The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-08-08
Congress Will Meet the
Great Question.
ONE DAY OF PRELIMlNARIES
The Early Adjournment of the Sem
ate Prevented the Reception of
the Presidents Message.
Special to THE MORNING CALfA

WASHINGTON, Aug. T. Despite the
weather, which was to-day somewhat
cooler but still uncomfortably warm. tnera
was a great outpOurDg of Washington
people to the Fifty-tbird Congress. Ihere
is always a large attendance at the Capitol
Oh the first day of the session, but unusual
interest was attached to the opening oil
this Congress, because for the first time III
many years the Democrats have control
of both legislative branches as well as OF
the executive department OF the Govern
ment, and because the men that assembled
to-day will have to make laws to relieve
the present financial stress as we'll to fulfill
some of the pledges of the dominant politl-
cal party.
There are many new faces to be seen in
Congress, and some that are not unfamiliar
TO the public, as for instance that Of
Henry w Blair of New Hampshire, who
was for many years Senator OF conspicn-
GUS ability. despite his many eccentrici-
ties, and who now takes his seat as men,
Der of the House. When in the Senate he
was known as "EducationaP Blair, on ac-
count of his persistent advocacy OF his
famous educational bin. Now, however,
he Is dubbed "Chinese" Blair, because, as
most people will remember. he was ap-
pointed Minister TO China and was not re-
ceived by that coLntry. Blair never did
like the Chinese, and it is expected that he
win have a good deal to say on this sub
ject in this Congress-
Fighting j oe" Cannon has also returned
to Congress. after being left at home for
one term. He is one of the ablest men In
the house, and TIE same may be said OF
GrosvenOr of Ohio, who is also back again.
They will be of wonderful assistance to
Reed in his contentious with the majority.
On the Democratic size may be seen the
faces of General Daniel Sickles and Dan
Lockwood, of New York, and General
Black of Illinois. ex-Commissioner of
Pensions. When in the latter Office Black
Tom, Dick and Harry, and in some cases
without application having been made.
He sent pension to William r. Morrison,
merely as compliment to the colonel, but
the latter not being an ardent admlrer of
Black declined the courtesy. AS Black is
q warm friend of this administration there
are some curious-minded persons who
wonder if he will repndiate the present
pension policy of Cleveland, Hoke Smith
and the Pen sion Commissioner.
OF the California delegation the new
members are Mcguire and Cannon. Every
body has heard of Mcguire. but Marion
Cannon of Ventura. although he has lived
in California for forty years, has not been
very prominent in the politics of the State.
In 1891 be organized its Peoples party
and was soon president of the Farmers
Alliance of California. He was elected
and classed as Populst until to-day.
when he voted for Crisp for Speaker Mr..
Cannon's personal appearance suggests a
way back" legislator of the Judge
Waxem" type. He is apparently states
man of the non-aggressive kind. Dot very
sociable, and browses by himself. Mr..
ca ion wears boots, a tuft of whiskers
sprouts from his chin, and he has a fine
knack of eypectorating tobacco juice
through bis teeth.
The Californians were peculiarly lucky
In drawing for seats. This seat lottery
seems to have a peculiar fascination for
the congressman, as have some other
games of chance, and the spectators seem
to enjoy the game as we'll as they. The
Congressmen are required at the outset 10
range themselves back of the space for the
seats. and couple of pages are employed
in drawing The names of the members.
The first one called has his choice OF a
seat steps to the front and makes his
selection. Generally the member has
already made up his mind, but frequently
he comes forward in an embarrassed way.
takes a survey of the chamber and then
darts for certain seat. while his fellow
members clap their hands and laugh lik e
lot of children at nursery games. The
ex-Speaker and the two Oldest members in
point of service are usually accorded the
privilege Of making their selection before
the game begins, as was the case to-day.
There was applause when such men as
Reed, Cochran, McMillin. Cannon OF Hi
nois and Wilson of West Virginia made
their selections. and laughter followed the
frequent sallies of wit from mem bers when
Cobb Of Alabama came forward at the call
Of his name ana gazed about in half be-
wiliered way. Some wag shouted.
Where am l atw the application of which
joke was greatly appreciated by members
and spectators.
Ihomas Is. Reed was the great magnet
that attracted the stars Of the Republican
side, while ID turn around these revolved
the lesser satellites and little "winkers,"
so that very soon the available seats on all
sides OF Reed were occupied. 1t was the
same on the Democratic side, where the
big stars and the little ones reyoIyed
around Wilson. Cochran, Springer and
ether bodies. The little fellows'' would
take their seats and smile with satisfaction
ct the bare idea OF sitting so close to great
ness, where perhaps some OF it might be
absorbed.
OPENING THE BATTLE.
The Caucus Nominees Are puf