Now when a member rises to speak it is usually with a formidable pile of manuscripts before him, the sight of which dismays the members, who will read it in the Globe if worth reading, otherwise it is worth nothing. So the member goes on, audible or inaudible, loud or low-voiced, graceful or loutish, it is all the same to the scattered few who remain in their seats – some writing letters, some reading newspapers, munching apples, or dozing in their comfortable chairs. Only the members of the same political faith with the party speaking profess to pay any attention, those of the opposite party generally lounging in the cloak rooms, enjoying a social smoke and chat. … Of course all this breath and labor is wasted, for the speech is not intended for any special effect in the House or Senate, but upon the country, or as used for a campaign document; printed and circulated by members, it flies all over the country, and has its small sum of influence upon the masses of the people.