National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-03-19
HOUSE or REPREsEyr.iTIvEs.

The opening of the first session of the Fortysixth
Congress was witnessed i'll the House by on inn
mense Concourse OF spectators. The members
elect were early in attendance, and for nearly an
hour before noon pleasant greetings were inter-
changed.
At noon the House was called to order By Mr..
Adams, the Clerk, who read the proclamation of
the President converting Congress, and stated that
the time thus designated having arrived he would
call the roll, which, Clerk of the last House he
was required by law to prepare
He thereupon proceeded to call the roll by States
beginning With the state of Maine.
The State of Florida having been reached the
Clerk called the name of Mr. Hull as Representative
from the second district, and explained why he
had put OH the roll the name of Mr.. Hull rather
than that of Mr.. Blsbee He said that he had re.
Ceiyed the certificate of the election of Mr.. Hull
duly signed by the Governor under the seal of the
State, and that subsequently he had received sun.
dry papers IN behalf of the election of Mr.. Bsbee
among which were certified copy Of the canvass
IN obedience TO an order of the Supreme Court of
tho State. While that subsequent canvass would
show the election of Mr.. Bisbee, the Clerk did not
feel at liberty to regard anything a crcdontial
within the meaning OF the law, except the certif.
cate of the Governor
The State OF Iowa having been REACHED, the
Clerk explained why he had placed on the roll the
names of the nine members whose names appeared
there. They had presented certificates dulv signed
by the Governor, and the question whether the
election had or had not been held on the day fixed
by law was one which the Clerk did not feel called
organized. could decide.
As to the State of Kansas, the Clerk stated that
he had not put on The roll the name Of tho person
large, the State being only entitled TO three mem.
Ders
The roll having been completed the Clerk an.
nounced that 2s5 members had answered to ,heir
names, the only two absentees being Messrs
OReilly aud James.
On motion Of Mr.. wooD the House then pro.
ceeded to the election Of Speaker when the FOL.
lowing members were put in nominations:
By Mr.. CLYMER: Samuel J. Randall.
By Mr.. FRYE: James A. Garfield.
By Mr. DE La MATYR Hendriok b. Wright.
Messrs. Clymer Ellis, Hiscock, and Stone were
proceeded to call the roll
When the name of Mr. Blackburn was called and
when he voted for Mr., Randall, there was u round
OF applause on the Democratic side and in the gal
lerieS.
The vote resulted as follows: Whole number OIL
votes cast, 2S3; for Mr.. Randall, IA; for Mr. Gar
field, 1926; for Mr.. Wright, IL; for Mr. William ID
Kelley, Of Pennsylvania, l.
- The members voting for Mr., Wright were Messrs
Kelley of Pennsylvania, Laid, Lowe, Murch, Rus
sell, Stevenson, Weaver, and Iokum.
The member voting for Mr.. Kelley was Mr. Bar
When the tellcrs announced the result there were
but l43 votes for Mr.. Randall. and Mr., Conger had
just raised the question that that was less than q
majority OF the whole number of MEMBERSHIPS
when Mr. OReily, of New York zone of the two
absentees), arrived in the chamber announced his
presence, and cast his vote for Mr., Randall, thus
giving that gentleman majority of the whole
number OF members elect. The incident was the
occasion OF much applause.
Messrs. Garfield and Blackburn (having been ap,
pointed for that puIposel then conducted the
chair said:
REPREsENrArvEs: BY your vote am elected fol-
the thlrd time TO the exalted office of Speaker o.
TINS House. For this evidence OF your approval
ana confidence, offer you my heartfelt thanks
me responsibilities and duties imposed upon me
are nsaSE and dcGlt With the blessing Of Goo
noble craftsmanship. Observing strict impartialitS
as 10 men measures parties and sections II will bt
70 me nnspeakable Joy If can help to bring abou
that substantial fraternal union which comes alone
through wisdom, moderation, and Justice" Th!
new Congress meets IN It's first session under th(
Gall OF the President Owing TO irreConcilable dif
Ierenees upon vital issues important and necesssr,
appropriation bills failed TO pass at the preyiou
session Then the political sentiment OF The i've
Houses was antagohlstic, II Is now IN complete NO
cord. This House. fresh from the people, bring
with II their latest VIII; We are here for such leg
islation as their necessities, welfare aud honor de
maud. That VIII, as expressed by the majority II
calm and deeorous form let us hope will meet viii
universal acceptance. Moreover, the country eX
poets OF this Congress that Il viii wisely and delib
eralely lcgislate TO remove the burdens that hay,
TOO long weighed upon the patriotism and pros
perily OF the people; and with the icryent hop,
that he spirit as well us the letter Of the COnstitu
ton snail be the controlling influences in directing
such legislation, am now prepared 10 take III,
oath of Office
The oath ofoflice was then administered to III,
Speaker by Mr., Kelly, Of Pa the oldest member il
continuous length Of service after which the Oatl
20 the members was administered by the Speaker
III groups OF States.
When the members from Delaware, MARYLAND
Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina wCr,
nuliyI ~ one group ana when the Speaker said II,
would lIst administer The oath to those who cOult
lhkc III me usual FORM (th0t Is, what Is known a.
lic irou-clnd oath) there were only five member
VINO stepped forward and took IT. Amodg the mos