The intimate papers of Colonel House arranged as a narrative by Charles Seymour.

OMNIVOROUS READING

27

private library which he developed and enlarged without
cessation. It is an illuminating instance of the man's real
tastes that when, after the Paris Peace Conference, he had
a book-plate made, he omitted in its composition all references to his diplomatic or political career; he chose as salient
features above the horse, dog, and camp-fire, the gun and
powder-flask, reminders of his early life - an open hearth and
books. The books which he read were of all sorts, poetry and
essays, but chiefly biography, history, and political science.
The main strength of Colonel House in his later political
career was, of course, his understanding of human nature, his
ability to enter into friendly relations with all types; but it
would be a mistake to overlook the strength he derived from
books.
In such an atmosphere House began the career in politics
which soon became his real vocation, and it was during those
years that he underwent the political schooling that prepared
him to assume a guiding r1le in national and international
affairs. With all the cosmopolitan tastes which he developed
by constant travel, and with every intention of entering the
arena of national politics, he regarded his life in Texas as a
necessary and delightful prologue. Before he could acquire
national influence, he must win prestige in his own State. An
ardent Democrat, he saw in Texas, with its tremendous influence in the party, an ideal spring-board. A liberal and
progressive, he could throw himself into the fight for liberal
and progressive legislation which Governor Hogg - 'the inimitable Hogg,' House calls him - was directing. He was
ready for the opportunity, which was not slow to knock upon
the door.
IV
The year 1892 was one of politico-social ferment in Europe
and the United States; the forces of liberal progressivism
were everywhere arrayed against reaction. In Texas the