Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-07

committee Tor courts OF Justice.
Adjourned.
Opening of the House.
The hall of the House of Delepa,es >S,,aa
crowded long before the proceedings OF the
body begun, and even the galleries were
packed with spectators. 4 large number
OF ladies and pretty girls frightened the
cosy room with their smiles. and II was
evident from the expression OF their fair
faces that they took an active interest in
the proceedings.
Nearly every member OF the House was
IN MS seat, and IL is needless 10 say that
they wore their best clothes and most
happy expressions In many instances
the coats OF the delegates were adorned
WIN howers. The new members appeared
10 nave 'primped" especially for the oc-
casion. When you saw neat-looklng
fellow with his hair carefully combed, his
clothes neatly brushed. and n general air
OF Self-satiSfaction about him you could
set the fellow down as n newcomer 1t
was only natural and proper that they
should look thus for it clearly evinced
the fact that the futuc solons appreciated
the honor and responsibility OF their po-
sitions
IL is not fauery TO say that the House,
taken as a whole, is splendid-looking,
well-dressed body Of men. The old mem
bers have certain air OF dignity about
them that indicates strength and char
acter, while the younger representatives
show determination, pluck. energy, and
intelligence In their faces. There are quite
a number OF young delegates by the way.
and many Of them are as smooth-faced
as schoolgirls.
SENT PRETTY FLOWERS.
One OF the prettiest and most unique
features incident 10 the opening of the
House WAS the beautiful floral designs
that adorned the desks of many Of the
members. The air. noisy with the hum Of
many voices. was perfumed with the fra
gTanCes OF roses and hyacinths. The
Richmond delegation in general, and Mr..
John S. Harwood in particular, were al-
most buried In garlands, and the specta-
tors could only see the tops OF their heads
above the blossoms.
Powhatan club honored each OF the
Richmond representatives with an i'm
mense floral tomahawk. The designs were
worked with different colors. and the ef-
feet Of the whole was beautiful
Through a labyrinth of roses. hyacinths.
carnations. and ChrySanthemums the spec
tators could sRe the handsome brown eyes
Of Mr. Harwood peeping out like a fairy
peering through a bank Of flowers. The
kflllAl I DN tdAdiiltt iiblii N+AhN w dih va"
especially and above all others hOnored
with floral designs. lie had an exquisite
ship. which was sent by his Clay-Ward
friends The argOsy Of many colored bios
SONS fluttered pennant. which bore the
inscription. "He Leads by 1902
The Clay Ward Actives honored the
oil merchant with beautiful basket of
flowers. while three other designs We're
sent by friends. Last. but not least was
the fowery tomahawk from Powhatan
Club.
Mr.. J. r. Evans. the young member
from Petersburg, had his handsome physi-
ognomy obscured by an exquisite basket
Of American Beauties. which sat upon his
desk. while the dignihed Mr.. Diggs nestled
behind a tomahawk Of white and green.
All the desks in the hall of the House
were neatly vanished. the floor car
pcted and the whole room was as neat
and comfortable as a family sitting
room.
OoENED WITH PRAYER.
Just before the hour OF noon arrived
Clerk John Bell Bigger. resplendent in a
white chrysanthemum about the size or
a saucer. and with a cravat that We'd
with the outside snow in whteness as
cended the rostrum and took his seat.
BY his side sat Hon. William Mann, his
former reading clerk, who has since been
made Assistant District Attorney. Mr.
Mann lent his assistance to the Colonel,
as the clerks have not yet been appointed.
Just as the town bells proclaimed the
noon-tide hour Colonel Bigger called the
House to order and presented Rev. Dr.
Hoge who offered a feryent prayer OF
thankfulness for all our blessings, and IN
voking for the House and its officers
divine guidance in the work before the
body.
Ninety-six members answered the roll
call. and all stood when the oath was adj
minlstered The printed forms were
signed afterward.
Mr.. Diggs. in nominating Hon. X. II.
Cardwell for reelection as Speaker said:
zone of the pleasantest duties that a
member upon this floor has To perform Is
10 express the unanimous wishes ana de-
sires OF the people that he represents.
Divisions arise in our political house
holds. and We frequently find our people
like the ancient Ephesians-some desire
one thing and some another. but ! am
fortunate in this my first legislative duty,
for I am certain that / but express the
wish and desire Of every man, woman
and child in my district when ! ask the
members upon this floor TO elevate 10
that Speakers chair my colleague IN TINS
House-Hon. II. II. Cardwell' tApplause)
MIR. Diggs. continuing, reviewed the
work of the House under Mr.. Cardweil 4
direction and paid n pretty eulogy to his
friend. The nomination was seconded by
Mr.. Downing. of Warren, who made
short but very happy speech
MIR. Gregory, of Chesterfield. briefly re-
ferred to the presence of the Populist
representatives. and said:
I'VE now serve notice upon the Com
monwealth and give this Assembly 10 un-
dorstand that We are here as party OF
ranized upon principles which are well
founded. lifelong. and will last as long
rs this Commonwealth endures we are
here for no idle purpose. We have great
duty devolving upon us We propose 10
nominate as Speaker Hon. I. y. Ahen' OF
McCklenburg.'
Air Weaver. OF Greenesville, seconded
Mr. Aliens claims. but he only received
votes against 81 for Cardwell.
THE SPEAKERS THANKS.
Nfessrs Diggs. Downing. and Ryan es-
corted the Speaker into the hall, ana he
received a splendid ovation. Upon taking
the chair he said:
"Gentlenen Of the House OF Delegates:
.With profoundly grateful heart | re-
ceive the nigh honor that you have so
unanimously and generously bestowed
upon me While / appreciate the honor
and accent the emblem of authority ] re-
ceiye II with "a consciousness that 1t brings
with il RESPONSIBILITIES. and when | recall
the fact that the good people OF virginia
bv such an overwhelming expression OF
tbcir wishes have committed their affair
IA vour hands. IL admOnishes us That we
eho,ld all be careful in adding TO or TAX
in, from her laws: that the welfare OF
tho ueople Of this State should be the
rri,ne object in view with the members
~ this House. Satisfied that this VIII be
vour aim. IL will meet with hearty re-
snonso from my bosom. and every power
,..sted in me will be welded in accordance
,,i,h that aim and desire. For four sue
cessive times this high honor has oeen
conferred upon me. making me teeI an
Tho more the weight of the responsibility
that n brings. and when / again return
to YOU my sincere thanks. l can out
renew the assurances heretofore gwen
mai I will discharge the duties OF the
nosltion TO which you assign me ihln-
fni,v and to the best interests OF our
state with no other aim or purpose In
view" mo p1ccI,p
Colonel John Ben Bigger was reelected
clerk without opposition. His name was
presented By Mr.. Crump ana seconded py
SIr Harwood. Being escorted in' tne pop
INH