The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-12-10

trance. The reserved galleries 6lled
more slowly, but before 1 O'Clock were
Frightened with the handsome gowns Of
fair women. IT
From the floor rose an indescribable
Duzz OF many voices as the members ex-
changed greetings with much hand
shaking. after the manner of college
vacation. = ,t'lf 80
There were "reminiscences of the
campaign, explanations of defeat, ex-
ploitation OF victory, condolences and
congratulations.
The aisles were crowded with out
siders, many Of them local politicians.
already besieging their members for the
fruits of service rendered, lobbyists 81
ready pressing for fine consideration Of
bills In which they were interested, and
old claimants hoping against hope that
they would soon see the contamination
of their long desire. R0a
Pages were carrying to the seats of the
members flowers and floral pieces from
constituents and admiring friends.
But in the midst of this general ne
joicing there was an air of sadness az
the members glanced at the black pail
which covered the seat of the late
Speaker Crisp. 1t was covered with
cut flowers. His portrait in ,he lobby
in the rear of the house was also
wreathed with Gala lilies. The ex-
speakers death cast shadow over the
whole house and was especially apparent
/ on, the democratic side, where his loss
will be felt. b..
There were many conspicuous person
ages both on the floor and in the gal
leries. H "l 8I h no {
Mr.. Patenotre, the French ambassador.
and several other diplomats, with their
families, were in the diplomatic gallery.
As the hands Of the clock pointed to
H. Speaker Reed quie....., entered the hall
and assembled the rostrum and, with a
sharp crack Of the gayel, the speaker
called the house to order. 4'Hl' HF"b
Rev. Cowden of Michigan, the blind
chaplain of the house, offered the invo-
cation. ~
The roll call showed the presence of
211 members. ar. nt
As soon MS the speaker announced the
presence of quorum and that the
house was ready to proceed to business,
Il dozen members demanded recognition,
but the speaker first recognized the
usual message from the senate stating
ness. HNi
Mr.. 3. Smith Williams was then
sworn in as representative from the
First district Of South Carolina. The
credentials of Mr.. Boatner of Louisiana
were also received. Both men received
certificates of, election to this congress,
but their seats were contested and de-
clared vacant by the house Mt the pre-
vious session. They were then re-electeh
The usual formal resolutions for the
appointment Of committee 70 Join q
similar committee of the senate and In!
form the president that the house was
ready TO proceed to business and direct
ing the clerk TO inform the sennte that
the house was prepared to proceed, were
adopted. a.. -f.t
The speaker appointed Mr.. Cannon Of
Illinois, Mr.. Payne Of New York and
Mr.. Turner Of Georgia to constitute
the committee. The selection Of Mr.,
Turner was considered significant IN
that the Georgia representative wouid
succeed Mr.. Crisp as member of the
on rules.
In order to await the report Of the
the house. on motion Of Mr..
Henderson of Iowa, took recess until
1 y. M. The house took a further re-
cess until 2 o'clock and Mr. Pruden, the
presidents executive clerk, presented
the message, which was read by direc-
ton Of the speaker. ..,s
The opening words of the message. con.
graduated the country on the result OF
the election and created a broad smile,
the democrats as well as republicans
enjoying the remarks which
seemed to felicitate the president under
he banner of the republican party. The
Presidents expressions on Cuba and
Venezuela were listened to attentively,
)ut there were no demonstrations when
ie announced that the administration
'ome months ago had suggested home
'ule for Cuba, or when he announced
he termination of the controversy be-
ween Great Britain and the United
States over the Venezuelan boundary
inc.
The reading of the message occupied
me hour and forty minutes.
At its conclusion. on motion Of Mr..
)ingley, the message was referred TO
he committee of the whole on the state
# the nation. asl III
Mr.. Turner of Georgia then formally
the ''untmely death" Of his
ate colleague, ex-Speaker Crisp, and
tated that at some future day he would
SIX the house to fix day for paying
ribute TO 'his distinguished character
nd eminent public services
A resolution presented by him recited
hat the house had heard with profound
egret the announcement of Mr.. Crisp's
cath and was adopted. after which, At
:45 p. m. as further remark of re-
pect, the house Immediately adjourned
NTH tomorrow.