The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-03-16
THE FIFlY-FIFTH CONGRESS
EXTRA SESSION CALLED BY THE
 PRESIDENT CONVENED.

Washington, March 15.-The Fifty fifth congress began it's deliberations in extraordinary session at noon to-day, The sun shone just as it did on March and the air was as balmy. All out ward signs pointed to a successful ses- sion of congress, as they did then to 8 prospective administration. A large crowd was at the house end of the cap itol at 10 o'clock, but it was surprised and disappointed in an unusual way.
 For the first time in the history of congress all the galleries, with the eX- ception of 250 feet, had been reserved for the use of congressman friends, and admission could be had only by card. So those not specifically favor ed surged through the corridors, while those with cards were taken into the front seats. In the packed galleries there were many prominent persons long before the hour of noon.
 The sergeant at-arms at 11:45 o'clock ordered the floor of the chamber to be cleared of all but members, and the
 
 who had crowded in to shake hands and offer congratulations" filed out into the corridors. Then it was possible to get a good look at the new house. AL most all the old leaders on both sides have been reelected but there were many new faces. MT. Reeds republican majority is not so large as in the last congress, although it is large enough, and perhaps easier for him to handle. The combined opposition is formidable, but it's exact political status is uncer- tain
 The membership of the house is S57. Of this number POS are republicans, 126 democrats and 26 populists, fusionists and free silver men. There are two va cancies. The republicans have a plu- rality over the democrats of Y, and a majority of 49 over all In the last con- gress the republican plurality was 142, and the majority over all of 135 The most conspicuous man on the floor of the house is Holman of Indiana, who had been in retirement for two years. Everybody gave him hearty welcom- ing hand.
 Uncle Dick Bland was another prom inent figure. He went out with Hol man two years ago after a still longer service. Speaker Reed remained in his private room until just before 12 o'clock. when he was visited by all the republi can members, who welcomed and con- graduated him.
 The ways and means committee was In session nearly all night perfecting the tariff bill and so it's members were late this morning. MT. Bailey of Texas, the candidate of the democrats for the speakership, followed Reeds example and remained modestly in retirement waiting to be led to the slaughter.
 It was generally understood that MT. Dingley would allow no committees to be appointed, except the ways and means, mileage and rules, until the tar if bill had been passed.
 It is the intention to have the house adjourn from day to day while the sen ate acts on the tariff bill, but it is the opinion of shrewd politicians that the plan will not work and that the bars will have to be let down for at least some measures of general legislation.
 At precisely 12 o'clock the clerk called the house to order The chaplain of fered a very long prayer. during which all the members remained standing. On the speakers table were a basket of red roses and a bunch of yellow tulips, but the chair remained empty until the presidents message calling the session had been read and the preliminary or ganization effected.
 The first thing in order was the call ing of the roll of members by states, a proceeding which consumed more than half an hour.
 A ripple of interest and amusement was caused when Jerry Simpson, who had been absent one term, shook hands with Dick Bland The latter said that he was happier than ever, even if in the minority, as there are but two gold democrats in the house-McAleer of Pennsylvania and Elliot of South Car oIina.
 During the call of states MT. Dingley entered with the new tariff bill in his pocket. He was by courtesy allowed to take a front seat temporarily.
 The call of states was concluded at 12:32 o'clock, and it was announced that 337 members were present. The cleo tion of speaker then took place. Gros- venor of Ohio, chairman of the republi- can caucus, presented Reeds name amid applause Richards of Tennessee nominated Bailey Of Texas, the demo- cratic caucus nominee. There was more applause and some laughter when Jerry Simpson, for the populists, nom mated John c. Bell of Colorado.
 McMillin Of Tennessee rose to ques- ton of privilege, stating that his cer- tificate of election was mislaid, and asked the right to be sworn in so that he could vote for speaker. The clerk decided that this could not be done and that McMillin and a few other men- bers in like boat with McMillin could not be put on the rolls until the speaker was elected MT. McMillins object was to go on record as voting for Bailey, his successful rival in the democratic caucus. Jerry Simpson, pop, of Kan sas, Hartmann, silver, rep, of Montana, Richardson dem., of Tennessee, and Loudenslager of New Jersey were ap- pointed tellers to count the vote for speaker, and at 12:40 o'clock the roll call began.
 In the senate siXty-eight senators answered to the roll call. The galleries were filled to overflowiug.
 MT. w A. Harris, pop, of Kansas, was sworn in as successor to MT. Pef- fer.
 The credentials of Henry ". Corbett,