The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-06

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5.--When the SEN
ate cony.ped today 10 begin the closing
session ~ :he FIfty-ffth congress the
chamber presented a notable and beautiful
appearance.
BY IL o'clock the public and private gal
leries were filled almost to their capacity
with distinguished assembAage. including
many ladies in brilliant attire.
On the floor of the senate the display
of flowers was unusually beautiful even
for the opening day of a session OF con-
gress. The odor Of flowers filed the cham
Der.
The memorable scenes enacted In the
chamber during the last session and the
momentous events that have occurred
since congress last adjourned. created a
feeling OF intense expectancy on the part
OF both the spectators and the members
of the senate This was made manifest
by. the long lines of people IN the corri-
dors anxious to gain admission to the gal
leries and by the early arrival OF the sena-
tors on the floor. Through the courtesy
of the vice president the members OF the
Joint high commission were admitted to
the floor OF the senate and were the re-
cipients Of much attention.
Just before the senate was called to Or
der. several well known members OF the
diplomatic corps appeared in the diplo-
matte gallery. Among them We're Sir
Julian Pauncefote, ambassador Of Great
Britain to the United States and dean OF
the corps, with a party from the British
embassy. Mr. Wu Ting Fang. the Chinese
minister. and party. and Mr.. We Pun
Chin. the Korean minister All were in
terested spectators Of the opening scenes
OF the session and attentive listeners to
the reading of the presidents message.
promptIy at 12 o'clock Vice President Ho-
hart rapred for order Mr.. Milburn, the
venerable blind chaplain. In a profoundly
impressive manner returned "devout thanks
for Gods goodness to us as nation. and
for His care of us since last gathered in the
chamber
The call OF the senate developed the pres
ence OF sixty-seven members.
The usual resolutions were offered and
aaoptet. cullom of Illinois offered one 10
appoint a committee to inform the house
that the senate was ready 10 transact busi-
ness. Hale OF Maine that fixing the hour
og daily meeting at IL o'clock noon. and
Morrill, Of Vermont that TO appoint COM
mittee TO notify the president that the sem
ate was waiting any communication he
might desire 10 make. Morrill, ot Vermont
a:rl tockreu of Missouri were named by the
vice president 10 join like committee OF
the house to call on the president.
Mcbride OF Oregon presented the creden-
tials 81 his newly elected colleague. ST.
mon. 70 whom the vice president adminis-
tered the oath of office.
During the recess Of three-quarters OF an
hour while the senate was awaiting the
;,~gsontattor Of the message from the pres
ilent. the members OF the joint high com
mission held an informal levee. greeting
personally nearly all Of the members OF the
American senate.
The reading OF the presidents message
which occupied two hours and eighteen
minutes. was received with very careful
attention fSr an hour. but after that the
senators drfted 10 the cloak rooms or 20
the committee rooms. where they could
E,er7lss the message az their leisure in the
printed copies with which they had been
furnished
Many persons remained in the galleries
throughout tse reading % the message. bu.
SIS Is usual little attention vas given 10 the
presentation az the message either In the
galleries or GA the floor after the first few
pages
Not IRE slightes: demonstration occurred
dur ax the reading OF the message
Nhea tbe clerk had concluded the read
lag. Mason q Illinois presented a teiegTa N
from PTitchar3 o: North Carolina announc-
ing that t.ifess prevented his attendance
n ,he opening Or the session
Al AS, oa motion % Plat OF Connect
eat. the senate adjourned.
To ssuhy the British M.thad.