The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-12-09
Senate Proceedings.

washington, Dec 6.-The senate cham
Der, at the opening of the session TODAY.
was vertable conservatory. The floral
display was unusually rich and beautiful
and the odor of flowers was heavy in the
hall. 'A'
Half an hour before the senate con-
vened the public and executive reserved
galleries were filled with spectators to
witness the opening of the session. The
handsome costumes of the ladies added
much to the brightness of the scene.
Precisely at II o'clock the gavel of
Vice President Hobart fell and the SEN
ate was called to order. The invocation
was delivered by Rev. w. II. Milburn,
the blind chaplain. He made beauti-
full and touching reference to our she
loved president" who awaited news from
the bedside of the mother to whom he is
devoted and prayed that she might have
a peaceful passage to the celestial shore.
Seventy-seven senators responded to
their names on the roll call.
The venerable Mr.. Morrill, of Vermont
was first recognized by the vice president
He offered resolution. which was passed
in the usual form, that the secretary in
form the house that the senate was in
session and ready to proceed to business.
Mr.. Allison of Iowa presented a reso-
luton that a committee of two senators
he appointed to join like committee from
the house to inform the president that
congress was in session and prepared to
receive any communication which he
might desire to make to it. The resolu-
ton was passed, and the vice president
named Senators Allison and German as
the senate committee.
BY resolution of Mr.. Cullom the hour
for the daily meetings of the senate was
fixed at IL o'clock noon.
On motion of Mr.. Hale of Maine re-
cess was taken until i o'clock.
At 1 o'clock the senate reconyened,
and the committee, consisting of Mr.. ALI
son and Mr.. German, reported through
the former. He said that the committee,
with like committee from the house.
had waited on the president and informed
him that the two branches OF congress
were in session and ready to receive from
him any message he might desire to pre-
sent to them.
Mr.. Allison reported that the president
had informed the committee that he would
Immediately communicate with congress
in writing, and he expressed the hope
that the deliberations of congress might
result in great good to the country and
reflect honor on itself.
The presidents message was present.
cd by Mr.. PrLden, the presidents pri-
vate secretary, and was at 80 laid be-
lore the senate ana Teau
Senators gave the closest attention to
the reading of the message, majority
following it from printed copies with
which they had been supplied, :,
That part of the message which dealt
with the Cuban question and outlined the
policy of the administration with refer
ence to the question was listened to with
particular attention.
The reading of the message was con-
cludeF at $50. The document was Or
dered printed for the use of the senate.
Mr.. Walthall of Mississippi was recog-
nized and announced the death of his col
league, Hon. James Y. George of Missis-
sippi. After lingering illness Senator
George died at Mississippi City on the
18th of August last. By his death, said
Senator Walthall, the state of Mississippi
lost its most useful and distinguished cit
izen and this body one of its most prom,
inent and able members. Mr.. Walthall
presented the usual resolution of con-
dolence with the family Of the deceased
senator |
The resolution was adopted, and as a
further mark of respect the senate adj
iourne1 until fomOrrOw