Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-02

kent away by sickness.
As carly as 10 o'clock legislators an(
visitors began TO gather about the Capt.
,ol and for some time the rotunda be.
came almost as animated a theatre fol
the efforts OF candidates as the lobbies
~ Ford's and Murphy's have been for
tbs past few days The aspirants for
IMPRESSED with tho idea that this was
the arst opportunity which had pre-
s.r,ed itself Of finding all the legislators
l1 q bunch. and hither they hied them
selves almost 10 a man.
The old Capitol had undergone a
thorough cleaning prior to the coming OF
The lawmakers, and presented quite a
fresh aspect, the dignity of age being
so.tencd by a touch of fresh paint at
several places. The Western Union Tele-
graph Company had placed an instrument
IN the Office Of the Register Of the Land
once in the basement near the elevator
for the convenience of members, and the
merry click Of the lightning talker"
miugles with the hearty greetings Of old
friends and riseCabove the soft blandish-
meuts Of the lobbyists.
AIR. KENTS KINDLY GREETINGS.
one Of the earliest arrivals at the Capt.
20, was Leutenant-Governor Kent and
DE- held a prolonged reception in the Sen
Gte chamber, old friends crowding about
10 shake his hand and give him their
greetings.
The chambers Of the two bodies gradu-
ally r..td up as the noon hour drew near.
and presented animated scenes. While
most Of the members have met this year.
many had not done so till shortly before
the hour for converting. and this time
afforded opportunity for becoming ac-
quainted and meeting old friends.
The only floral decorations in the Senate
chamber We're upon the desks of Mr..
Maynard and Mr.. Boykin. each of the
offerings bearing the card of Mrs. Joseph
Lawless, the wife Of the Secretary Of the
Commonwealth. DR.. Smith, in the House,
was honored in like manner.
There was numerous spectators in
the galleries Of both houses, and the
area behind the seats was also filled
with ladies and gentlemen desirous of
the opening exercises Of the
Assembly.
THE ENSEMBLE AND PERSONNEL.
The spectator is impressed as he looks
down upon either the Senate or the House
CT Delegates by the remarkably intel
lt.tual faces OF the members as an ave-
rage. The student of physiognomy would
scarcely say that the present Legislature
wiz develop great orators, but he would
say that there are few men in the bodies
whose countenances do not strongly indi-
cate honesty. commOn-sense, and earnest
ness. If the faces of the men be taken
as evidence, the character of the work
)f the present General Assembly will be |
II high order.
Another fact which must impress the |
lverage spectator is the comparative |
youth of the majority of the members of |
either house. 1t is probable that the |
number Of eX-COnfederates in both the |
senate and House of Delegates is very |
much smaller than in any session since
he war. 1t may mean that the old sol
llers are rapidly being gathered to their |
thers; that the older generation is
being relegated 10 the rear; or that the
ilthers are gladly transferring to the
shoulders of the sons the burdens of
government.
The sessions of the houses were longer
yesterday than usual. and the proceedings
4 more general interest and Importance
han are usually those Of the first day.
The senate's First Day.
Il was one minute past noon when the
harp raps Of Lieutenant Governor Kents
yayel called the Senate to order. Az
er a very brief invocation by Rev.
lr. j. Z. Garlick. Clerk Joseph Button
cad communication from the Secre-
any Of the Commonwealth, transmitting |
list Of the members.
The roll was called and the oath ad-
ninistered 70 the senators elected this
.ear.
Contrary 70 the usual custom of adopt
ns without change the rules of the pre- |
.e1ng session, a resolution Of Mr.. Wick
lam's changing Rule XIV, so that the
uIcs Of the Senate may be suspended
y vote Of the majority Of the MEM
'ers present instead Of by a two-thirds
ots, was adopted.
TRIBUTE TO MR.. WICKHAM.
The caucus nominees for the offices Of
be- Senate were elected without opposi- {
JON. Mr.. Sands nominated for the Office /
9 President pro TEN. Hon. II. Il. Wick I
am. Mr.. Sands said: Mr.. President. ?
follow "a time-hOnOred custom when 1 !
SIX that the honor OF being our pre- /
ding officer be conferred upon the Sc }
Joy member Of this body. But l do
% claim such a distinction by reason :
his seniority alone. A successful pre- :
ding officer should combine the quail r
rs Of urbanity impartialty, and skill
parliamentarian. The gentleman
nose name i shall present possesses J
zen Of these qualities in the highest I
gree, as every senator within the ,
lnd Of my voice will testify. AS
arnan Of the Finance Committee, he 9
IS shown his impartiality; his social
tercourse with his fellow-members has !
-played his unfailing urbanity and won c
e hearts OF all Of us; his long service u
this Chamber has made him a par
mentarion OF transcendent ability. / a
ke great pleasure in presenting for the q
ice of President pro TEN. Of the Senate e
On Henry Taylor Wickham, OF Han u
er."
Mr.. Wickham's election was unanimous. Il
receiving thirty-eight votes. Il
OTHER OFFICERS ELECTED. c.
ir. McIlwaine presented the name Of =
ark Joseph Button for reelection. He q"
3ke Of the exceeding pleasantness Of
@ task Of nominating Mr.. Button COM
'nding IN highest terms his efficiency
The bodys chief recording officer Mr.. sc
tton was elected unanimously. He re- NJ
we'd thirty-eight votes III
lr EgglestOn presented the name OF bi
ank B. Watkins for recollection as Ia
'geant-at-Arms. and Mr.. Barnes nomi- W
ted DR. w. G. Mum, Of King William.
DoOrkeeper. Mr.. Watkins received pr
rty-six votes, DR. Num- thirty-eight so
ch was elected without opposition 10
IN motion Of Mr. Sands. the pages Sc IL
ted by the Democratic caucus were | IA