Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-06
THE 55'TH CONGRESS-.
SENATE CONFIRMATION OF MIR.
MKgNLEy's NOMINATIONS.
CRITIClSa OF THE CABINET.


The proceedings OF the urSt session OF
the F1fty-dfth Congress were witnessed
to-day by a very large assemblage of
spectators in the galleries Of the Senate
chamber, the Senate being to-day with
out the legislative partnership of the
House Of Representatives. which body
will remain in state Of suspended ami
nation until called into renewed exist
cnce on the first day Of the extraordinary
session. soon 10 be convened by Presi-
dent Mckinley.
The Republican side OF the chamber
looked as though the contents of a con-
servatory had been deposited in IT. Mag
n.hcent floral offerings had been placed
on the desks Of numerous senators. who
had taken the oath Of office YESTERDAY
s. well as on that Of Vice-President Ho-
bart Among the senators so distin-
guished were Messrs. Foraker. Of Ohio;
Spooner OF Wisconsin: Penrose. of Penn
sylvania; Platt. Of New York, and Fair
banks. Of Indiana.
The Democratic side Of the chamber
was free from such offerings.
Senator Wolc0tt Republicam. Of Colo-
furtherance Of an international monetary
conference. was i'm his place. and received
greetings from his associates
As soon as the Journal of Yesterdays
formal meeting was read the new Sena-
tor from ohio, Alr. Foraker. rose. and
presented the credentials Of Mr.. Hanna,
as successor to Mr.. Sherman, resigned.
The credentials were read. They werN
dated az Columbus, o., March 8. 1897,
and recited that, by reason of the re-
scnauOn Of Mr.. Sherman as senator
from the State of Ohio. there was a va
cancy, which 0he Legislature not being
in session., the Governor was authorized
o. ill and that he had appointed MAR
Gus AlonDo Hanna, Of Cayuga county,
o.. TO iill it from to-day. until successor
should be elected and qualified"
The credentials having been read, Vice
President Hobart invited Mr.. Hanna TO
come forward and take the oath of office.
Together. the two Republican senators
from Ohio. who take the places of Sena-
tors Brlce and Sherman walked to the
Nice-Presidents desk where the oath
was duly administered 20 Mr.. Hanna.
after q round of hand-clapping in the
galleries. and then Senators Foraker and
Hanna took their seats. not together, but
at some distance apart.
CALL on THE PRESIDENT.
The next stage in the proceedings Of
the day was the appointment of a COM
mittee Of TWO senators--Mr. Allen. of
Iowa, and Mr.. German, of Maryland-to
wait upon the President Of the United
states and inform him that quorum Of
the Senate was assembled. and that the
Senate was ready TO receive any COM
munication he might desire to make.
The next stage was the adoption of
cam. of Maine. directing that. until other
wise ordered. Mr. Davis Republicam, Of
Minnesota. he acting chairman OF the
Committee on Foreign Relationship
craftsmanship having been vacated
through the retirement Of Mr.. Sherman.
And then a recess was taken until 12:45.
During the recess a large. artistic
structure Of flowers in which the ma
tional flag was figured out. was placed
on the desk Of Mr Quay Republicam. of
Pennsylvania. with card showing it
10 bee the Offering Of "The Bourgeoisie
and the Men i'm Blouses." The flowers
which mad been previously placed on the
desk of Mr.. CamerOn's successor (Air.
Pcnrose) were from "rhe --- Labor
Union" and figured out the emblem Of
lahor-the brawny. uplifted arm of the
worker
When the recess had ended. and the
~tIlNAf laA NNalA bfNAl AiAlfA ~ NAA'Af
Senators Allison and German made re-
port that they had waited upon the Presi-
cent OF the United States and that the
President had sent his kindly greetings
20 the Senate. and informed 1T that he
would Immediately communicate with the
Senate in writing. The report had no
sooner been made than the Presidents
promise was fulfilled Mr.. Pruden, one
Of his secretaries. appeared. and deliv-
cred "sundry messages in writing
Thereupon. at 1880, the Senate, on mo-
ton of Mr.. Hale Republican,. of Maine,
proceeded to the consideration of eXecu-
tive business, and ut 2:3l +. NJ. ad-
jouncd until Monday.
ACTION on CABINET.
Tho length of the executive session led
10 the circulation Of several unfounded
rumors that a contest was being made
against the confirmation Of at least two
of the members Of the Cabinet selected by
President Mckinley. Rumor had II that
the opposition was aimed at Mr.. Nc
Kenna selected for the attorney-general-
Ship. and Mr.. Alger, for Secretary OF
War
Tne delay was not unusual. The nomi-
nation of Mr.. Sherman was confirmed
Immediately. without the formality of
reference TO a committee. While TINS Is
NOT the nvariable rule. it is generally
extended 10 ex-senators, as an act OF
cOurtesv The rule has been proved IN
the past. however, by several marked
exceptions 1t was suggested prlVateiy
on the floor that the whole Cabinet be
an once confirmed; but this was not done
Tor had such action been taken, the com
plment intended for Mr.. Sherman would
have been no compliment at all.
AN the other nominations were re-
ferred TO various committees, whicn I'M
mediately met in the sloak-rooms ad-
Joining the chamber. and after an IN
formal discussion OF the NOMINATIONS
made favorable reports in each case.
Mr. Teller addressed the Senate briefly. |
He said he did not propose 10 oppose any
selection Mr. Mckinley had made. lie |
recognized the fact that the Cabinet was
the official family OF the Executive, ana |
that the President ought not TO be hamp- |
cred by the Senate i'm the choice OF the |
men whom he desired for his advisers.
lie desired, however. to say that ne be-
heFed that in some cases Mr.. Mckinney |
had made mistakes in the men ne had /
chosen. Whoever else Mr.. Teller had IN |
mind Is unknown for he mentioned only |
nj. Bliss, nominated 10 be Secretary OF
the Interior.
Mr. Teller emphasized the fact that he |
did not criticise this nomination on per- |
sonal grounds. He knew Mr.. Bliss 10 De |
man OF affairs, who had been success
ful. and was held high In the esteem OF |
hls fellow He did not doubt that |
Mr Bliss would bring 10 the Office all mis-
busness and executive ability. But there |
was more required, Mr.. Teller said, than |
mere business ability. The Interior De-
paument was one Of the most important
Ia the government. affecting interests In
..safN. sNrrl La