Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-03-08
SPEAKER BLAZNE'S OVATION At THE
CLOSE OF THE XIII CONGRESS-.


demonstration in favor of Speaker Blaine. AS he
spoke the last word of his valedctory and stepped
down from the desk the House rose in unison and
every man joined with equal heartness in round
of applause such as never was heard before in the
Capitol. 1t had hardly died away when it swelled
again into perfect storm, accompanied by cheers,
and even for the third time the applause swept
through the hall the Speaker stood at the clerks
desk, bowling his thanks and shaking the hands of
members who thronged about him. Subsequent
ly he took his stand at the edge of the platform
and gave final greeting to scores Of departing
members.
Washington Special to Boston Journal
The close of the 43d Congress was unmarked
in the House by SPECIAL Incidents save that which
followed the closing address Of Speaker Blaine
When his last words and the hammer fell there
was scene which the Oldest Representatives do
not remember to have ever witnessed. As his
speech concluded the immense audience mani
tested great enthusiasm, and cheered the Speaker
until it seemed if the applause would never
end. Blaine himself, relinquished his gavel and
his chair, descended to the desk Of the reading
clerk, and was so moved by this spontaneous
manifestation Of on-partzan approval that, for
moment the strong man bowed his head to cor
ceal his emotions.
Washington Special to Boston Globe
In the House, almost simultaneously with the
last word of the closing address, the Speakers
hammer fell, and Mr.. Blaine left the chair and
took his seat at the Clerks desk. Then followed
a scene probably never before witnessed in the
House. All over the floor and in the space in the
rear Of the seats, which were densely packed, as
well as the galleries, there was the widest enthu
sasm, with waving of handkerchefs by the ladies
and clappng of hands by every body, the two sides
seeming to vie with each other as to which should
be the heartiest IN its applause to Mr.. Blaine He
sat in his seat at the Clerks desk apparently much
moved by the demonstration, but declined TO &C
cept the implied invitation TO further address the
assemblage. The usual handwriting among the
members then commenced, and the time Yves much
longer than usual before the members and others
began to retire from the hall.
Washington Special to New York Trbune.I
At twelve o'clock Mr.. Blaine raped three times
with his gavel The members generally rose to
their feet and the Speaker delivered his farewell
address. while almost breathless silence prevailed
throughout the Chamber. AS a work of ait the
speech was perfect, but no one who reads it can
appreciate its effect it delivered to the vast
throng. The deep feeling which was apparent III
every word and sentence aroused corresponding
sympathy in all who listened, and when he closed,
threw down the gavel, and left the chair, no such
scene has been witnessed in the House by the old
est habitue Of the Capitol. The thousands who
crowded the galleries and thronged the floor burst
forth in the most enthusiastic and prolonged ap-
1 Ill r1or
| hands, white handkerchicfs were waveo, and men
shouted. This was continued Cor several minutes,
while the members crowded about the Speaker to
| shake his hands.
| Washington Special to New York Herald
At precisely twelve o'clock to-day Speaker
| Blaine took the gavel preparatory to announcing
the end OF the Forty-third Congress. The galleries
never presented grander array of the beauty OF
| the Capitol. There was not even standing room
for the crowd in the corridors, and the House re-
Taxed the rules so far as to allow ladies to occupy
the space on the floor in the Of the members
seats. Gallantry forbade tina. the fair sex should
| stand while the gentlemen retained their seats,
| and several minutes before the adjournment sine
die there We're more ladies occupying members
seats than Congressman themselves. giving one an
idea of the scene the hall will present if womens
rights ever prevail in this country. After the de-
| livery of the address of the Speaker, which was
remarkable for its terseness, brevty and the hap
DIV manner in which he excused the asperties of
his rulings in moments of excited discussion there
| followed scene never before witnessed in the
| hall of Congress- The sincerity Of his remarks
had already evoked tears from those who realized
] that there were amenilic. even in the everyday
| life of legislators, and when the last word was
spoken then the members and spectators, with one
| impulse made the hall ring with prolonged clap
ping of hands. Ladies waved their handkerchief;
and when the enthusiasm had partially subsidized
the democratic side renewed the applause, which
was instantly taken up again all over the hall 1t
was a proud moment for the Speaker worthy
ovation, without regard to political sentiment,
most beautifully rounded by little girl ascending
the Speakers dais and handing to Mr. Blaine
bouquet of violets. This pretty gift brought tears
to the Speakers eyes. On leaving his char he
took a seat beyond the Clerks desk and subsc-
quently held levee of those who wished to bid
him goodbye.
Washington Special to New York Times
The clock now indicated that the constitutional
limitation of the Forty-thrd Congress had been
reached, Speaker Blaine arose, and Immediately
every voice was hushed. The Speaker, amid
profound silence, delivered his valedictory with a
dignity which added to its mpressiveness, and an
nounced that "the House of Representatives stands
adjourned without day." lie was greeted with
great clapping Of hands and cheers from the vast
assembly that filed galleries and crowded the floor,
continuing several minutes. The applause from
both sides of the House was equally enthusiastic.
The Speaker was deeply affected by the universal
demonstration, which was continued by members
crowding around the desk and mingling their con-
gratulations with words of farewell.
JUE VEIV GEN ATM