Evening journal., 1892-12-05

tion in the House-Republicans Making
the Best of IL.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 5-The
final session of the Fifty second congress
opened at noon today, and with probably
brief intermission for Christmas, will
now run its uninterrupted course till
March next, when a new congress and
new administration will come into ex-
istence simultaneously. Whether or not
the new congress in both its branches
will take up its sessions soon after the
congress dies, is for the future to deter
niue.
The scenes Of today's opening were
marked by no events out Of the ordinary
run. There was the customary crowds
in the galleries and corridors, a trife
less expectant and demonstrative than
ON previous occasions when topics OF
greater public interest were pending;
the usual floral outbursts on the desks
of favored senators and members; the
usual preliminary handshakings and ex-
changes of recess "reminiscences and in
brief there were all the expected Incl
dents Of opening day, rendered more
than usually attractive and pleasing by
clear skies, bright sunshine, and bracing
weather, not biting enough to call for
heavy clothing.
Vice-president Morton when he entered
the senate chamber found himself sur
rounded and saluted by many, who offici
ally were like the Roman gladiators
"about to die" He himself. is numbered
among who will be missed. Mr.. Morton has
made no enemies and many friends in
the presiding officers chair. Coming to
the senate entirely unfamiliar with par.
liamentary methods, he has taken pains
to become fairly expert presiding Off
cer his unrutiled serenity of temper and
unfailing courtesy of manner aiding
much to popularize his rule. Immedi-
ately in front of him, in the second row
next to the gangway, sat the veteran
Dawes, of Massachusetts, still in sound
health, who after thirry-four years OF
continuous congressional service, has
chosen to retire Of his own free will.
Further back and to the right, neal
the place where Charles Sumner wa!
won't to sit, the leonine name and burly
pushing personality of Hiscock, of New
York, marked senator retired by tn,
will of his constituents. In a knot il
in the far corner, were grouped the sena
tors from the newly admitted states
Montana, Wyoming, Washington AM
North Dakota, each of whom, togethe
with Perkins, the appointed senator VIII
fills Plumb's place from Kansas, AM
Paddock, the energetic pure food" sen
ator from Nebraska, find their fate
trembling in the balance.
Near them was FELTON,, of CalifOrnis
who win also make way for a Democra
next March, and Stewart, of Nevadi
f,rkr r,,1fAfno1 oNf1foAfnr in
changed condition of affairs in hi
pocket borough" state, is a matter {
doubt, which he alone can determine.
Familiar Faces Present.
With just a slight perceptible increas
in the bend in his shoulders, but men
ally as alert and vigorous, and apparent
as little likely to resign as ever, job
Sherman. the financial Ajax of eightee
congresses, sat in his accustomed sea
impassive of face, but with an occasions
restlessness of manner, strongly recal
ing his brother, the dead general.
Near him, more rubicand of face al
Pickwickian of figure than ever, WI
George Frisbie Hoar, of Massachusett
restored to health and relieved from Il
threatened impairment of his sight by b
six months tour in Europe. He receive
the hearty congratulations of his frien'
on both sides of the chamber. The co
spicuous seat of Mr.. Allison, chairman
the committee on appropriations, vi
with Senator Jones, of Nevada, is in q
tendance on the Brussels monetary co
ference, was vacant and Mr.. Hale
Maine, his near neighbor, moved aroul
with an obvious sense of added impC
tance is acting head of that great CO..
mittee. Philetus Sawyer, the iocui
and rotund senator from Wisconsin W
can scarcely be said to have occupied
seat in the senate, inasmuch as he is &c
orally to be seen circulating around {
aisles with a rolling sailor-like ga
showed no signs of disappointment
the adverse turn of the wheel which W
send Democrat back in his place
March f.
Conspicuous Absentees.
On the Democratic side the emf
places of Gibson, of Louisiana and Ken
of West Virginia bespoke illness, VIII
fn the case of the Louisiana man at lie
awakened grave forebodings. To off
this shadow, Vance, of North Carroll
with nearly a full measure of health
gained after an attack from which
worst was feared, came in for gener
congratulations, from all the oil
senator's, who have missed his quick
and rollicking, humorous sallies.
All the Democratic Leaders Present
The leaders, German, of Maryla
Ccckrell, of Missouri, Carlisle, of K
lucky and Mills, of Texas, the last
whom has hardly yet settled down
his bearings in the senate chamber, "
each in his place, aud each was the Gel
of little coterie of consulting and {
graduating senators.
The Senate Session Begun.
Vice-P President Morton is punctua
personifed. The gavel has never ia
20 tap promptly at the stroke of 10 81
he has been in the chair, and his l.
menens, the genial Manderson, Of
braska, president protein, has not
behind in promptitude and attendanc
The chaplain of the senate, Rev.
Butler, has remained unchanged
years. His opening prayers are M
characterized by those picturesque al
ions to current events with which
Nfilburn the blind chaplain Of the no