Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-12-05

the control of republicans and Thomas
Bracket Reed, of Maine, again tri-
umphantly assumed the speaker
gavel. Reeds appearance was a signal
for an enthusiastic demonstration. His
inaugural was modest and full Of
good feeling, but non-committal as
to policy. Ex-Speaker Crisp as
sumed the leadership of the minority
and it is significant that Payne, of
New York, made the motion which
usually devolves unon the leader of
the majority. This IS taken to mean
that he will be the chairman of the
ways and means committee and the
recognized leader of the republicans
On the floor.
By 1890 o'clock, an hour and half
before the time of the meeting, the
public galleries in both houses were
filled and an eager crowd overflowed
into the outer corridors. Many ladies
were in the throng, but there was a
noticeable lack of the color and fair
wec thered coGtumes which usually
give a touch of brightness to the
somber chambers.
From the galleries the visitors
looked down upon an animated scene
on the floor. On the speakers desk
were great punches of American beau
ty roses with streamers of red, white
and blue. Flowers were conspicuous
en- the desk of the various members.
Messrs. Hopkins rep, Ill), Loud
rep, CALI, Erdman dem, Pa.), and
Catcbings (dem., Miss.), were ap-
pointed tellers and the roll was called
the constitution requiring the election
of speaker by viva voce vote. All
the republicans voted for Mr.. Reed.
With one exception, all the democrats
for Mr.. Crisp, and all the populists for
Mr.. Bell. The exception was Mr.
Craine, a democrat from Texas, who
voted for his colleague, Mr.. Culber-
son, of Texas. The result of the vote
was: Reed, 234; Crisp, 95; Bell, G.;
Culberson, 1. Mr.. Kerr's announce
ment of Mr.. Reeds election was greet
ed with thunderous applause.
Messrs. Crisp, Grosvenor and Bell
were appointed a committee to con-
duct the speaker to the chair and soon
appeared at the main entrance, Mr..
Reed leaning on the arm of ex-
and Bell arm in arm. AS they moved
down the center aisle the house rose
en- masse. A roar Of applause fol-
lowed, the galleries joining with great
enthusiasm in the demonstration. AS
Mr.. Reed assembled the rostrum, the
roar swelled until it was deafening.
Above this volume of sound came like
pistol shouts of Reed, Reed, Reed"
the republicans cheered, many of them
wildly, and the ladies in the galleries
waved handkerchiefs. For over a
minute the demonstration continued.
Mr.. Reed arrayed in a long frock
coat, stood calmly and serenely with
his hands clasped in characteristic
fashion behind his back until the
house was quiet. Mr.. Harmer, of
Pennsylvania, the oldest member in
continuous service present, came for
ward and administered the oath of
office to the speaker. The latter then
turned to the house. Looking into the
sea of upturned faces, he delivered his
inaugural. Slowly and distinctly the
words fell from his lips. At many
places his brief speech was nunctuated
with applause.
1T will not be unbecoming in me,
hope, if I acknowledge to this assem-
bly, that it is very agreeable to me to
stand once more in the place which
left four years ago. Of the past,
however, I shall not speak, for the
past speaks for itself in terms more
fitting and appropriate than any
words which could come from my lips.
Nor shall 7 speak of the future, for
we are not putting off the harness, but
putting it on. Yet, think l may ven
ture to say Of the future in the light of
the past that we do something which
for the moment seems inadequate, it
may be that time which has justified
: for us on many occasions may do so
again. Those who acted with wisdom
heretofore may be fairly expected to
act with wisdom hereafter.
II am sorry to say that the pleasure
associated with the honor you have
bestowed on me, an honor to which no
American citizen can fail to appre-
ciate, and for which I give thanks, is
but for the moment; while the cares
and responsibilities extend over many
days. So far as the performance of
my duties affects the whole people of
the United States, I invoke their con-
siderate Judgment So far as it affects
the members Of this house, I ask from
both sides Of the chamber that cor
dial cooperation, without which | can
not hope to succeed, assuring them
that no effort on my part will be
spared to aid them in the performance
of their duties by that entire imparti-
ality which is their due"
At the conclusion of his speech the
members came forward as their names
were called and swore to support and
defend the constitution.
The customary resolutions were
then adopted notifying the president
and senate of the election of Reed and
Mcdowell as speaker and clerk re-
spectively, and on the motion OF
Payne, the committee, consisting OF
Payne, Cannon and Crisp, were ap-
pointed to join similar committed
from the senate to notify the presi. /
dent that the house had organized, /
and was ready to receive any COM