Cannibalism in the Cars

Question

by Mark Twain

“A recess of half an hour was then taken, and some little caucusing followed. At the sound of the gavel the meeting reassembled, and the committee reported in favor of Messrs. George Ferguson of Kentucky, Lucien Herrman of Louisiana, and W. Messick of Colorado as candidates. The report was accepted.

“MR. ROGERS of Missouri: ‘Mr. President, — The report being properly before the House now, I move to amend it by substituting for the name of Mr. Herrman that of Mr. Lucius Harris of St. Louis, who is well and honorably known to us all. I do not wish to be understood as casting the least reflection upon the high character and standing of the gentleman from Louisiana—far from it. I respect and esteem him as much as any gentleman here present possibly can; but none of us can be blind to the fact that he has lost more flesh during the week that we have lain here than any among us—none of us can be blind to the fact that the committee has been derelict in its duty, either through negligence or a graver fault, in thus offering for our suffrages a gentleman who, however pure his own motives may be, has really less nutriment in him—’

"Cannibalism in the Cars" by Mark Twain

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

Which explicit statement is best supported by the details in the passage?

(1 point)
Responses

The passengers are horrified at the thought of resorting to cannibalism.
The passengers are horrified at the thought of resorting to cannibalism.

The passengers oppose the candidates chosen by the committee.
The passengers oppose the candidates chosen by the committee.

Mr. Rogers speaks to express his dissatisfaction with being chosen by the committee.
Mr. Rogers speaks to express his dissatisfaction with being chosen by the committee.

Mr. Rogers wants another candidate because Mr. Herrman has lost too much weight.
Mr. Rogers wants another candidate because Mr. Herrman has lost too much weight.

Answer 1

The explicit statement that is best supported by the details in the passage is:

Mr. Rogers wants another candidate because Mr. Herrman has lost too much weight.

This is clearly indicated in Mr. Rogers' speech where he mentions that Mr. Herrman has "lost more flesh during the week that we have lain here than any among us" and suggests replacing him with Mr. Lucius Harris, who is "well and honorably known to us all." This statement directly ties Mr. Rogers’ reasoning to Mr. Herrman’s physical condition.