"Follow the rats" (Senator Swanson, 1923)

[Bapopik at AOL.COM]

I don't know what Fred has on this oft-used Congressional  quote seen in
William Safire's columns. This is a nice cite:
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1 July 1923, CURRENT OPINION, "The Colyumists' Colyums, pg. 104:
Among the visitors to Washington since Congress adjourned are many
Congressmen-elect, installing themselves in the House Office Building and  incidentally
"learning the ropes." One of them asked a veteran legislator for  some
pointers on how to make a success in Congress.
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"I know of no better way," was the reply, "than to follow the rules once
laid down by Senator Swanson of Virginia to a bunch of new Congressmen:
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"'First. Work one day and then take six days off to talk about it.
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"'Second. Never take anything you can't carry.
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"'Third. When in doubt, do right.
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"'Fourth. When the water rises to the second deck, put on a life preserver
and follow the rats.'"