The Yale expositor., 1898-12-09
CONGRESS IS IN SESSION.
Lawmakers of the United States
Meet at Washington.
IMPORTANT MEETING BEGINS.
With tho Prestige of n Successful War,
Begun and Completed Within Their
Term OF once, Congressman Meet In
Competence.

Washington, Dec. 5.-Congress reas-
sembled today under circumstances OF
unusual public interest. The same
| congress, six months ago, declared war
against Spain, and now, with the war
fought and won, it came together again
for the first legislative consideration
of the questions developed by the
eventful months just past.
The spirit of the occasion was not,
however, one of immediate expectancy,
for the few months left to the exist
ence of the Fifty-ffth congress gave
promise of little more than a begin
ming on the momentous policies and
problem growing out fthe war.
AS usual, all Washington turned its
attention to the capitol for that gala
event which marks the opening day or
session. The weather imposed no
barriers, for the hurricane OF yesterday
gave way to clearing skies and balmy
air.
Long before the noon hour, when the
senate and house began their work.
the corridors were filed with surging
crowds, centering in the rotunda and
statuary hall, and pushing toward the
private galleries. No evidences re-
manned of the explosion and fire which
recently ravaged the building.
BY II O'Clock the leaders began to
make their appearance. and the pub
lie galleries filled rapidly.
Exactly at noon Speaker Reeds
gavel came down with a sharp crack,
! the great ebony mace entwined with
silver and surmcunted by silver eagle,
was lifted into place upon its green
marble pedestal, the spreading folds
! of American flags were broken to the
breeze about the brilliant stained-glass
ceiling, and the house of representa-
| tives entered upon the closing session
of the memorable war congress. The
scene within the great hall was AMI
mated, brilliant, and picturesque.
The sea of desks within the brass
rails which cut of the Hobbies, spread
! ing in semi-circular lines from the
speakers rostrum like waves from a
center were yeritable fower-garden,
majority of members were in their
place. while about the ercircling gal
leries were banked to the doors with
people.
Even the private galleries were
crowded an hour before the hour OF
converting. And they contained many
distinguished in social and official life.
The dainty creations Of the milliner's
art and brilliantly superb gowns gave
color to the picture. Here and there
throughout the throng was an officer
in full unifrm, an unwonted figure on
the floor and a vivid reminder of the
war.
The floral tributes which the scurry-
| ing pages bore into the hall and desks
of those for whom they were destined
were much more numerous than usual.
Some of them were of gigantic size,
completely concealing the recipients.
There were huge baskets of roses,
anchors, horseshoes, and floral pieces
of many designs.
On the opening hours OF the last ses-
sion OF the memorable Fifty-fifth con-
gress the senate chamber presented an
animated scene. The galleries were
filled early, many OF the spectators be-
ing visitors to Washington, who had
embraced the opportunity to witness a
congressional opening.
On the senate floor the scene pre-
scented was unusually brilliant. The
desks of the members were loaded with
magnificent specimens of the florists
art.
Nothing more beautiful or elaborate
in floral displays has been seen in the
senate for many years.
Mr.. Morgan of Alabama was the
first senator to enter the chamber, and
closely following him came the octa-
genarian, Mr.. Morrill, of Vermont. One
by one the members dropped into the
chamber and the floor very soon pre-
scented a scene as animated as that af
forded by the galleries.