Cigar-chomping Speaker of the House Joe Cannon served in Congress for 46 years, eight of those years as Speaker. He ruled the House with an iron fist, usurping power from committee chairs and controlling floor debate, actions that earned him the nickname Czar Cannon. His colorful ways made him a favorite with the media.
History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives, “Joseph Gurney Cannon,” https://history.house.gov/Collection/Listing/2008/2008-062-003/ (May 23, 2022)
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