Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/263

WOODROW WILSON 221 argument for genuine reduction, he astonished the country by going in person and reading his message to Congress, reviving an early custom which went into innocuous desuetude because Jef ferson, who had no taste and little gift for public speaking, sent his message to be read by a clerk, instead of delivering it in person. There were those who declared this return to an old order sug gested a king giving orders to Congress. They predicted that the innovation smacked of a return to Federalism. But on the day that Wilson entered the House to read his message every seat was occu pied. Hundreds could not gain admission. Those who witnessed the contrast between the clear enun ciation and impressive presentation of his convic tions and recommendations, and the old humdrum reading, when clerks droned through a message, and the tense interest when the new leader enunci ated his own views and the pledges of the majority party, rejoiced at the new freedom that ushered in the delivery in the flesh of a fresh message to the American people. Wilson was in direct touch with Mr. Underwood and other members of the Ways and Means Com mittee and other leaders of the House in the preparation of the Underwood Bill. He did not shirk labor or responsibility, nor assume the duty resting upon others. But, in consonance with the duty which the leadership of the dominant party,