The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1896-12-11


marked the entrance of social lights in
the reserved galleries, and at last the
drop of the gavel and the regular cere-
monies attending the opening Of the
session and the reception of the Presi-
dents annual communication to Con-
gress.
Senate.
The Senate Chamber was a centre of
interest long before the hour of assem-
bling had arrived, and by eleven
O'clock the pubic galleries were filled
and crowds were at the entrance I'M
able To gain admittance. Sir Julian
Pauncefort, accompanied by members
Of his staff and several members of the
diplomatic CORPS were in the gallery
reserI ed for foreign representati> e.,
and with them were several ladies
bearing cards from Secretary Oiney.
In the seats reserved for the Vice
J Presidents family and friends sat
| Mrs. Stevenson and several ladies.
Back of hem in the seats reserved for
the families of the Senators were mary
| of The wives and daughters of those
| prominent on the floor
There was plenty of color to greet
Der looked like a conservatory with
many of tie desks bearing superb
floral decorations.
Exactly al II O'clock the Vice-Presi-
dent entered the chamber, and going
over to the presiding officer, gave a
tap, which brought the Senate to order,
while the blind chaplain, the Rev.
DIR. Milburn, delivered an impressive
! Invocation. The roll-cal showed 20
memL ers present.
Mr.. Morrill,, Republican, of Yer
mont, was the first to suggest any
thing in the nature Of the legislative
business, by presenting several peti-
tions asking for the passage of the
Dingley bill. He yielded, however, to
Mr.. Hoars suggestion that all business
| be deferred as matter of cour, e>y,
until the President and House of Rep
resentatives had been communi, ated
with, and thereupon at l2.15 p. M. the
Senate took "a IT CESS until one O'clock.
| VI )st of the Senators remained in
their seats while the reading of the
Presidents message proct eded and fol-
| lowed 1T with close interest through
the early stages. Printed copies were
distributed, aud the Senators ran
| through these, picking out the salient
features and anticipating the formal
reading.
The House presented very ANNA
ted scene for an hour before Speaker
Reed appeared. The galleries, to which
the public were admitted without
cards, were Gro. ded to the doors be-
fore IL O'Clock, while the halls were
jammed with those unable to gain ad-
mittance. The reserved galleries filed
more slowly, but before IL o'cluck were
frightened with the handsome gowns
of fair women.
From the floor below rose the indie
scribable buzz of many voices, as the
Iuembers exchanged greetings with
much Misunderstanding, after the manner
of college students meeting again after
the long vacation.
But i'll the midst of the general re-
jOlcing there was an air of sadness as
members glanced at the black pail
which covered the conspicuous desk of
Ex-Speaker Crisp, the Democratic
leader On it were some cut flowers.
His portrait in the lobby in the rear
of the House, was also Wreathed with
Gala lilies.
AS the hands of the clock pointed to
IL speaker Reed quietly entered the
hall and ascended the rOstrum. He
was atiired In black frock coat and
looked bronzed and vigorous. The sill
yer mace, the emblem Of authority of
the House, was lifted to its place, ON
the green malachite pedestal TO the
right OF the rOetfum, aud with sharp
crack of the gavel the Speaker cal ed
The House to order. The hum Of CON-
vefsniion instantly ceased and the gal
leliea became quiet, while the chaplain