National Affairs: Couches

There is a time honored rule that members of the House may not have couches, lounges or sofas in their offices. Congressman Frank Clark of Florida, 63 years of age and father of four children, protested in the House that this was an obsolete dictum reflecting on the “integrity and honor” of Representatives and alleging that after his hard labors there are many times when a Representative desires to rest reclining. Said The New York World: “The situation demands investigation— and action. Members of Congress, like babies, are least trouble when they are asleep. Five hundred sofas would be cheaper than one good fat pork-barrel grab.”