The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-09-05
TALK OF SPECIAL SESSIONS.

ia VI Cl bFtfD OEOClONO.
1t Might Have Bee. to MI. Harrison's PoIIt-
ical Interest. but He Refused to Call One.
Special TO the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4-The members of
the two houses are cong~ratulating them
selves on having escaped o special session
of Congress. II the President had de-
ermlned to call one he would ave broken
up the campaign plans of those Repre-
.sentatives who are standing for re-elec-
tion. This would have been a distinct
gain to the Republican party, for the great
majority OF these are Democrats. But the
President was not moved by this consider
alton. An extra session of Congress- is an
expensive luxury. 1t means mileage for
the members OF tho two houses, the daily
ex penses of the Capitol. which are consld-
crabiy more when Congress Is In session
than during the recess, the salaries of a
number of session employees. and heavy
bills for printing. supplies, etc. There have
been only eleven extra sessions of Congress
since the establishment of the existing
foRtn of government. The senate is called
In special session very often to con slider
nominatiOnsto be made by the President.
~ 30 a. oAO w - - VA viz III
Immediately after the inauguration of a
President TO consider nominations-partlc-
ularly the nomination of members of the
Cabinet and of the diplomatic corps.
George Washington called the Senate in
special session.. but he did not find it neees-
sary to call a special session of the House.
The first extra session was called by Presi-
dent Adams, and the form used by him in
calling ii has been the form In use ever
since. This first extra session Was called
for May. 1897. In consequence OF threatened
trouble with France. Our minister to
France, Mr.. Pinckney, had been expelled
from that country, and President Adams
called the Congress together after express
ing the resentment of the United States at
the act In n spirited message. No war re-
suited and Congress had little TO do.
The second extra session was called in
October. 1902. by President Jefferson. 10
authorize the purchase of Louisiana. The
purchase was In April fol-
lowing. Jefferson called the Congress to-
gether again in October. 1907, in conse-
quence of the seizure of the United States
steamer Chesapeake by the British. The
matter was adjusted for the time. but as q
final result President Madison caAed Con-
gress together Nov. 4. ISL. to vote supplies
for the threatened war with England.
which was declared in June following. On
account of the continuance. of this war
President Madison called the Congress to-
BetDcE again .Cept. 10, lolf. 10 pTOVluo u
place for the documents OF Congress. the
British having burned t~he.Capitol.
The next extra session WAS called by
President Van Buren, during the panic of
1887. The fra lcial disturbance of ls4l was
what lnduted President Harrison TO call q
special Sc esiOn in that year. There was no
other callei session until Aug. 81. 1856.
when. Congress having adjourned without
passing an army appropriation bill, Presi-
dent . Isrce called q special session aud
the appropriation was made.
PRECEDENT Lincoln called n special session
for July 4. 1861. 1t was the only called
session made necessary by the war of the
rebellion. A special session was called by
Hayes, Oct. 10, 1877, on account OF the
failure of the army appropriation bill at
the regular session. Before this. In March,
1916, a special session had been called ON
account, of the controversy between the
Republicans and Democrats over the pos
session of the executive Offices.
Although he has been hard at work
since he left Washington. tho Fresident is
looking much better than when he went
to Loon Lake. Anxiety over the cOndi-
ton of Mrs. Harrison, as much as the duties
OF bis 0f11ce, had worn on him during the
last days of the session OF Congress. and
the opportunity to be with her has been q
tonic to him. But he counts on the next
week as being one of absolute rest. Pos
slhiy il would have been Just as we'll if he
had not taken Mr.. Halford with him. for
when they are together 1t Is not unnatural
that they should fall to talking ''shop."
But the shop-talk will be only lesultory,
and In general the President will enjoy for
about ten days what will be as near a va
cation as he will see thIs year. When he
returns to Washington. as he OK poets to on
the 10th. he will have the Grand Army en-
campment before him. and q month later
the trip to Chicago, Indianapolis and other
Western points, and between these events
he will have to watch the progress of the
campaign and advise with the leaders in
the different States. His annual message
will have to be considered as soon as the
election excitement Is over. and then will
come the session of Congress.