The record-union., 1896-12-08

est Among the Senators and
Representatives.
WASHINGTON, Dec. THE first
day of the second session of the
Fifty-fourth Congress presented no re-
markable features. The Presidents
annual message was read in both
houses without apparently evoking
any special interest. The only excep-
ton to that rule was in regard to the
portions of the message devoted to the
Armenian outrages and to the revOlu-
tiOn in Cuba On the first Of these sub
jectS the President stated his belief
that 'the present somber prospect in
Turkey will not be long permitted to
offend the sight of Chrstendom." The
Presidents discussion of the Cuban
question was exhaustive and impartial,
but its summing up indicated the tenn
per and views of the Administration.
1t is in these words: when the ina
bilfty of Spain to deal successfully with
the insurrection has become manifest
situation will be presented in which
our obligations to the sovereignty of
Spain will be superseded by higher OBJ
legations, which we can hardly hesitate
to recognize and discharge" These
declarations appear to obtain general
favor and approval The message COW
cred eighteen printed pamphlet pages
and its reading occupied one hour and
fifty minutes.
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.
Punctually at noon the Senate was
called to order by Vice President
Stevenson and prayer was offered by
the blind chaplain, Rev. Mr.. Milburn
A special blessing was asked for the
Senator from Iowa, Mr.. Allison (Rep),
that he might be restored to perfect
health and brought speedily to his seat
At the conclusion of the prayer the
list of Senators was called and seventy
one Senators responded, the absentees
being Messrs. Allison, Blanchard,
Brown. Butler, Caffery, George, Hans
brough, Hill, Irby, Jones New, Lind
say, Mcbride, Martin, Morgan, Stew
art, Teller, Warren and White.
Indefinite leave of absence on ac-
count of sickness was given to George
Oem) of Mississippi.
A resolution was adopted to appoint
two Senators to join a like committee
from the House to await upon the Pres
ident. Senator'S Sherman and Smith
were selected on the part of the Senate
and then a recess was taken until
o'clock
At 1:45 Mr.. Sherman reported that
the committee had waited upon the
President and had been informed that
the President would Immediately COM
municate a message in writing. There
upon the message was delivered by Mr..
Pruden, one of the Presidents Secre-
taries, and the Secretary of the Senate,
Mr.. Cox, began it's reading, but that
duty was soon turned over to the read
ing clerks.
At 3:35 o'clock the Senate adjourned
until tomorrow.
IN THE HOUSE.
The House presented a bright and
cheerful appearance this morning
when the galleries were thrown open to
visitors. The members of the House,
like the occupants of the galleries. COM
menced to put in an appearance as early
as 10 o'clock, although the hour for the
meeting was II o'clock. The Represen-
tatives from the West and Middle
West who received denomination and
were not engulfed. congratulated them
selves and each other. The desk of ex-
Speaker Crisp was draped in mourning.
Promptly at noonSpeaker Reeds gavel
fell, and the second session of the Fifty
fourth Congress began.
Chaplain Cowden offered the opening
prayer, at the close of which the Speaker
ordered a call of the house. The call
disclosed the presence of 271 members.
William A. Stokes re-returned from
the Seventh South Carolina District,
was sworn in, and in regard to C. J.
Boatner of Louisiana, similarly un-
seated on contest during the last ses-
Louisiana was read certifying to his
election.
Cannon Rep) of Illinois, Bayne R)
of New York and Turner CD of Georgia
were appointed committee to wait up
on the President.
The House hen took recess until l 80
p. m.
On reassembling, Mr.. Pruden, the
Presidents Executive clerk, presented
the message, which was read by direc-
tion of the Speaker.
When the reading of the message was
finished it was on motion of Dingley re-
ferred to the Committee of the Whole
and ordered printed.
w. A. Stone from the Appropriations
Committee reported the pensions appro-
priations bill for the coming fiscal year.
Turner of Georgia, on being recog-
nized, stated that it was his melancholy
duty to inform the House of the death
of his colleague, ex-Speaker Crisp, who
died at Atlanta. Ga, October 23d. At a
later day he would ask that day be
assigned for paying proper respect to
his distinguished character and eminent
public services. He offered the follow
ing resolutions:
Resolved. That the House has heard
with nrofound SORROW IF tho 1ao+b Of