The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-12-02
IN THE SENATE.
The Upper House of Congress Convenss on
the Stroke of Twelve.

The Upper House of Congress Convenss on
the Stroke of Twelve.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-The United
States senate was called to order at noon
today by Vice President Stevenson.
The decorum of the upper branch of
congress is seldom disturbed even by the
opening of congress, and today, with
crowded galleries and a general air of
expectancy, there was the same even and
unruffied procedure which characterizes
the senate.
Ali the galleries, public and private,
except that reserved for the diplomatic
corps we've filed to overlooking by IL
o'clock and the outer corridors were
crowded with those unable to gain ad-
mission. The senators began to gather
early in the day exchanging greetings
and renewing acquaintance.
Mr. Jones of Arkansas and Mr.. Teller
of Colorado were among the first ar
rivals. They were soon joined by the
venerable Senator Hoar, of Mass, and his
colleague. Mr.. Lodge.
MIR. PETER and Dir. Allen showed
! special attention to the acquisitions to
the Populist senatorial ranks. There
was a special interest in the many new
faces. Mr.. Martin, of Virginia, was in
troduced to his associates by MIR. Daniel.
Mr.. Sherman crossed the chamber and
greeted his Ohio associate MIR. Brice,
who was in a group with Messrs German,
| Cockrell and Harris.
The floral offerings were unusually
abundant. The desk of Mr.,
Shoup of Idaho, held fruit as
we'll as flowers The two New
Jersey senators. Mr.. Smith and Mr.. Sew
| ell were entrenched behind enormous
banks of American Beauty roses rising
six feet from the floor. Other senators
remembered with baskets and punches
of flowers were Allison. Baker, Cullom,
ris, Jones of Arkansas, Lodge, Mcbride,
Mantle, Martin. Mitchell of Oregon,
Proctor, Quay and Roach.
Exactly at ~ O'clock the vice president
assembled to the presiding officers chair,
and rapping once, called the senate to
order.
In impressive tones, the blind chap
lain of the senate invoked divine bless
ing on the chamber, referring eloquent
| lY to the affection in the family of ex-
| Senator Wilson of Indiana ard to the
absence of Isaac Basset the veteran door
| keeper, who is now dangerously i'll.
The first business transacted was the
swearing in of new senators and of those
re- elected.
They proceeded to the clerks desk in
groups of three and four, accompanied
by their state colleagues, and with up
lifted right hands. took the oath as it
was read by the vice president
The usual formal resolutions were
quickly adopted. That Of Mr.. Cockrell
| Dem, Mo- provided senate sessions be-
| ginning at 10 o'clock noon daily; that of
Mr.. Sherman rep, o. notified the house
that quorum of the senate was present
and ready to proceed with business; that
of Mr.. Villas, Dem, Wis., providingfor a
committee of two senators and two repre-
sentatives to wait upon the president
and notify him that congress awaited
any communication the executive branch
desired TO present
The presiding officer designated Mes
SIS Villas and Allison for the committee
to wait on the president.
At 1890 a recess of an hour was taken.
At 80 when the senate reconvened,
| Mr.. Pruden of the White house staff was
| in the chamber with word that the pres
ident's message would not be submitted
today and at 1880 o'clock on motion of
MIR. Sherman the senate adjourned till
| tomorrow.
The Republican senators were in eau
Gus half an hour after the senate ad-
journed today, but adjourned until Wed
nesday without taking any action on the
aOizafiOD of tho aaDato