Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-02
CONGRESSIONAL.
HOUSE.

House.
On taking the chair Mr.. Blaine addressed
the House as follows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE HorsE OF REPRESENTA-
TIvEs:
The vote this moment announced by the
Clerk is such an expression OF your conf
dence as calls for my ,incercst thanks. To
be chosen Speaker OF the American House of
Representatives is also an honorable distinc-
ton; to be chosen third time enhances the
honor more than three-fold; to be chosen by
the largest body that ever assembled in the
capitol imposes burden of responsibility
which only your indulgent kindness co1id
embolden me to assume.
The first occupant of this chair presided
over House Of sixty five members repre-
senting population far below the present ag-
gregate of the State of New York. At that
time, in the whole United States. there were
not fifty thousand civilized inhabitants to be
found one hundred miles distant from the flow
of the Atlantic tide. To-day, gentlemen, a
large majority OF you come from beyond that
limit, and represent districts then peopled
only by the Indian or the adventurous from
tiersman. The National Government is not
yet as old as many of its citizens; but in this
brief span of time, less than one heightened
life, it has under Gods good providence tx
tended its power until continent is the field
of its empire and attests the majesty of its
law.
With the growth of new States and the re-
sultlng changes in the centres of population
new interests are developed, rival to the old,
but by no means hostile, diverse but not an
tagonistic. Nay, rather are all these interests
in harmony; and the true science of just gov
eminent is to give to each its full and fair
play, expressing none by undue exaction, IA
voring none by undue privilege. 1t is this
great lesson which our daily experience is
teaching US, binding us together more closely,
making our mutual dependence more maui
fest, and causing us to feel, whether we live
in the North or in the South In the East or in
the West, that we have indeed but zone coun-
try one constitution, one destiny"
The House proceeded to drawing for seats,
exceptions being made in favor OF Messrs.
Dawes and Stephens of Ca. who were per-
mitted to select their rcats first. Dawes
chose the one occupied by him last congress,
and Stephens the front seat in the right main
aisle, facing the Speaker. All the best seats
on the republican side of the house were ia
ken before the name of Butler of Mass. was
drawn out of the box, and when it was drawn
Butler walked across TO the democratic side
OF the house, amid loud laughter, and chose
seat in the extreme right section, in what Is
Familiarity known as "Sleepy Hollow"
The certificates Of Shanks and Nef Of In
diana, opposing claimants, were referred to
the committee on elections.
Mr.. Hale of Me. gave notice that he would
to- morrow introduce and press to an early
passage bill repeating the increase of salary
law.
Mr.. Starkweather of Conn. presented a pc
tition for pensions to all soldiers of the war
of 1912.
Mr.. Butler of Mass. introduced q resolu-
ton to admit to their seats Messrs. Sypher,
Sheldon aud Pinchback of Louisiana.
Without action the House adjourned.
SENATE.
Mr.. Buckingham introduced bill provid-
ing that all volunteers under the Presidents
proclamation of May Sd, 1861 and accepted
under said proclamation, shall be paid the
full bounty OF $500 promised in said procla-
nation.
Mr.. Sumner introduced resolutions favor.
ing arbitration in all cases of grievance be-
tween nations.
Mr.. Pratt introduced bill fixing the sala-
ries of Senators at $4,000 and actual travel