Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-12-07
FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence Of the Alexandra Gazette
WASHINGTON, Dec. Z.

| Correspondence OF the AleI2n1rla tazette.J
WASHINGTON, Dec. Z.
| Congress re-assembled to-day under
most favored nation" conditions, with
bright aunshine, gently bracing air,
a temperature running from forty to
fifty-fve degrees and both halls Of as
sembly renovated, purified and venti-
lated in o manner more nearly con.
forming 10 hygienic requirements than
has ever before been attempted. 10
the Senate gallery the old benches
nave given way to modern opera seats,
| each ventilated in the came manner,
and incandescent lights will dispel the
shadows Of night. There was not by
any means full attendance OF Sens-
tors when Vice President Stevenson
raped the Senate to order. The
House presented bright and cheerful
appearance this morning when the gal
leries were thrown open to visitors.
| The old carpets had been replaced and
the brass furnishings Of the chamber
had been rubbed until they were as
| bright az gold dollar. The galleries
were crowded to overlooking long be-
! fore Speaker Reed called the House to
order. The members of the House,
like the occupants of the galleries,
commenced to put in an appearance as
early az 10 o'clock, although the hour
OF meeting was II. The republicans
from the west and middle west who 90.
cured denomination and were not en-
quilted in the wave of free silverism that
swept over those commonwealth con-
graduated themselves and each other
upon their good fortune.
Mr.. Crisp's desk is draped in mourn
ing. About ten o'clock this morning
Mrs. Bankhead, the wife OF Represents.
tive Bankhead, of Alabama, and her
daughter, Mrs. Owens, covered the
mourning emblems with profusion of
flowers, principally white and purple
orchids and white roses, resting on
bed OF maiden hair ferns.
Mr.. Mark A. Hanna, chairman of the
national republican committee, was at
the Capitol to-day az spectator of the
incidents attending the opening of
session Of Congress. He occupied
seat with Mrs. Brice and Miss Helen
Brice, in the private gallery, and during
the recess the party Joined Senator
Brice for luncheon.
a republican senatorial caucus has
been called for tomorrow morning at
10 o'clock. The notice has been sent to
all republicans including the boiling
republican silver Senators and Senator
Jones of Nevada.
Venezuela has accepted the arbitra-
:; no n f,raoI ,1nnn hy Ol,o,
and Sir Julian Pauncefote, and an extra
session of the Venezuelan Congress will
bs called as soon as possible in order
that the memorandum may be carried
into effect by the necessary treaty be-
tween Great Britain and Venezuela.
Congressman Hit says the statement
to the effect that he said something
definite with regard to Cuba would be
determined upon in thirty days, had no
foundation.
Mr.. Woodward has declined the
Craftsmanship of the committee on in
auguration ceremonies, for the reason
that the republicans of the District have
protested against his accepting it. Mr..
Woodward is q member of the firm of
Woodward & Lothrop, of the famous
store in this city, and is gold demo.
crat. Mr.. G. J. Fell of this city was
this morning rendered the chairman
ship by Mr.. Hanna and accepted the
prot1er. he is republican and is
we'll known business man. Mr.. Bell is
the president Of the American Security
and Trust Company
All the Virginia members of the
House were present except Messrs.
Walker. TYLER and Elicit. and on The