The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1896-12-08
CONGRESS MEETS
Final Session Of President Cleve-
lands Administration Ready
Tor Work.
Speaker Reed Prcsides in the
House and NJ. Stevenson in
the Senate.
The Usual GAIA Appearance on
the Opening Day--The
Mess q" Read.

WASHINGTON, Dec. S.-Thc rcassem-
bling for the closing session of the Fiji
ty-fOurth congress, WAS an occasion of
unusual brilliancy and interest. Open
ing days are always gala affairs, mark
big, as they do, the official Inaugural
ton of the social as well as the political
season in Washington, but this one was
all the more interesting because of the
long and hard fought political battle
that had been waged during the re-
cess.
The weather was perfect, clear and
warm. The throngs who streamed up
the hill to witness the opening cere-
monies formed an unorganized civic
pageant. Gay equipages with a rattle
Of chains, drawn by prancing
steeds, conveyed the diplomats, the
fashionable and more prominent i'll
official life. These elegant turn-outs
moved side by side with one horse ram.
shackle cabs and other nondescript two
wheelers conveying Legislators and
visitors. The unnumbered thousands
moved up Pennsylvania avenue on foot
or in street cars. The. corridors and
galleries were soon thronged. There
were demonstrations for conspicuously
prominent statesmen and at last came
the drop of the gavel, and the regular
ceremonies attending the opening of
tha session, and the reception of the
pr IS annual communication to
ngress.
IA the Senate Chamber.
RTAe senate chamber was center of
interest long before the hour for as
sembling had arrived and by II O'Clock
the public galleries were filled and
crowds were at the entrances unable to
gain admission. Sir Julian Pauncefote
accompanied by members of his staff
and several members of the diplomatic
corps were in the galleries reserved for
foreign representatives, and with them
were several ladies bearing cards from
Secretary Olney.
In the seats reserved for the presi-
dents family and friends sat Mrs
Stevenson and several ladies. Back of
them in the seats reserved for the fam.
lilies of senators were many of the
wives and daughters of those prominent
on the floor. The gallery crowds found
ease and comfort in the new theater
seats since the last session, although it
resulted i'll reducing the seating capac-
lty almost one-half.
sixteen to One Decorations.
There was plenty of color to greet
the senators, for the floor of the cham
bet looked like conservatory, with
many of the desks bearing superb floral
de 'oratiOns. The senate officials were
qu * to note that the tributes stood
.6 to -" sixteen being on the Rppub-
lican side and one on the Democratic
side, although this proportion was
broken, as many Democratic tributes
were brought III just Us the session was
opened.
Exactly at IL the vice president en-
tered the chamber, and going to the
desk of the presiding officer, gave tap
which brought the senate to order,
while the blind chaplain, Rev. DR.. Mil
burn, delivered an impressive invoca-
ton.
Seventy Senators Present.
The roll call showed 20 senators
present. Mr.. Cullom was the first tC
receive recognition, and his resolution
that the house of representatives be
notified that the senate was III session
and ready to proceed with business was
agreed to without comment.
Mr.. Sherman made the customary
motion for committee of senators and
members TO wait upon the president,
and upon its adoption, the presiding
officer named Mr.. Sherman and Mr.
Smith (Dem., N. j. us the senators OF
the committee.
, Mr.. Morrill, RIP, VT was the firs1
to suggest anything in the nature o
Legislative business by presenting sew
eral petitions asking for the passage o.
the Dingley blil. He yielded, however
to Mr.. Hoar's suggestion that ali bust
ness be deferred as matter of courtesy
until the president and house Of repre-
sentatives had been communicated
with. and thereupon, at l2:l5p D. m
the senate took recess until O'Clock
The Message Read.
At o'clock there was further re
ceSs for 30 Minutes and then anofha