "Yes, this is district 6530." "Well, I can't understand it." "Mr. Nunnally has had this number for years." "Mr. Who?" "Mr. Nunnally, Mr. Gilbert Nunnally." "Let it ring." "Let's get some sleep." "By the way, I've decided to go on a trip." "You might check in the morning" "And see if there are any cruises coming up." "Good night, miss gilberts." "Good night, Mr. Congressman." "Congressman Gresham's office." "Send this out as a direct wire." "There you are, Mr. Kralik." "Thank you." "Mr. Kralik?" "Oh, hello!" "Hello!" "What are you doing in Washington, Mr. Kralik?" "Seeing the sights." "Top of Washington monument-First customer today." "Supreme court, Lincoln memorial, Jefferson," "And yesterday, mount Vernon." "But this afternoon was the biggest thrill" "House of representatives." "And every minute of it thinking," ""Someday soon they are going to be talking about me," "The congress of the united states."" "Then he is working on a private bill." "I thought you knew." "He is a wonderful man, Joseph t." "Gresham." "Meets me at the station in the middle of the night," "Then brings me here to get me a room" "$9.00, but who cares?" "And sits around and talks and talks." "When was this, Mr. Kralik?" "Tuesday night." "Imagine, as busy as he is." "He didn't leave until 2:00 in the morning." "I hope he didn't have too far to drive." "Oh, no." "No, he didn't." "His hotel is exactly 8 minutes away." "Good night, Mr. Kralik." "Good night, lady." "I'll call you tomorrow." "Congressman Gresham, please." "He left word not to be disturbed." "Tell him it's Alice Kingsly." "I have strict orders not to call him until 10:00 in the morning." "Pardon me." "Walton hotel." "I'm sorry." "Congressman Gresham's not taking any calls." "Walton hotel." "Good morning." "I'm sorry." "Congressman Gresham is not taking any calls." "I'll give him your message, sir." "Thank you." "Walton hotel." "Good morning." "Just a minute, please." "Good morning." "I'm sorry, but the congressman" "He'll see me." "Joe?" "Joe?" "It's me-Alice." "Miss Kingsly," "I specifically asked the congressman" "What to do if you called, and he said" "Hello, Joe." "You can go on with your work, miss gilberts." "Don't let the Newchester papers get you down." "Have you seen the New York times?" "There's a whole editorial devoted to you." "And the Denver post" " You've become a national figure." "Look at this." "I've seen them all, including Gilbert Nunnally's column." "Wasn't that terrible?" "Depends on the point of view." "I wonder how he found out" "I saw Philip Emery at the embassy party?" "Could we go in the other room, Joe?" "The bedroom?" "Oh, no." "You know how those things get twisted around." ""Congressman assaults lady writer in love nest."" "Please." "I'll tell you the whole story." ""Once upon a time, there were 3 little bears."" "All right, I did start out to do a hatchet job." "I admit it." "Nunnally touted me onto you." "I didn't know what I" "Will you show miss Kingsly to the door?" "I quit my job." "I've learned so much." "I've changed so much." "Would you mind leaving, or do I have to use storm trooper tactics?" "I can prove that I've changed." "I've got another job." "Congratulations." "Good-Bye, miss gilberts." "I'm sorry." "The congressman isn't in." "I'll tell him the moment he arrives." "I'm sorry, folks." "Congressman Gresham isn't seeing anybody." "We can't take telegrams over the phone." "No, I'm sorry." "I certainly will not deliver a message like that to the congressman." "Good-Bye!" "Well, well." "Look at the love notes." "Get a shovel, Mrs. Varick." "We're going to burn them." "We'll have the biggest bonfire since the redcoats sacked Washington." "Aunt Dee!" "My regards, Joseph." "What are you doing here?" "I phoned this morning" "And found out I was going on a trip" "And thought maybe you'd talk me out of it, huh?" "Not at all." "I just came down to say bon voyage." "Come on in." "Phone calls, Mr. Congressman." "You can handle them all, including congressman birch." "Here's a few more from the hotel." "My, what lovely lamps." "You've fixed the room up quite a bit since I was here last." "I thought I was going to stay." "You know how long it's been since I was on the ocean" "Since I've had any vacation, as a matter of fact?" "Too long, Joseph." "You've worked very hard, and with the election coming up..." "I'm not even going to run, aunt Dee." "I paid $80 for new lamps because this has been my home, this office." "This is where a congressman lives," "But he has to keep up a place in his hometown" "And pay through the nose for an apartment in Washington" "If he's lucky enough to find one." "After 6 years, I've saved $800," "And if I hadn't decided to quit," "I'd be putting it all into my campaign fund." "And for what?" "If I closed my eyes, I'd swear it was grandfather speaking." "Pardon me, Mr. Congressman." "Would it be all right if I left now to pick up your check?" "I'll pick it up." "Could I go along?" "No." "It's way over in the capitol." "I'll come right back." "Hey, Joe!" "Hold on a minute, will you?" "Wait a minute." "I called your office." "Miss Gilberts said" "Did betty tell you I'm leaving" "And not running for reelection?" "Well, that's how it is." "When you catch your breath, you might as well save it." "Mr. Congressman?" "Mr. Ex-Congressman." "I'm through, Charlie." "They can have it." "I'm hanging up my gloves, period." "I know how you feel." "Back in 1934, they gave me the royal bounce," "But two years later, I bounced right back," "And I've been here ever since." "You like it." "I don't." "The pressure, the tension, the legwork... then stand up for what you believe in, and the blood begins to fly." "People who don't even take the time to find out what the issues are really about." "My constituents." "For 5 years, I've worked day and night," "Boning up on legislation, making speeches," "Writing letters, running errands." "No, Charlie, it's not for me." "Everybody in congress gets it sooner or later." "Look around you, Joe." "Champ Clark, Nick Longworth, old Joe Cannon" "They came back from defeat to be speakers of the house." "Hooray for them." "Lincoln got licked and went on to be president." "So did McKinley." "Yeah, and they both wound up getting shot." "So they threw a little mud at you." "Now, isn't that too bad?" "You got a little mud on your nice white suit," "And you don't want to play anymore." "I had you down a bit different in my book," "But I guess I was wrong." "I've seen some bad ones come back time after time" "And some good ones retired after just one term," "But I've never seen a good one go without putting up a fight." "The voters can be wrong, sure," "But most of the time they're right." "A lot of us here have a deep feeling" "About the conscience of the American voter," "And if you stay with it, Joe" " Well, as I see it," "It's up to you to talk things over with your constituents." "You've got to make them understand" "That while you are here to represent them," "You're a member of the congress of the united states," "And you had to vote the way you did." "You'd better get going." "That's the second time around, and they get to our names awful fast." "By the way, there's a new Washington column out today." "Kind of a rave notice for you" ""True patriot, statesman of the first rank"..." "I like that." "Who wrote it?" "Girl named Alice Kingsly." "She's quite a gal." "Dropped in to see me this morning to say good-Bye." "You know, if I were single and a little bit younger... or not any younger" "Good-Bye?" "Where's she going?" "To New York." "She'll be in her hotel until 4:00." "I got to get to a phone." "Gresham." "Aye!" "Aye." "Ladies and gentlemen," "I sincerely hope you have enjoyed your visit to the capitol." "Thank you very much for your attention."