St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-08

the world can there be found q legislative as
sembly representing so great constituency
as that represented by this house, and cer-
tainy no similar body, consisting of an equal
number of members, is its superior in point
of ability and devotion to the interests in
trusted to it. The privilege of presiding over
the deliberations of such body is very high
and honorable distinction, the highest and
most honorable it can confer on any of its
members, and l appreciate it as such. But,
action to-day can best be shown
by a conscientious and impartial discharge
OF my official duty, and, although it may not
be wise to make pledges in advance, venture
to promise that, TO the fullest extent of my
ability. the law governing the proceedings of
the house shall be evenly administered, with
a view to the
PRESERVATION OF ORDER
and decorum, the protection of the personal
and representative rights of members and
the prompt transaction of public business.
None of these results. however, can be OBJ
tanned without your active cooperation and
support. In body so large as this, repre-
senting such vast and sometimes conflicting
interests, a constant observance of estab-
lished rules and precedents is lmperatively
required, not only by the considerations
vitally affecting the public welfare. but in
order to maintain the honor and dignity of
the house itself. In the sharp con-
tests for priority which unavoidably
occur in such body, the re-
straints imposed by fixed rules are
sometimes quite severely tested. especially
if there has been large accumulation of
business. But experience has shown that the
necessity of regularity in the consideration
of legislative meaSuI eS is so fully appreciated
by gentlemen on the floor that they can al
ways be relied upon to sustain the presiding
officer in every proper effort he may make to
obtain that result. In view of this fact,
feel much more confident of Il reasonable de-
gree of success in this trying position than
would otherwise be justifable. Questions of
order must be decided promptly, as they are
raised generally without much opportunity
for deliberation, and, consequently, whoever
may occupy the chair, and however careful
he may be, mistakes must frequently be
committed But, fortunately. this house
has at all times in
ITS OWN HANDS
the power to correct and preserve the integ-
rity and consistency of its practices, and 1
am sure you will not hesitate to exercise that
power whenever the occasion may demand.
Gentlemen, we are about to enter upon the
work of an important session, more so, per-
haps, than any that has preceded it for many
years. The political relations heretofore eX-
isting between the two sides of the house and
the executive department OF the government
have been reversed. and this of itself imposes
new duties and obligations on both. Under
a popular form of government like ours
essariy, to greater or less extent, involves
altered methods of administration, inaugu-
rates a new legislative policy, and conSe-
quently presents new questions for the con-
sderation of the people and their representa-
tives. 1t is probable, therefore, that many
subjects not heretofore prominent in our de-
liberations will engage larger share of our
attention during the present congress. 1t
may reasonably be anticipated. also,
that wide differences of opinion will
exist on many of these questions resulting in
long, earnest, perhaps exciting contests, on
the floor, and it may be that these differences
will not always be defined by recognized
party lines. Under these circumstances a
proper appreciation of the integrity and
patriotism Of each other, a sincere respect
for the honest opinion of opponents in de-
bate, and the cultivation of u spirit of mu-
tual
FORBEARANCE WILL BE NECESSARY
to enable the house to conduct it's proceed
ings with order and deliberatiOn, and avoid
unpleasant incidents, which are always, in
my experience at least most seriously re-
GREETED by those who participate in them
The house is the only custodian of its own
peace and dignity, and without cordial support
no presiding officer can preserve either. And
now, gentlemen. before taking the oath of
Office, allow me to renew the expressions of
my sincere acknowledgement of the great
honor you have conferred, and the great
trust you have confided to my hands. I ac-
cept both with proper sense of the obliga-
tionS they impose, and certainly with the
earnest desire to discharge these obligations
without prejudice to any public interest.
Loud and long-continued applause.
THE OATH OF OFFICE
was administered to him by Mr.. Kelley of
Pennsylvania. The clerk then proceeded
to call the roll of members, who, as their
names were called, appeared at the bar of
the house and were sworn in by the speaker.
No objection was raised to any member,
and the ceremony was performed promptly
and quietly. The election of officers of the
house being then in order, the names of
those selected by the Democratic caucus
were presented by Mr.. Tucker, while Mr..
Cannon moved to amend by substituting
the names of those chosen by the Republ
can caucus The amendment was rejected,
and the gentlemen named on Mr.. fuckers
resolution were elected by viva voce vote.
Thereupon they appeared at the bar of the
house and qualified. On motion of Mr..
Morrison of Illinois the clerk was directed
to inform the senate that the house had
organized and was ready to proceed with
business. On motion of Mr.. Blount of
Georgia the speaker was authorized to ap-
point committee of three members to join
similar committee. appointed by the SEN
ate, to wait upon the president and inform
him that the
HOUSE HAD ORGANIZED
and was ready to receive any communica
ton he might be pleased to transmit.
Messrs Blount, Randall and Reed were ap-
pointed as such committee. While waiting
for the committees to report the house pro-
ceeded, on motion of Mr.. Springer, Illinois,
to save time to draw for seats. Mills of
Texas asked unanimous consent that Mr..
Kelley of Pennsylvania, the father of the
house. be permitted to choose his seat in
advance, but Mr.. Bennett of North Caro-
lima objected, Mr.. Reed thereupon sug-
gested that Mr.. Kelley leave his desk and
assured him that his wish would be re-
spected The members then retired behind
the row of desks and waited eagerly while
blindfolded man drew from a box the num-
bered marbles which correspOnded to the
numbers attached to their names. The first
marble drawn was No. 237, and StahlEecker
of New York proved to be the lucky man.
He selected seat on the Democratic side,
little to the left of the speakers char. and
three rows from the front. Mr.. Brecken-
ridge of Arkansas was the next fortunate
one, and he took possession OF
HIS OLD DESK.
The next dozen names drawn were those
of new members, and the faces of the older
men heightened as they saw their chances
of securing prominent seats lessening. On
the Democratic side. however, Mr.. Warner
of Ohio, Mr.. McAdee of New Jersey, Mr..
Springer and Mr.. Eden of Illinois and Mr..
Bland of Missouri were all to secure good
positions. The name of Mr.. Mahoney of
New York was called in time to allow that
gentleman to obtain front seat, but he
contented himself with seat far in the
rear. Mr.. Adams of New York locates On
the main aisle directly in the rear of Mr..
Weaver, Greenbacker. from Iowa. MI.