Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-03
Senators and Representatives Again
Commence Their Work.
THE LEADERS RECEIVED With CHEERS
Many in Both Houses Are Given
Floral Tributes.
L HE MES S AGE READ

Fifty-third Congress, after recess OF
three months, made the big white marble
Capitol building a center of interest to-
day. Early in the day the corridors be-
gan to fill with the crowd, which is al
ways attracted by the assembling of Con-
gress. There was added interest, owing to
the political revolution which had recently
occurred. But IL was not a struggliq1
mass of humanity, such somctimtS
marks the great events of Congress. The
Presidents message to be presented
an both houses, and this meant that there
could be no sharp debates, as the reading
clerks would have the floors for two hours
or more during the reading of the message.
The crowd seemed to be drawn mainly to
TIE House end of the Capitol, as ii was
here that the recent political storm had
made its marks most apparent. The gal
ieres were well filled, though not over
crowded, and the spectators showed an
eager interest in the arrival Of each con-
spicuous figure on the floor Congression-
al veterans who had spent a good share
OF their life ia the House of Representa-
tives came into ii for their ilAal session,
the recent tidal wave having retired most
of the leaders of the majority. But there
were few disconsolate faces among the
defeated, and they Joined with the mem
bers of the minority In good-natured sal
lies across the middle aisle which is the
man of Indiara was one Of the first TO
Put in an appearance. He greeted warmly
his old friends and then went 10 his seat
and busted himself with the business OF
the day. Occasionally there was a round
of applause as some leader of note made
his appearance.
Cheering the Leaders.
When Mr. Reed entered the hall OF the
House this morning he was received with
the loud acclamations of his colleagues
He entered the hall at twenty minutes or
r. at a time when the floor was crowded.
All of his partisans, most of the specta-
tors and a number of the democrats clap
cpd their hands to give him welcome. FOR
five minutes more he stood near his
desk and shook hands with people VINO
came down the aisle in stream to meet
him. On his desk was floral snip OF
state which some admirers had placed
there with inscription making a pro-
phetic suggestion that 1t might carry him
the presidency. Mr.. Reeds countenance
was beaming with amiability AMI satisfac-
ton. He wore long Prince Albert coat.
buttoned tight across his chest, and with
his imposing figure and smiling counte-
rance looked like an amiable giant amidst
a throng of friends. About ten minutes
later Mr.. Wilson of West Virginia entered
the hall from a side door ana at once his
friends gathered around him to shake
hands and give every evidence OF their
friendship and admiration. 1t was the
democrats turn anu MI VIII
son was given a warm reception. At IL
o'clock Speaker Crisp entered the hall ana
his appearance at the Speakers desk was
the signal for universal applause. Most
of the republicans Joined with the demo-
Gratis in giving him welcome, and the hand
clapping continued for several minutes,
until he silenced it with his gavel calling
the House to order and directing the chap
lain to offer a prayer.
The opening scene in the House was one
of unusual animation. Instead of quiet
xr.hs oh, tiaft.n faA
with the depressing contrast cf sorrowful
counte ances on one side and exultation on
the other, a general buoyancy of spirit was
shown en- all sides.
The handshakings congratulations and
banterings were mingled in noisy confu-
sion. The republicans were in high spirits
and the democrats had evidently made up
IT, cir minds to put bold front and to
disarm all purpose to embarrass them by
uncomfortable reminders of recent politi-
cal events. There was perfect tumult
OF good nature and high spirits shown on
the floor from the moment that members
began to assemble until they were Quieted
by the prayer. The floral display was
something unusual in extent. Even at the
opening Of a new Congress Ii is seldom
that as many and as gaudy flowers deco
rate the desks of the members. Nearly
every desk in the house had some sort or
floral piece on 1t, and the hall looked like
q hot house.
At the Senate End.
The Senate looked like a great wedding
reception party today rather than the up
per house of the national legislature. There
were flowers and smiles, handsnakihS and
congratulations, pretty speeches and gra-
cious responses,a and general air of holiday
beauty over the whole scene. Everybody
was in his best clothes and probably
his best humor. The galleries were full
of ladies' also dressed in their best. They
filed every seat and then swarmed ont In
to the corridors and formed besieging
party a force of which attacked the re-
ception door in search of tickets IF adms-
sion. But a new rule had gone into effect
and no more tickets are to be issued here
after. The reserved galleries to be
filled by members of the families of Sena-
tors, Representatives and judges Of the Su-
preme Court and ell left over are to be
given to personal friends of Senators on
verbal orders.
If it were not for the flowers. today's
session of the Senate would have been
tamely monotonous. Recess followed re-
cess, until the mes age came and then there
was a long period of reading, which Ia
probably quite unintelligible to the aver
age occupants Of the galleries.
Flowers Profuse and beautiful.
The flowers were very profuse end becu-
tiful Little punches We're laid by the pages
on the desks of Senators Voorhees,, Cor
man, Smith, Harris, Dubois and Villas.
Great baskets were lugged I'm by TIE little
boys and set on the desks of Senators
Proctor. Mitchell of oregon, Shoup, Hans
brough and White of California. After the
session had begun, the smallest boy of the
lot brought in the very largest piece,
tremendous shield in immortelles, across
the face of which the words New Jersey"
blazed in blue letters, with n sort Of sui
phuric effect.
1t was placed on the d esk of Mr.. Smith.
who promptly retired from its vicinity
with surprising modeSty. Poor Mr.. PETER
was aforementioned He strolled about the
chamber shaking hands here ard there.
and finally Mr. Mitchell of Oregon. out Of
the generosity of his soul, gave Mr.. PETER
a single rose. which he pinned his
BOSOM The stalk was long and the rose
bud nestled lovingly in the midst of Mr..
PETERS luxuriant beard, forming most
artistic effect
There was unusually full attendance,
but sixteen seats being vacant when the
roll was called. Most noteworthy among
the absentees was Mr. Hill, and this
caused p great disappointment TO the
crowds who had expected to feast their
ewes upon the lately disannnintsd candi~