The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-12-07
INATTENTIVE MEMBERS.
CONG RESSMEN PAY NO ATTENTION
TO THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
writing as the Vocal Gymnastics OF the
Clerk Proceeds - What the Virginia
Members Say About Extra Session.
TfMEs BUREAU. RAPLEY BUILDING.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 6, 1893. J

A cold. rainy. cheerless morning coupled
with the knowledge that the reading Of
the Presidents message would occupy
almost the entire day had the effect Of
keeping a good many members down
town. and leaving the galleries almost
entirely deserted. The members began
20 gather at an early hour. and the greet
ings that marked yesterday were con-
uuucd on a large scale again to-day. A
few fresh baskets of flowers adorned the
desks Of members who were not present
yesterday.
The diplomatic and executive galleries
were not occupied. and scarcely half a
dozen ladies were in the members gal
l.re. while the occupants OF the public
e.uery looked like a lot OF people who
were seeking shelter and warmth rather
nan the cdifcation which the reading of
The Presidents message with about the
ra0iity and distinctness of an aucuoneer
could afford.
AT noon Speaker Crisp raped the
House to order, and a prayer, the first
heard by some Of the members since last
session. was offered by Rev. DR.. Milburn
lie alluded touchingly 10 the many af-
f.ctions which had been visited upon the
President recently, and invoked blessings
upon his future life.
The clerk read the titles Of a number
OF communications in the shape of reports
from the various departments, and at
fits close, "a message from the President"
was announced. The reading Of the mes
sage began at 1913. and was completed
at 1.40 p. NJ. About one hundred MEM
1f.msa1
Democrats and Republicans, remained in
the House during the reading. These
were engaged in either talking or writing,
and Mr.. Hooker. of Missouri, seemed
the only one who attempted 10 follow
the vocal gymnastics of the reading clerk.
After the reading of the message the
House adjourned.
The time of the Senate was taken up by
the reading of the message from the
President. and a short executive session
followed its completion. After which the
body adjourned.
Both Democrats and Republicans seemed
pleased with the message, its tone holsters
up some of the weakened Republicans
and the Democrats rejoice that he forces
the party TO keep on the extreme lines
OF the high tariff and Force bill
Congressman w. A. Jones, Of the First
district was early in his seat this morn
ing. Regarding the extra session, he
said: Il am an ardent tariff reformer,
but / believe we have plenty OF time Tor
these reforms in the usual sessions, and
unless the condition Of the Treasury after
March 4th absolutely demands it, l am
not in favor of an extra session."
Captain George d. Wise arrived late
last night, and .was at the Capitol this
morning He said: Il think the ques-
tion Of an extra session Is one when VIII
remain for Mr.. Cleveland 10 determine
after his Inauguration. Ii is impossible
now for any one 10 know what clrcum-
stances may arise, or what conditions
may exist at that time. l do not think
that such sessions should be called unless
the public business absolutely requires II.
The President will have his Government
10 inaugurate. and such session would
impose upon him many very onerous
duties. il seems to me now that If 1t
appears 10 be necessary, that september
or October would be early enough FOR the
session"
Mr. Posey G. Lester. Of the Fifth dis
trict. who on account Of his health, re-
fused to become a candidate for re-elec-
ton. said: Il want TO see Democratic
principles inaugurated as early as is
practicable, but / think that we should
Doe very conservative and consider what
effect an unusual action would have upon
the business interests of the country. We
cannot be expected TO correct all the evils
y
lation i'm a single term"
Congressman Buchanan Of the Ninth
district, said: II VIII not be a member
OF the next Congress. and have really
gwen no serious thought TO the prOba-
tiity Of its sessions
Congressman Epes. Of the Fourth dis
trlct. appears 70 be in the most excellent
spirits over his recent reelection, and
for two days has been warmly cOngratu-
lated by his associates In the house who
knew Of his hard fight against the Third
party candidate. on the subject Of the
extra session, he expresses himself as
seeing at this time no need Of if. but like
nearly iii Of the members, he believes in
meeting the question when the full con-
diton OF affairs shall be known at the
close Of this session.
/ walked into the Metropolitan this af-
ternoOn, and was strongly reminded OF
the DAYS OF last winter in Richmond
The lobby was we'll filled with familiar
faces for the boundary delegation had
arrived. Those who are here are: Sena-
tor EchOls, Representatives CardWen
Ryan, Gibson, Shackelford, wilkins and
i. O. James; Colonel John Bell Bigger
Billy Wilson and Assistant Sergeant-at-
Arms Gunter. Senator'S Blackstone, Little
and Stubbs Will come in during the even
Ing.
one Of the best after election stories
Congressman Hopkins of Illinois. In his
district is the little crossroads postohice
OF Ivanhoe which was presided over dur
Ing Mr.. Clevelands administration by
German Democrat. When Mr.. Harrison
assumed control Mr Hopkins had the
Office turned over 70 Republican who
was also a German. A little over a year
ago the man died and his Teutonic wife
was appointed 10 succeed him. On the
day after election the German Democrat
appeared 4 the postofiice
Cleveland has won" he exclaimed.
ningling tones Of delight with accents
and gesticulatons Of the Fatherand,
and the postoffice is mine"
The widow. being aware Of Mr.. Cleve-
lands election, and unsuspectinsly be-
hedng her official career at an end, Of |
fercd no protest when the jubilant Ger
man brought up his wagon and hauled |
te contents Of the postoffice 10 his |
store. He has been acting as postmaster |
ever since
Mr. Hopkins reported the case at the |
Postofhce Department Yesterday, and an /
Inspector has been sent 10 convince the /
clterprising Democrat OF the error Of his
way
The story shows that there are really
t0me Ofce-seekers in the Democratic
ranks yet. and as / know some people |
Who would take a postofice manage
ment as soon as they can get II, | write
this % let the present holders know that
they are not compelled 10 give them up at
present