Many a good cause has been lost because of lack of knowledge in making a tactful approach to public officials, or of conduct becoming in the presence of such officials. It is not always that men in official position are as charitable and forgiving in spirit as was King Charles II of England on one occasion, in dealing with William Penn, the Quaker. It is stated that—
"William Penn, with hat upon his head, entered the palace chamber of the king, and said: 'Hello, friend Charles! How is it with thee this morning?' Whereupon King Charles politely removed his own hat and said: 'Very well, friend Penn. I remove my hat in deference to thee, as it is the custom of the court of England that only one hat shall be worn in the presence of the king."
There was a time when such a discourteous act in the presence of the king would usually have meant imprisonment or death; and while such severe punishment is not to be feared in our own day, yet it is a fact that many people defeat the very objectives they desire to gain because of failure to make favorable contacts with the officials to whom they appeal in a righteous cause. The Good Book teaches us to be courteous and show deference to those in authority. Even though the public official in office may not personally be worthy of honor or respect as a man, yet it is proper to honor and respect the office he occupies, acknowledging him as the representative of the state, and therefore as "the minister of God to thee for good."
To approach public officials from whom we desire to obtain favor or redress for grievances with a haughty or self-important spirit, is to ruin all prospects of success. We should approach them in the same humble spirit that actuates the lover in appealing to the fair maiden whose heart he hopes to win. We must be as tactful as a Franklin, as courteous as a Washington, and as diplomatic as a Chesterfield—and sincere withal. It is essential to study and imbibe these desirable traits of character in order to win our way into the hearts of men.
There is nothing that serves as a greater test of a man's metal than, when speaking before a legislative committee, to have the members of the committee begin to ask all kinds of perplexing and even foolish questions. The natural inclination is to retort with sharp and witty replies, which will tend to silence the questioner or make him appear foolish in the eyes of the committeemen. But such a course would be a fatal mistake. It is wise to assume that the inquirer is seeking information, and desires to have all points of the question at issue fully developed and brought out in the record of the hearing; therefore a straightforward answer should be given to all questions, whether sincere or otherwise.
At a. Congressional hearing on a Sunday bill, one of the speakers opposing the Sunday bill manifested considerable impatience because of being repeatedly interrupted by questions. Finally, he strenuously objected to any further questioning from the members of the committee, and appealed to the judgment of the people attending the hearing as to his being subjected to insult by such interruption with questions. This was a mistake on his part, and the chairman of the committee politely informed him accordingly, and said, "It is the duty of this committee to get all the information we can upon this subject. We reserve the right to ask any question and as many questions as we desire, and we will ask them when and where we will, if, in our judgment, you fail to make clear the subject matter you are discussing. If you do not want us to question you, you would better not appear before this committee."
When appearing before an official body of men, a speaker should be prepared to have his speech all shot to pieces, and no matter how insulting or tantalizing the questions may be, he must manifest patience, Christian forbearance, and the dignity of a gentleman. If the members of the committee twist the meaning of the statements which have been made, and seek to trap one by cross-questioning and unfair tactics, this should not be allowed to cause the speaker to appear annoyed or flustered. Do not attempt to stand doggedly upon individual rights, but in a friendly, good-natured way, appeal to fair play and common justice for an unbiased consideration of the issues involved. It is seldom the case that the majority of a legislative committee will permit an intolerant minority to take unjust advantage, even if the majority do not themselves agree with the speaker.
It is well to ascertain, as far as possible, the attitude of the committee members, and be able to detect who are for and who are against the position to be maintained. If the speaker's friends on the committee begin to ask him leading questions, he should recognize in these questions that they consider that he has gone afield on his subject, and should take his cue from the questions, and follow the lead which his friends on the committee have given him in this manner. Time and again I have seen the speaker just give a passing notice to these leading questions, and then take up the former argument from which his friends had endeavored to divert him.
If there are Catholics on the committee, the speaker would be most unwise to refer to the mistakes of the Catholic Church in church and state affairs during the Dark Ages, for such a course would be sure to alienate their sympathies for the cause represented. Under such circumstances, it is best to confine the arguments to fundamental principles and to national and Christian ideals as opposed to un-Christian methods.
In all contact with public officials, the Saviour's admonition, "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves," is especially applicable.
Takoma Park, D. C.