The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-30
THE HOUSES TOGETHER.
At Noon Yesterday Differences We're
Laid Aside and Harmony
Taken Up,
The Republican Senators Catch
the Spirit and Likewise do
tho Graceful.

A Mass of Notices Sent inflow Organ
ixstion Was Enectcd-Spcaker
Comfy Better.
After fourteen months of caucusing
%wrangling, disputing and weary waiting
Montana again has a legislature that car
legislate. At IL O'Clock noon yesterday the
two houses came together in joint session
at the Electric hall. The air was so full OF
harmony that il was difficult to see across
the hall. Such Handwriting and flow OF
soul was never before heard Of in the north
west and it was indeed a pleasant thing to
zee. The citizens of the town ieioiced in
tho same measure and but one feeling pre-
vailkd-that of satisfaction that the long
deadlock was at last broken in the inter
ests Of the commonwealth. The town was
hardly awake when the people began talking
about compromise, and compromise 1t was
until all had retired. some Of them at an
early hour this morning. The morning
papers brought the glad news that the two
houses would come together ut noon unless
something happened. This proviso was
received with consideration because all
knew by recent events that it takes very
little to disturb the e%quanimity of IN aver
age Montana legislator. His sensitlveness
has increased from day to day since the
historic meeting in November, 1889, and no
one could toll just when tho limit would be
reached. Bn. never before had they come
to asl ironclad signed agreement, SO there
we're at least reasonable hopes of a settle
ment. At II O'Clock the representatives of
the lower House began gathering on tho
upper foor of Electric hall. some of them
were a tritle red about the eyes as the result
of a nights jubilation over the settlement:
others were rather slow in getting around,
but by i1:30 o'clock nearly all were present.
The democrats appeared somewhat lost in
the room, but they wore warmly welcomed
by the republicans and made at home.
Little groups of prominent men in both
parties scatteted about and chattea about
the situation until, the noon hour grew
near. 4she democrats chose the. right side
of tho house and picked out their desks.
The republicans and ex-Speaker Blakeley
are on the other side. The people of the
town showed their interest by filling up the
lobby at an early hour. To separate them
FROM the representatives. a piece of rops had
been strung from one side of the room to
the other. Among those leaning oyer it
were Col. G. d. Curtis, Col. james Sullivan,
Manager John Mcguire, City Treasurer
Folk. Col. Dave Brown, of Fort Benton;
Chairman Dudley Du Bose and other prom
inent men of both parties. Chief Justice
Blake and Associate Justice De Witt
dropped in the house before time was
called. Nearly all of the senators occupied
seats on the democratic sids of the house,
though Senator Godard occupied a chair
near Representative Corey's desk. Within
the Enclosure were several ladies. some of
whom would like to be committee clerks.
The excitement increased as the noon hour
approached. for it was an unusual occasion.
When the hands of tho clock had reached
twelve Ex-speaker Blakely slowly walked
covered package. II contained Il bright
new gavel. which the ex-speaker grasped in
his right hand as he mounted
to the speakers desk. The next minute the
gavel fell and tho house was called to or
der by Mr.. Blnkely who is the Oldest repre-
sentative IN oint of service. The crowd in
the lobby made a faint effort to cheer and
menSed reading the roll. All representa-
tives were present except Beach, Comfy and
Wit}sr. The election of a speaker pro
temper being in order, MI. Frank nomi-
mated Mr.. Humber, of Deer Lodge. After
MI. ,Penrose had seconded the nomination
the e~lectiou of Nh. Humber was made all
butsnnanimous, Mr.. Monteath voting mo"
Mr.. Humber upon taking the chair thanked
the house for the honor Of his election,
While he felt some timidity In assuming the
duties Of the efice he hoped that with the
assistance Of the members, legislation would
60 on without interruption. Mr.. Barrows
was elected temporary chairman and the
following committee on credentials was ap-
pointed by the speaker: Messrs. Blakely,
Frank, Greenough and Thompson. After a
recess the committee reported favorably on
the list of names in the report. Chief Jus
tice Blake was asked to administer the oath.
He walked down in front of the clerks desk
with a copy of the constitution in his hand,
Then all Representatives arose and lifting
oath after the chief justice. 1t was a rather
impressive scene. The resolution which
was part of the agreement, was adopted
and the house proceeded with the election
of permanent officers. Here it was that q
hitch occurred. MIR. Frank in reading the
list of of officers chosen by the democrats
read the name of II. G. Humber as tempo
rary speaker. This was not part of the
agreement As signed by the republicans,
though they were willing to vote for a dem
ocrat. Mr.. Loud made the first protest
because the resolution was divided into
three resolutions. Mr.. Blakely suggested
that n ballot be taken for zach candidate
n Nj. Wallace moved that the name OF
the speaker pro tempore be filled in the
blank. Another election for speaker prc
tempore appeared necessary and it was eyi-
dent that the republicans were disposed tc
have another man thar Mr.. Humber if pos.
eible. Mr.. Loud nominate Mr.. Blakely
Mr.. Frank nominated Mr.. Humber; Mr.
Mitchell nominated John r. Toole and Mr.,
Greenough nominated Mr.. Wallace
These gentlemen, except Mr.. Humber, de.
clined one after the other and each
had q kind word for Mr.
Humber. Finally, when matters were get
ting decidedly mixed and no one knew jus
what play would be made next, Mr.. Ihomp
son, of Silver Bow, moved that Mr.. Humber
be elected n the motion was carried b,
reclamation. There were yells foe a speech
and Mr.. Humber again expressed hit
thanks for the election. The other officer
of the house were elected by one ballot ant
immediately took the oath. After com
mlttees had been appointed to notify tn,
governor and mi of the organization O
the house a recess was taken until 3 O'Clock
IN TIL AFTERNOON.
The Representatives Quickly Get Down t.
Business.
At thrae o,cloc1f tho ,anro,,,t,4;u.. E.,