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Between 1865 and 1890, the ten chairmen who served as chairman on the Committee were primarily known for their expertise on tax issues. The appointment of Henry L. Dawes of Massachusetts in 1871 was the exception that proved the rule. Dawes had not previously sat on Ways and Means, nor did he claim any expertise on tax issues. He once wrote to the Speaker of the House, "I cannot believe that you will put me on the Committee of Ways and Means against my wishes...I have earned the right to decline a service so against my wishes- against my habits, and outside of all my experience in Congress that I shall surely fail..." |
