Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1891-01-16
STATE LEGISLATURE.
BOTH HOUSES ORGANIZED AND
PREPARED FOR BUSINESS.
Philip B. Wachtel Of Emmett Elected
Speaker Of the House.
The Messages OF Ex-Gov. Luce and
Gov. Winans.


follows concerning the Inauguration of the
new state officers ard the opening Of the
state legislature:
Probably Lansing never before held such
an enormous number of strangers as it did
Wednesday. The railroads ran special
trains at reduced rates, and the number of
passengers they carried was unprecedented.
They came from all parts of the state,
even the most distant. large party
the Jacksonans Of Detroit-brought a
band with them, which played in and
about the capitol such airs as the "Star
Spangled Banner" michigan, My Michi-
gam" Marching Through Georgia." ETC.,
so frequently and at times in such close
proximity to the legislative halls, as to in
terrupt the proceedings. A delegation
from the Upper Peninsula came down in
fine style in vestibule car.
The American flag was displayed from
the windows of the governors Office, and
the interior balconies of the dome were
fcstooned with red, white and blue bunt-
ing. Hundreds of visitors, men and
women, wore ribbon badges, designating
their place of residence, with notices re-
ferring to the Inauguration Of Gov.
Winans.
At IL o'clock, the galleries of the house
being completely flied, and The floor un-
comfortably intruded upon by numerous
visitors, Daniel L. Crossman, clerk Of the
last house, in the performance of his statu-
tory duties, raped the gavel upon the
marble of the desk and called the house TO
order. He said that in consequence of the
great crowd in attendance he would APP
point temporarily, sergeant-at-arms
with power to select two assistants. TO
Cot, 10 ,a1 Il
Preston, the democratic nominee for
sergeant-at-arms, ard that gentleman at
once took charge. About bis first duties
were TO stop the performance Of the band
near the windows of the house.
Clerk Crossman, exhibiting signs OF
sickness, yet as composed and collected as
Of old, said the first thing in order would
be religious exercises and called upon Rev.
Mr.. Jordan of Lansing TO officiate therein.
The reverend gentleman read the ninety
first psalm, and prayed in an eloquent and
fervent manner, asking a blessing upon the
members, and that they might be guided
In their deliberations by wisdom, justice
and moderation, thereby promoting the
good of the people of the commonwealth,
with prayer for the Governor and state
officers, the President of the United States
and all in authority.
The roll of members was called and all
answered to their names except Represen-
tatives Conner of Saginaw, Johnson Of
Shiawassee, and Nolan Of Wayne. Conse-
quently there were ninety-seven members,
Mr.. Nolan afterward appeared, making
ninety-eight present. They were called up
in squads to the clerks desk, subscribed to
the register and took oath of Office, which
was administered by Mr.. Crossman. A
protest was made against the seating of
Devere Hall as representative from
Ogemaw. 1t was received and filed for
reference to the committee on elections
when appointed.
It consumed upwards of an honr TO COM
plete this part of the organization, and
recess was taken until afternoon.
When the house reassembled the first
business was the election of speaker. Philip
B. Wachtel of Emmett received so votes
and was declared elected. Gerrit j. Dicke-
ma of Ottawa received 81 votes. Mr..
Wachtel was conducted to the chair by
Messrs. A. +. Ferguson, Richardson and
Lfckema. The house applauded as he took
his place. Mr.. Wachtel, IN returning his
thanks for the honor, admonished themem-
bers of the onerous duties that lay before
them; asked that a careful consideration
be given to all matters of legislation; spoke
of the outside influences which frequently
sought to direct measures; the distinction
between proper and improper influences,
and recommended such diligence as would
expedite the work and shorten the session
rs much as possible.
For clerk of the house Lyman A. Brant
was elected, receiving SO votes; SamuelF.
Cook of Alger, 81.
IF al ta1
engrossing and enrolling clerk, receiving
GO votes; Henry NJ Rose of Kent, 81.
Everett L. Bray of Genessee was appointed
assistant
VIM. p. Perkins of Mackinac was elected
sergeant-at-arms, receiving 90 votes; Geo.
w. Foote of Wexford, 90 votes.
Geo. +. Richardson of Ottawa was
elected speaker pro tenn, receiving 62
votes; Charles L. Eaton Of Van Buren,, 30.
A resolut on of thanks, conveying to
Daniel L. Crossman the best wishes of the
house for his efforts in organizing it, was
adopted by a standing vote.
A variety of the usual routine resolutions
pertaining to the organization of the house
were adopted.
IN THE SENATE.
The senate chamber presented a gala
appearance. The galleries and Hobbies
were crowded, many ladies being pi esent.
Political clubs from different parts of the
state were conspicuous, wearing bright
oolored badges. Lieut.. Gov. Strong, as
presiding officer of the senate, was seated
in the presidents chair. Promptly at
1905 o'clock, down came tho gaval. and
the senate was called TO order, amidst the
applause of the spectators. After an
earnest prayer by the Rev. Mr.. McGrath,
brother Of Justice McGrath, the chair an
nounced that as the senator's names were
called they would step forward and be
sworn in. This interesting ceremony over
Secretary Miller of the last senate called
the roll and announced quorum OF the
senators-elect present.
Upon motion of Senator Wisner the
senate proceeded to an election VI officers
The following officers were elected:
| Secretary OF the Senate, Alfred ].
Murphy of Wayne; Assistant Secretary,
Joseph J. Emery Of Kent The secretary is
authorized 10 appoint bill clerk and
MESSENGER John p. Andrews of Huron,