The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-02
some Important Amendments 10 the Rules
to Prevent Hasty Action.

they had BEEN ithohllatt4 Af lAE b'hh-
ocratic caucus the previous evening.
John r. Ryan. Of Loud0un and Colonel
bigger entered upon their duties OF Of
ice after some well-chOsen remarks.
By Ear the largest portion OF the day
VS. taken I'D with the discussion OK GER
tain amendments offered 10 the old rules
Of the House Of Delegates. by Messrs-
Saunders. Of Franklin and Digs. OF
King William The former desired TO
have the rules 50 amended that hereafter
suspension or amendment 10 the rules
should be passed by majority vote in
stead OF a two-thirds vOse as al present,
but that such amendments should lie
over for five days. in order 20 avoid any
hasty action m that direction.
Mr. Diggs's first amendment provides
for the printing each day of the calendar,
copies OF which are % be placed regular
ly on the desks OF the members. The
other amendment prcscriDes that bills
granting charters shall only be- taken up
after the fees required by law have been
paid.
The amendments were finally adopted
and the same action taken in regard %
the remaining rules.
The hail OF the House OF Delegates
was crowded when the session was
opened 1t noon. Precisely at the
hour prescribed bv law Colonel John
Bell bigger, the clerk Of the House for
many years. brought down the gavel with
the words. Members Of the House OK
Delegates will please be seated. request
the sereeant-at-arms that j. 10 be 20
give seats so far as possible 10 the visi-
tors.
The hour having arrived" continued
Colonel Bigger by authority Of law
caH the House OF Delegates 70 order
The doors we're then closed and Colo
mel Bigger announced that the session
would be opened with prayer by Rev.
Moses j.. Hoge. d. u.
Dr. Hoee then stepped forward and
offered a fer.ont prayer which was "a
follows:
DIR. HOGEs PRAYER.
Almighty God. creator and preserver
0f men giyer of life and of all the bless
iucs which make life desirable and hap
py. TO whom we owe all allegiance. all
love and service. accept our humble
homage
Without Thee nothing IS safe. nothing
strong. nothing enduring Conscious ot
our entire dependence on Thee FOR all
that makes councils wise and conduct
right We feel DO i0 be our nrst duty as
well as our highest privilege 90 unite
our hearts in prayer for Thy gracious
aid and blessing.
we recognize Thy goodness in per
mitfiug Thy servants once more 20 as
scmbie here for the disCharg. Of the high
duties entrusted 90 them. Let not the
close o. this session Doe crowded with
hasty legislation because the early days
were improbable discussion but r.i9
the great. urgent. practical interests OF
The CONN crwcalth receive that immedi-
ate attention which their importance de-
mands.
May Thy servants enter upon tho
great questions which are 20 occupy
them with minds free from prejudice and
passion. animated only hy the desire 10
know what S. ..c and q no what is
right May wisdom. harmony and SUI
preme devotion 20 duty characterize all
their doiuEs and may Heayen's blessings
So crown their lahofs ag 90 secure and
adylrc, The true and permanent interests
~ The people here represented
BLESS Thy seiyant the Speaker of this
House. and lts faithful clerk. who has
Tor so many years efficiently performed
bis arduous work
"Flcsf the members who have often oC-
cur.ei these seats and who now on their
return. bring with them the experience
gained hy i0rg service. May those who
to-day Tor the first time assumed their
responsibilities have tne guidance ani
direction of Divine wisdom.
"Hcar us. our Father. in these our
humble prayers and 10 Thee will we
ascrile. as is most due. AN honor and
glory. evermore. Amen"
Mr. WlTHROW ABSENT.
The roll was then called hy Colonel
Bigger which showed that nincty-nine
members were present. the only absentee
being Mr 8. y. WithrOw. OF Alleshauy
10 rr. d
fined 90 h.s home by sickness
While tile ron was being called Hon.
John T.. Massey. Superintendent o. Pub
DE instruction. entered the hau and be-
came an interested listener.
The members of the House were then
sworn ln by Colonel Bigger M due form.
Whereupon tle latter announced as the
next business Boo order the election o.
Speaker.
Mr. r. : Parks. ~ Page. then nominat-
cl Hon. John J.. Ryan az Loud0un. for
the position of Speaker who. Doc SAID.
was too wel-snown as 20 REQUIRE any
Introduction. There was no other nous,na-
ti0n made and the RON was then caHe-.
The clerk announced that Mr. Ryan had
received o. majority ~ the votes cast.
and Do therefore declared him 20 be duly
e.sCfed.
Messrs. r. s Parks. 7. ". Saunders.
and Addison MauD.n were appointed a
committee fo notify Mr.. RYAN of his
election as Speaker.
SpEAKER RYAN's SPEECH
After the committee returned an- --a-
sented Speaker RYAN 70 the House. the
latter spoke as follows.
"Gentlemen ~ the House y DELEGATES.
In assuming again tho duties % the
responsible Office 70 which you have Just
chosen me- desire e. express
- you my sincere thanks for
the honor conferred and 20
assure SOU thar u viii he my constant en-
deavor o. merit your confidence and an
nroyai. ] shah discharge the Office of
Speaker with courtesy. with nrmness. and
with absolute impsrtiality. may he
nardoned for reminding y0u that the
tav-nayers of Nireirfa look 20 this Leg
islature for the positive assurance that
no additional burdens viii he added 10
those already borne bv them.
Again thanking you. We will now r-o-
ceed 10 complete the organization OF the
House
The next in order is the election of
clerk Nominations are in order for that
position
Mr saunders. of Franklin. nlaced IN
nomination for Clerk Of the House ~
Delegates Colonel John Bel bigger and
moved that the nomination b. made unsn-
inous This was agreed 20 and Mr. sann-
ders was appointed 20 inform Colonel