The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-03-05
BIRTH OF A NEW SENATE.
Simple But Impressive Ceremonies
at the Old Senate Death.
ADDRESSES OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS.
Mr. Stevenson Said Farewell and
MIR. Hobart Called the New senate
10 Ordcr--Ncw Members.

Washington, March The senate cham
Der was the center OF attraction early to-
day and later in the day the galleries pre-
scented beautiful picture. The senate pro-
ceedings were brief In the terms between
reccsscs The time had gone by for any
thing beyond vital legislation on the ap-
propriation bills.
The galleries were startled shortly after
II o'clock when former Queen Lliloukalani
entered the diplomatic gallery. accompanied
by her secretary. Mr.. Palmer.
The presidential family party arrived at
II 80 and entered the east reserved gallery.
Mrs. Mckinley, Sr., CARRIED belttingly to
her aged years. was n conspicuous figure in
the group seated in front. The diplomatic
corps entered moment later led by the
chief Justice associate Justices of the United
States supreme court. Members OF tho
| house OF representatives. headed by Speaker
Reed then entered the chamber.
There was a stir OF interest when the
| senate officials announced Vice President
; elect Hobart. who entered from the right
door and stepped to a seat near tho pre-
lsidng ufnccr's desk
All this was accessory to the main scene
which has been so eagerly awaited--the ar
rival Of President Cleveland and President
elect Mckinley. 1t was just f. 20 when they
entered the main doors facing the vice pres
ident. and attention at once conferred on
these two figures. They were Ieated imme-
diatoly In frnnt of the presiding officer
facng the senate and the crowd.
The presidential party took their seats
and Vice President Stevenson arose and
, invited his successor to step forward ana
In of pffI
! vanced TO so to the desk. raising his right
hand and took the oath In accordance with
tho constitution. Then Mr. Stevenson de-
. ivered his valedictory address. speaking
( hoarsely as n result Of the recent strain.
, Mr.. stevenson said
Senators; Tho hour has arrived which
@ marks tho close Of the Fifty fourth con-
A giess and terminates my official relation
TO this body. Before laying down the gavcl
for tho last time. ! may be pardoned for
8 OBTAINING you for moment IN the attempt
to give expression to my gratitude for the
L uniform courtesy extended me, for the
4 many kindpesses shown me, during the
r. time 1t has been my good fortune 20 pre-
q side over your deliberations My apprecin-
n ton OF the resolution Of the semitic per-
# sonal to myself can mud no adequate ex-
preston In words. Intentionally | have at
no time given ofionse and l carry from
II the chamber no shadow Of feeling of UNI
: grievance.
Chief among the fayors political fortune
y has bestowed upon mG, 7 count that Of
J. having been tho associate and of having
l. known something of tho friendship of those
10 win whom have so long held official re-
81 lation In this chamber. 80 have been tho
a presiding officer OF this aryust body is m,
Oh -nonor Of which the most illustrous citizen
y might be proud. I am persuaded that no
l. occupant of this chair during the los year
of our constitutional histLry ever entered
y. upon his duties more deeply impressed with
~ sense OF the responsibilities imposed OF
~ with higher appreciation Of the char
!" actor and dignity Of this great legislative
., assembly. During the tenn just closing
. questions OF deep import TO political par
Ties and 10 the country have here found
g., earnest and at times passionate discussion
10 This chamber has, indeed, been the aroma
"a OF great debate. Tho record Of four years
,e Of parliamentary struggles. OF masterful
~ debates. Of important legislation is closed
Nj and passes now TO the domain OF history
10 mink ] can truly say in the words Of q
~ distinguished prodeccssor I'm the dis.
"a charge Of my official duties have known
n no party, no friend"
y, 1t has been my eudeavor to interpre
and faithfully to execute tho rules Of tb,
senate At times the temptation may b'
nj strong to compass partisan ends by u dis
,e regard OF peryerson of the rules. Yet
!, think IL safe to say the result, however
a. salutary, Will be dearly purchased by
j. departure from the methods prescrlbct
by the senate for its own guidance sin.
n gle instance thus indicated might prov,
al the fororunner Of untold evils SIT will b,
\, recorded for n precedent, and many an or.
+ ror by the same example will rush into lib,
Iv State"
4. 1t must not be forgotten that the rules
Ia governing this body are founded deep in
I,tp aNr to al
J.. Of centuries OF tireless effort in Legislative
halls. 10 conserve, 10 render sable aud no
"a cure the rights aud liberties which have
AZ been achieved by conflicts. BY rules Tia,
4 senate wisely Axes the limit of its power
tOf those who cdmor against the senate
" and its method of procedure Il may be
AZ truly said: They know not what they
80 do" In this chamber alone are preserved
a without restraint two essentials of wls'
g legislation aud OF good government--tht
n right OF amendment and Of debate Great
-, OWLS often result from hasty legislation
" Within my own humble Judgment, the his.
taric scnats-preservng the unrestricted
right OF amendment and Of debate. maiii-
" tanning intact time -honored parliament
= ;ary methods and amenities. which I'M
~ failinely secure action after elaboration
@ possesses In our scheme Of government G
y value which can not be expressed II
= words
1t / would do violence to my feelings II
d failed 20 express my thanks TO the oiflciaii
"A OF this body for the fidelity with which
c they have discharged their duties. and toi
:. the timely assistance and unfaling cour-
h .esy OF which have been the recipient.
II For the able and distinguished gentle
10 man who succeeds me as your presidlns
70 officer. oarnestly invoke the Same coop
GRAFTON and courtesy you have so gener'
e ously actprdsd me
Senators. my parting words have beer
spoken. and now discharge my last OF
fetal duty, that Of declaring the senate nd
a journed without day.
y Mr. Hobart now advanced TO the pre-
/, siding chair and for the first time exor'
= cised his official functions by calling thi
d senate TO order.
THE FIRST PRAYER.
!; Mr.. Hobart moved aside for the blind
= chaplain Of the senate. Mr.. Milburn, who,
g in an impressive voice, delivered the first
r invocation 10 the new senate. in part as