Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 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.


new state officers ard the opening of tn
, state legislature:
Probably Lansing never before held sucl
an enormous number OF strangers as it die
Wednesday. The railroads ran specia
trains at reduced rates, and the number o
passengers they carried was unprecedented
They came from all parts OF the state,
even the most distant A large party
the Jacksonians Of Detroit-brought {
band with them, which played in and
about the capitol such airs as the 'StaI
Spangled Banner" michigan, My Michi'
gan" Marching Through Georgia." etc.
so frequently and at times in such close
proximity to the legislative halls, as to III
terrupt the proceedings. a delegauon
from the Upper Peninsula came down ~
fine style in vestibule car.
The American flag was displayed from
the windows of the governors omce, anu
the interior balconies Of the dome were
fcstooned with red, white and plue punt
ing. Hundreds of visitors. men ana
women, wore ribbon badges designating
their place Of residence, with notices re-
ferring TO the Inauguration OF DoV'
Winans
At 70 o'clock, the galleries OF the house
being completely filed, and 'he moor I'M
comfortably intruded upon by numerous
visitors, Daniel L. Crossman, clerk OF tho
last house, in the performance OF MS statu-
tory duties raped the gavel upon the
marble of the desk and called the house 10
order He said that in consequence of the
great crowd in attendance he would APP
point temporarily, a sergeant-at-arms
with power 10 select two assistants, 10
maintain decorum. He named William L.
Preston. the democratic nominee for
serreant-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 IA 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 Governo: and state
officers, the President of tie 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
nnety-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.
II 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
3. Wachtel of Emmett received 81 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
yIckema. The house applauded as he took
his place. Mr.. Wachtel, in returning his
thanks for the honor, admonished the mem
bers of the oncrous duties that lay before
them: asked that careful consideration
be given 10 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
Ms much as possible.
For clerk Of the house Lyman A. Brant
was elected, receiving 90 votes; Samuel L.
Cook Of Alger, "a.
f. NJ. Hopkins Of Genesee was elected
62 votes; Henry NJ Rose OF Kent, 81.
Everett l.. Bray of Genessee was appointed
assistant.
VIM. =. Perkins of MacSinac was elected
sergeaut-at-t rms. receiving 30 votes; Geo.
w. Foote of Wexford, 30 votes.
Geo. +. Richardson OF Ottawa was
elected speaker pro tenn, receiving 62
votes: Charles l.. Eaton of Van Buren,. 90
A resolution 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 rout ne resolutions
pertaining TO the organization of the house
were adopted.
IN THE SENATE.
The senate chamber presented q gala
appearance. The galleries and Hobbies
were CROWDED, many lauleS Deing pl eSent.
Political clubs from different parts Of the
state were conspicuous, wearing bright
colored badges. Lieut.. Gov. Strong, as
presiding officer Of the senate, was seated
in the presidents chair. Promptly at
1905 o'clock, down came the gaval. and
the senate vas 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 a quorum of the
senators-elect present.
Upon motion Of Senator Wisrer the
senate proceeded 10 an election of officers
The following officers were elected:
Secretary OF the Senate, Alfred j..
Murphy of Wayne; Assistant Secretary.