The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-12-08
CONGRESS In SESSION.
The Opening Proceedings of the
Usual Routine Character.
BIG DISPLAY OF FLOWERS.
Close Attention Given to the Reading of
the Presidents Message.

WAsHINGToS, Dec 3.-Brght sunshine,
with an atmosphere slightly tinged with frost,
combined to produce typical autumn day
and brought large crowds to the Capitol to
witness the opening of the third session OF
the Fifty third Congress. The galleries were
filed to their utmost capacity fully an hour
before the hour appointed for the
assembly. and Notwithstanding the fact that it
was well understood the proceedings would
he commonplace and routine i'll character,
the crowds fingered until the last lines of the
Presidents message were read and the first
Legislative session was officially declared at
an end The House side of the Capitol was
the main point of attraction. The early
arrivals having filled the galleries, those
unable to secure admission to the lofts swarm
ed over the floor of the House and remained
until warned of the approach of the time for
the formal commencement of business.
THE USUAL SCENES.
The usual scenes that attend the opening
of Il session were enacted. Members eXchang
ed greetings with genuine warmth and
evident sincerity. ard the results of the
recent political struggle were talked over with
no suggestions of eXLtution on the part of
the victorious and without acrimony on the
part of those vanquished The Democrats
tool; the good-natured chatting in the best
Of humOr. cOnSOing themselves with the
reflection that their successful opponents
wore not without experience in adversely,
and that they were not unlikely to undergo
similar feelings in the future. There was
the usual liberal display Of flowers, and
neither side was neglected in these floral
contributions. On the desk Of Linton. of
Michigan, rested the model of what was
intended for Il school house. composed OF
red and white immorteles, II fringe OF blue
flowers extending around the rornre and
surmounting impossible chimncys. 1t was
contributed by the 4. p. A.. in acknowledge
mrnt of the defence of that organization made
at the last session by the recipient. \ legend
informed anxious lnQuirers that the structure
was the little red school house.
SHIP OF STATE FOR MIR. REED.
Mr.. Reed was favored with Il ship Of State,
composed of choice flowers, which completely
'ovcred his desk and winch bore Il legend
assuring the big man from Maine that. if
properly guided, it would carry him to IA
most desirable haven. An immense horse
SHOE also expressed the hopes of Mr. Reeds
admirers and was propped against the ship
Of State. Mr.. Reed entered the hall soon
after mali past Il, and rs Inc proceeded to his
sent was given cordial reception by his
political associates and appaudrd by the
galleries. Mr.. Wilson of West Virginia, entered
soon after Mr.. Reed and was also greeted
warmly 10y his political associates There
was nothing in the manner of Mr. Wilson to
Indicate that he had suffered defeat ut the
recent election. \ marked improvement IL
noticeable in his physical appearance since
the adjournment.
BUSINESS BEGINS.
At precisely Il O'Clock speaker Crisp came
into the hail, and, rs he passed to his place,
members on both sides of the aisle which di-
vides the parties joined in giving him a warm
welcome. The House was Immediately called
to order, and the routine business proceeded
with as though there had been no long inter
ruption of its sittings. After the presence of
quorum had been asccrtained by calling the
roll a resolution was adopted to appoint
committee to wait upon the President in con
junction with Il similar con mittee on the
part Of the Senate. and TO inform him that
Congress had convened and was ready TO re-
ceive any communication he might he pleased
to make. Messrs. Wilson. Holman and Reed
We're the committee appointed, and IL recess
was taken until one o'clock, which was subse-
Guently extended TO half-past one the Senate
having taken a recess to that hour.
~ THE SENATE.
The proceedings in the Senate did not
differ materially from those of the House.
There was II great crowd in the galleries, but,
while there was less confusion on the floor
than on that Of the House. there was the
same profuse display Of flowers and the same
degree OF libcrality exhibited by the donors
i'll their distribution. The attendance of Sen
ators was remarkably large only Is failing to
answer the roll call. Senator Hill was among
the delinquents. The committee appointed TO
wait on the President reported at 100. and
the report was followed Immediately by See
Rotary Pruden, who presented the Presidents
message, first making his appearance in the
Senate and proceeding directly therefrom to
the Hall of the House. The reading of the
message was ut once proceeded with in the
sides.