In character he was described as warm, impulsive, enthusiastic, and optimistic, and ready to believe the best in anyone. He had a flashing smile, a loud, bass laugh, brassy eloquence, and a jocular style. He was cultured, well-informed, and well-read (often offering an appropriate quotation, particularly from Shakespeare or one of the Poets) and always found time to keep in touch with modern thought and literature. He was an apt and ready speaker and in the House and outside he always went directly to the point.