The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-12-04
CONGRESS- CONvENES
Little Excitement at the Re-
assembling of Both
Houses Today.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
He Strongly Endorses the Work
Of the Ways and Means
Committee.
ON THE HAWAIIAN MATTER
His Views on the Financial Situa-
ton aud recommendation
Pension Question Con-
sidered.
ON THE HAVANA MATTER

WASHINGTON, Dec. A. 1S93.-The fecond
session OF the Fifty-tiirI Congress
openei very quietly. Indeed, 1T was a
subject of general emark that,in view OF
tile number and Importance Of the mat
rers OF legislation expected to make the
Flfty-third Congress memorable In the
economic history OK the country there
was u remark ,hle lack OF public interest
exhibited on this, the opening dsy.
Usually the entire Capitol build
ing is thronged with people
when Congress meets. but today
the visitors were not numerous
nor were they early in making their ap-
pearance. and, half an hour befo re
fell. and the Congress began it's
session, the galleries were scarcely
more than half filled. Perhaps
this was TO be accounted for by the bleak
and boisterous weather. a typical winter
day In this climate, with BRET Intervals
of sunshine and longer spaces OF cloudy
skies and rough and frosty winds.
Also it may lay been that
the interest was slackened by the knowl-
edge that the. opening day was 20 ee
destitute of all those formal ceremonies.
such as the election OF Speaker and other
officers, and the drawing for seats Ia the
House. which are always relished and
looked forward TO by the people OF Wash
ington.
242 members and the Speaker declared
the House ready for the transaction OF
business.
The following committee was appointed
by the Speaker to wait upon the Presi-
dent and inform him that the House was
ready 20 receive any communication he
might wish to make:-
Messrs. Wilson (Dem., w. W Outh-
waite (Dem.. Ohio and Burrows. (Rsp,,
Mr.. Hines (Dsm.. PAP offered a reio-
luton providing that a committee
be appointed TO investigate the
ey 'sting strike ON the Lehigh Valley
E-dlroad, it's causes aud effect. and, IL
possible. suggest q remedy.
The house then at 1855 took a recess
for fifteen minutes.
IN HI SENATE.
At five minutes before the time for the
Ravel Co fall in the Senate there were but
five Senators on the floor. The big bas-
kets OF flowers on some of the desks were
the most obtrusive objects present.
The Senate clings with tenacious grip
co the traditions that surround IL, and il
would not comport with the dignity OF
the upper body to assemble In the cham
Der at too early an hour. Hence it
happened that but few Senators
appeared in their seats until almost the
stroke of noon. In the cloak rooms it
was entirely different. On the Republican
side the attendance before the hour of
meeting was small, aud the little mot of
Senators in the cloak room was composed
OF the extremes of the country.
Over on the Democratic side there was
quite an animated group Of statesmen.
nlt,-- o1nrf nfanffnn0 %OnnOAd q tonic for
conversation, aad there was frequent ref
erence to the new tariff bill, with a men,
ton of sugar here n there among the
members from Southern and interested
States.
The chamber of the Senate has a re-
novared appearances, although the CARPET
on the floor bears the look that always
accompanies shabby genttlity. 1t saw SER
vice during another session and recsived
come hard knocks that dimmed its luster
TO a considerable sxtens and took frsm 10
much of i's original freshness aud Beauty.
For the first time in years 1t was fsuHa
necessary to renew the tsp of The desk
of the Vice President; and when the
green DaiZe covering WAS removed
the top was found te be literally srokea
into minute splinters- Much OF this
wreckage was CAUSED during the resent
silver DEBATE. when the Vice President
was, perhaps, more than during any tixe
IL EC1VAt y0dA ~ ~ AS
with great frequency and much force. A
strong piece OF light mahogany wood
now forms the top of this dssk. and it lie
thought That many yeare more will roll
around before its renewal again will be
necessary
When the Senate was called to order a
message was received from the House
announcing a quorum and the appoint
mept of itB committee. A further recess
Was then taken until 1872 P. VI.
THE MESSAGE RECEIVED.
It was shortly after half>past one
convened. The Presidents Secretary
carried u copy of the message to both
branches.
The document was quite lengthy and
contained the usual routine of recon-
meudations In accordance with the re-
ports of the cabinet officers.
THE HAWAIIAN AFFAIR.
The President dismisses the Hawaiian
matter in short order. This is all he has
to say about it:-
II is hardly necessary for me TO state
that the questions arising from our rela-
lions with H4waii have caused serious
embarrassment. just prior 10 the in
staliatiou OF the present Administrations
fine existing Government OF Hawaii had
been suddenly oyerthrawn, and = ttsaty
Of annexation had been negotiated be-
tween the Provisional Governments of
the islands and the Usited States. aud
submitted to the SeuRss for ratification.
This treaty | withdrew for examination.
and dispatched Hon. James H. Blount OF
Georgia TO Honolulu asa special COM
missioner to make an impartial invests
CATION of the circumstances attending
the change of govern ment. and OF all the
conditions bearing upon the subject of
the treaty. After a thorough aud ex-
haustive examination Mr. Biouut sub
niitted TO me his report. showing beyond
all question that the Constitutional Gov
of Hawaii had bean subverted
with the active aid OF our
representative to that Government.
aud through the Intimidation
caused by the presence OF an armed
naval force OF the United States which
was landed for that purpose at the in
s. ance OF u Minister. Upon the facts
developed it seemed TO me the only hon
oranle course for our Government TO
pursue was To undo the wrong that has
been done by those representing us and
10 restore as far rs practicable The sc tins
skating al the time Of our forcibie inter-