The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-04
MIR. Carlisle Is Elected Speaker and Makes
Statement Outlining a Policy of
Unexpected Conservatism.
House Organization Not Completed,
and the Message Not Read.
Press Comment Carlisle's Election-Pen
Sketches of Prominent HIembers-Why
Gen. Browne Voted for Keifer.
THE OPENING DAY.
The Usual Throng of Sght-Seers-The House
Organization Not Completed.


Organization Not Completed.
Special to the Indianapolis ournas.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.-As usual on the day
appointed for the assembling of Congress, the
Capitol was to-day thronged with persons
anxious to witness the organization of the
two houses. By 10 o'clock every seat in the
galleries of both wings was occupied, and
before noon the corridors and stairways lead
ing to the galleries were packed by people
who patiently waited and pushed in the vain
hope of securing places from which the pro-
ceedings might be witnessed. Prominent
among those in the gallery of the House was
Mrs. Carlisle, who was attended by the wife
of Representative Willis. Several members
of the cabinet were present on the Senate
side, and the diplomatic corps was we'll repre-
sented in the special galleries reserved for
that body. In both houses, when the floors
were cleared of all except the members,
1T was easy to mark the
changes that the late elections had wrought
in the popular branch a majority of those
on both sides being strangers to those who
for years have been engaged in recording
the proceedings. The adding of thirty-three
new desks gave the hall of the House
crowded appearance, the space hitherto ex-
listing between the rows of desks having been
perceptibly decreased, thus making locomo-
ton somewhat difficult. Floral tributes
adorned the desks OF several members on
each side that of the Speaker being covered
with similar contributions. The floral dis
play in the Senate was more general than
that in the House. The roll-call was
answered by 316 members, and the election
of Speaker was at once proceeded with. Mr..
Geddes of Ohio, nominated Mr.. Carlisle,
and in doing so departed from the usual Gus
tom by pronouncing that Mr.. Carlisle "was
a man of acknowledged prominent qualifi-
cations for the place"
Mr.. Keller was nominated by Mr. Cannon,
of Illinois, and Mr.. Robinson, of MaSsachu-
setts, by gentleman from the same State.
Contrary to general expectation, Mr. Robin
son received only two votes, although several
Republicans refrained from voting and Mr..
White, of Kentucky voted for Mr.. Lacey, of
Michigan. The Readjusters voted for Mr..
Keifer, thus indicating purpose to coop
operate with the Republican side. Mr. Car
Isle was escorted to the chair by Messrs.
Randall and Keifer, and delivered speech
which was we'll received on both sides. That
portion of the Speakers address in which he
said that sudden and radical changes in laws
and regulations affecting commercial and in
dustrial interests ought never to be made,
unless imperatively demanded by public
emergency, and that, in his judgment, such
changes would not, under existing circum-
stances, be made, was favorably received and
elected applause on the floor. This remark
is being very generally commented upon to-
night.
A question having been raised touching
the admission of Mr.. Manning of Missis-
sppi, the House adjourned without deter
mining the uestion and without completing
its organization.
The Senate adjourned at o'clock. 1t is
probable that the Republican senators will
meet in caucus in a few days to determine
the question of selecting officers of that
body. The failure of the House to complete
its organization prevented the presentation
of the Presidents message. This document,
together with the report of the Secretary of
the Treasury, will be sent to both houses to-
morrow