Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1895-12-14
FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS-
Organization of tho Senate and
House Of Repre- sentatives.
The Republicans VIII Have Things Their
Own Way in the House, But in tho
Senate There May Bo
Deadlock.
Special Washington Letter

!
The organization of the senate and
house of representatives will attract
universal attention. Every two years,
according to constitutional provision,
the terms of all the representatives eX-
pire, and the terms of all newly elected
members begin. The constitution,
however, provides that only one-third
of the senators shall be elected every
two years. Therefore, although the
terms of 356 representatives expired on
the 4th day of March, and the terms
of 356 new representatives began the
same time, only one-third of the sena-
tors closed their terms at that time,
md two-thirds of their number contin-
ned to hold commissions.
1t is because of this constitutional
arrangement that the senate is called
"a continuing body" The house of
representatives., as body, expires every
two years; but there are always two
thirds of the senator's ready for legis-
3ative duty.
Each state is entitled to two senators.
There are now Al states in this union,
and they are entitled to Ss senators.
But, inasmuch as the state of Delaware
failed to elect successor to Senator
Higgins, there is n vacancy existing,
and therefore there are only 81 senator's
entitled to participate in the delibera-
tions of that great Legislative body.
Usually, when the house of represen-
tatives convenes, there is a spirited con-
test over the speakership; but on this
occasion there is no contest. Every
body comedies that Big Tom Reed, who
was calle; the "czar" during the 51st
congress, shall be the speaker.
In organizing the house of repre-
sentatives the first business is the cleo
tion of officers, consisting of the speak
er, the clerk, sergeant-at-arms, door
keeper and postmaster. Although
there will be no contest over the
speakership, a lively canvass is going
on by the aspirants for the other offices.
Ex-Congressman Henderson, of Illi-
nois, and Mcdowell are after the posi-
tion of clerk of the house. That Office
pays $1,000 per annum; and it is place
of power because the clerk makes the
appointments of numerous assistants.
The candidates are both good men,
ind their friends are booming them
along in an interesting manner. There
appears to be no prominent candidate
for the Office of sergeant-at-arms, u
position with a salary of $4,000 per an
num. This is because of the generally
admitted fact that Henderson and Nc
Dowell are looked upon as the coming
men for the best offices; and the one
who shall be defeated for the clerkship
will be made sergeant-at-arms. II
looks to me as if Henderson will be
made clerk and Mcdowell sergeant-at-
nrms; but the reverse may be the re-
suit. 1t is impossible, even n few days
before culminations in Washington, to
predict conclusions. This is because
of the humanitarian fact epitomized
by Shakespeare in the little line:
'-Lord, how this world is given to lying
The doorkeeper is usually an eH-con
gresham; and that rule will probably
be followed in the selection of mar
for that office. When the people of con
Eressional districts make changes in
their national representation, the fel
lows who get left usually seek places
in Washington, because they are accus
toned to living in this beautiful city
and because they do not like to remain
at their old homes after suffering de