The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-03-16

'SuiuSVon, NiHrcn lo.-Thc opening
OF the FIFTY fifth Congress in extraolrii-
nary session was witnessed in the House
To day by an immense crowd of speeta.
tors. The corridors of the Capitol were
overrun with people fully an hour before
noon; and, although police officers were
stationed ut the foot OF the marble stair
cases to keep back all who We're not pro-
vided with cards Of admission, there were
enough persons 50 provided to occupy
every seat in the galleries
OF the 35i men who constitute the
membership Of the House, 1852 have neyer
before served in that .capacity. while sin
teen more have served in former Con-
gresses-making altogether $40 new mem,
beri and 2O9 who served in the last Con-
gress. Politically classified, there ARE 2O6
Republicans, 1862 Democrats and 80 fusion
silveri,es and Populists.
Alex Mcdowell, clerk of the last House.
called the House to order at noon. when
prayer WAS offered 10y the blind CHAPLAIN.
Rev. Mr.. Couden.
The clerk then read the Presidents pro-
clamntion converting Congress and di-
rected the roll of members to be called by
States, alphabetically.
The clerk announced as II result of the
call, that 1877 members answered their
names, and at the same time suggested
that there should be silence on the floor
$50 that the galleries may take part in
the proceediDgs.r
The oddly of this request created
laughter among members and spectators.
THE next business in order" said the
clerk, lis theNelectiop OF Speaker, and
nominations are no,y in order"
Mr.. Grosvenor, OF Ohio. nominated
Mr.. Reed, of Maine, and Mr. Richardson
nominated Joseph w. Bailey, of Texas:
and John Rail
was put in nomination by .Jere Simpson
The election of Speaker was then pro
Achnae.l. ~ ith, the result being,s. $40.
For Mr.. Reed 100 votes; Bailey. ia
votes; Bell, 81 votes and for Mr.. New
lands, of Nevada. L.
The announcement was applauded on
the floor and in the galleries
The clerk ann" unced that Mr. Reed
hah received majority of all the votes
cast, was duly elected Speaker: and he
appointed MesSrs Grosvenor, Bailey ami
Ecli to conduct the Speaker elect To the
chair.
Mr.. Reed having been conducted 70 the
chair. amid much applause, addressed
the House, expressing his thanks and
promising absolute .impartiality in adj
mnistering his Office
This was followed by the ceremony of
swearing in the members.
The Presidents message was read and
was referred, on motion of Mr.. Dingley,
TO the COMMITTEES on ways and means
Mr.. Dingley then introduced his tariff
bill, which was also referred to the com
mittec on ways and means
The Speaker announced the following
appointments:
Committee on 'rules-Thc Speaker.
Henderson, Dalzell. Republicans Bailey
ana McMillin, Democrats.
Committee on ways and means-Ding-
ley, chairman; Payne, Dalzell, Hopkins,
Grosvenor Dolliver, Steele, johnson.
Johnson, Evans, Tawncv, Republicans:
haley, McMillin, Wheeler McIaurin.
Robertson, Swanson, Democrats.
Committee on Undergraduates, chair
man; Barham, Boosc, Republicans;
Cooper and Lewis. Democrats.
Permission WAS given to the committee
on ways and means to sit during the ses-
sion of the House and 10 have all nee
essary printing done; and then ut 4 d. m.
the House adjourned till Thursday next.