To the wrath of the minority, he assumed this authority while a revision of the rules was pending.

The absurdity of the Democratic position was naively exposed when a member arose with a law book in his hand and said, "I deny your right, Mr.Speaker, to count me as present, and I desire to read from the parliamentary law on the subject." Speaker Reed, with the nasal drawl that was his habit, replied, "The Chair is making a statement of fact that the gentleman from Kentucky is present?
Does he deny it ?" The rejoinder was so apposite that the House broke into a roar of laughter, and the Speaker carried his point.
Undoubtedly, Speaker Reed was violating all precedents.

Facilities of obstruction had been cherished by both parties, and nothing short of Reed's earnestness and determination could have effected this salutary reform.

The fact has since been disclosed that he had made up his mind to resign the Speakership and retire from public life had his party failed to support him.

For three days, the House was a bedlam, but the Speaker bore himself throughout with unflinching courage and unruffled composure.