The herald., 1896-12-08
IN THE SENATE.
The Reading of the Message Occupies
the Day.

WASHINGTON, Dec. THE United
States senate began the second session
of the Fifty-fourth congress with
crowded galleries and with that accom-
paniment of activity and of greeting
that usually attends the reassembling
of congress. But the upper branch of
congress never puts aside its dignity,
and the meeting developed no demen-
strations or dramatic incidents. The
reading of the presidents message waA
the feature of the proceedings, and be-
yond this no attempt was made to enter
upon the business of the session. To
many of the foreign representatives oc-
cupying the diplomatic gallery the mes
sage had special interest and signifl-
canoe, owing to the part they had taken
in the conspicuous foreign events to
which the president referred Sir Julian
Pauncefote. the British ambassador, and
the new Turkish minister, Moustapha
Bey. were present Senor Dupuy de
LONE the Spanish minister. was not in
attendance during the day, but two Of
the secretaries of the Spanish legation
carefully noted the references to tho
Cuban conflict. Minister Hatch of Ha-
wall, and Mr.. Cooper, the Hawaiian
minister of foreign affairs, were listen
ers, although the message contained ne
reference to the Hawaiian islands.
Tie diplomatic gallery was vacated
as soon as the foreign questions REFER
red to in the message had been read.
On the floor printed copies Of the
message had been distributed, and these
gave the senators opportunity to read
the salient features instead of listening
to them. AS a result there was scant
attendance after the reading had pro-
ceeded beyond the first half hour.
By II O'Clock the public galleries were
we'll filled and crowds were at the en-
frances unable to gain admission. The
floor of the chamber looked like a con-
servatory, many desks bearing superb
floral decorations. Exactly at 10 o'clock
Vice President Stevenson entered and
called the senate to order, and Rev. DIR.
Milburn delivered an impressive invo-
cation.
The roll call showed seventy senators
present.
Senator Cullom was the first to receive
recognition, Offering a resolution that
the house be notified that the senate was
in session and ready to proceed with
business, which was agreed to. Senator
Hale followed with resolution that the
daily hour for meeting be Il meridian.
Agreed to.
Senator Sherman made the customary
motion for a committee of senators ana
members to wait upon the president.
Upon its adoption the presiding officer
named Senators Sherman ard Smith
Democra) as the COMMITTEES of The
senate.
Senator Morrill, (vermont) presented
several petitions asking for ths passase
of the Dingley bill. He yielded. how
ever, to Hoar's suggestion that all busi-
ness be deferred as matter of courtesy
sentatives had been communicated
until l o'clock.
AT / o'clock there was further recess
for thirty minutes, then another Of Af-
teen minutes. AT 1:45 Senator SheP.
man reported the president would COM
municate his views in writing. Secre-
tary Pruden of the White House stan
Immediately stepped forward with ths
message, which General Cox, secretary
of the senate, read.
The main interest was shown In the
first and last parts of the messag9.
wherein the presidents personal vieWu
were expressed, the interest lagRing on
the review of the departmental
branches Of the service.
The reading of the message closed at
3: So p. M, having taken just one hot.
and fifty minutes. The presidentAs
closing reference to trusts and monopo-
lies was carefully followed by Mr.. eher-
man. author Of the antitrust Lew to
which the president, referred. After the
usual Sormality Of laying the uaaeaoAGn