He was a constant critic of machine politics, challenging both Matthew Quay and Joseph Gurney Cannon within his party.

Dalzell was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1904 and 1908, and served as a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution from 1906 to 1913.

"It was said that because of President Roosevelt's outspoken manner, scores of Congressmen stayed away from the White House.

It was also said that with Presidents Harrison and McKinley, Mr. Dalzell was in close and constant touch, and that many of their ideas were brought before the House by Mr.

At one point, President Theodore Roosevelt was asked about one particular matter, and responded: "Is Mr. Dalzell in favor of this improvement?"

[3] Elizabeth Marter Dalzell married Col. George M. Dunn, one of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders.

To briefly quote a passage describing this from vol 2, p 25 of Kitzmiller's The Family Encyclopedia: "... his friends persuaded him, somewhat against his will, to go to Congress.

Relieving her husband of many of the burdens which constituents place upon the representative, she also unobtrusively engineered campaign contracts, quietly supervising that meticulous reelection detail which is the bane of a congressman's existence....