The Progress. (Shreveport, La.) 1892-1900, 1898-12-17
FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
THE AUGUST BODY OF LAWMAKERS
REAsseN8LEO IN WASHINGTON.
Inspiring scenes at the Opening of the
Last Session of the Famous War Con-
gress---Anti-Expansio Party Makes Its
Initial Action.
SENATE.

MONDAY.-ln The Opening hours OF
the last session of the memorable 18Th
congress, the senate chamber present
ed an animated scene. The galleries
were filed early, many of the specta-
tors being visitors to Washington who
had embraced the opportunity to wit
ness congressional opening. The
desks Of the members were loaded with
the most beautiful and elaborate floral
displays. Promptly on the stroke OF
twelve Vice-President Hobart entered
and ascending to his desk raped for
order. Rev. Mr.. Milburn, the veneer
able blind chaplain, in a profoundly
impressive manner, returned 'devout
and reverent thanks for Gods good
ness to Us as nation, and for His care
OF US since we last gathered in this
chamber" A call of the senate de-
veloped the presence Of sixty-seven
members. The usual resolutions were
offered and adopted. The reading of
the presidents me sage occupied two
hours and eighteen minutes, and not
the slightest demonstration occurred.
At 3 :45 p. N, the senate adjourned.
TUESDAY .-The first note of the an
ti-expansionists was sounded in the
senate today by Senator Vest of Mis-
sour, who introduced a Joint resolu-
ton. denying the nation power to ac-
quire territory to be held as colonies.
A brief discussion of the navigation
laws was precipit4ted by the consider
alton of bill amending those laws by
the addition Of provision that foreign
built vessels wrecked in the United
States, purchased by citizens of this
country and repaired to the extent of
three-fourths of their value, shall be
subject to forfeiture if they engage
subsequently in the coastwise trade of
the United States. Mr.. Vest and Mr..
Gallery, OF Louisiana, opposed the
bill. Finally it was made special
order for next Monday. At 1870 the
senate adjourned
WEDNESDAT.-At the opening OF the
senate's session today, Mr.. Hawley,
Connecticut, chairman of the military
affairs committee, introduced bill for
the reorganization of the regular army.
Mr.. HOar, of Massachusetts, secured
the adoption of a resolution that a
committee of seven senators be ap-
pointed to whom shall be referred that
part OF the presidents message which
relates to the celebration of the CEN
tennial Of the city of Washington as
capital of the United States. At 1926
pm, on motion of Mr.. Lodge, the
senate went into executive session.
Upon the resumption of business in
open session communications were re-
ceived from the house announcing the
death during the recess of Represent
alive Stephen A. Northway, of Ohio,
and William T. Love, of Mississippi.
On motion of Mr.. Foraker, of Ohio,
in respect to the memory of the de-
ceased, the senate at go pm. adj
iourned.
HURsDAY.-The senate held short
session today and then adjourned IN
til Monday after making the Mica
ragua canal bill the unfinished busi-
ness before that body Mr.. Morgan
called up the measure, whereupon Mr..
Pettigrew moved to adjourn. This
motion failed, Ii ayes to ~ noes, and
the bill was brought forward. Adj
Journment was Immediately taken.
During the session Mr.. Vest stated his
opposition to the hurried manner of
passing pension bills in the senate and
gave notice be would insist upon a
quorum being present when pensi On
bills were being acted upon.
HOUSE
MoNDAT.-Exactly at noon Speaker
Reeds gavel came down with sharp
crack and the house of representatives
entered upon the closing session of
the memorable war congress. The
scene within the great hall was ANNA
ted, brilliant and picturesque. At the
conclusion of the chapIain's prayer
the speaker announced that the first
business in order would be the call of
the roll to determine the presence of
quorum. While the responses were
being made, Gen. Wheeler, of Ala
bama, came in and took his seat in the
row Immediately in front of the speak
er's rsstum. He was instantly sur
rounded by half dozen members and
received the ovation of the day. A
resolution was also adopted instruct
ing the clerk Of the senate that the
house was ready to proceed to BUSH
ness. The house then took @ recess
until 1:30 to await the arrival of the
presidents message. The seal of the
envelope in which the message was
contained was broken hv tha snaakor