Presentation

Not in bell trousers or raccoon coat, not in three-cornered hat or prismatic necktie, but like a well-dressed politician in spats, Mr. Nicholas Longworth received a solemn delegation of men, all of whom he acknowledged as his brothers. They brought him a little wooden thing. Mr. Longworth smirked appreciatively and thrust out a hand interlocking his fingers with theirs in a way that is not to be described in public. Then one of his four brothers gave vent to speech:

"It is a pleasure and an honor to the fraternity to present to you this gavel. It is not intrinsically a treasure nor is it a battle axe to rule the unruly. Rather, it is a symbol of the devotion, respect and affection of Dekes throughout the United States for a great Deke and gallant gentleman who is assuming the high office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is an expression of our confidence in the worthiness with which the office of Speaker will be administered in the 69th Congress, and lets you know that D. K. E.* backs you to a man, now and forever."

*Delta Kappa Epsilon, a national fraternity with chapters at many colleges in the U. S. and Canada.