The age-herald., 1898-12-06
OVATION GIVEN JOE WHEELER Representative Brewer Proposes Repeal War Revenue Measure. WILLIAM SULZER'S RESOLUTION Desires to Have the War Department
 Investigated by Congress. APPROPRIATIONS FOR ALABAMA Administration Watches Reed With the Eyes of a Hawk, While the Dem-
 ocrats Have Troubles of
 Their Own.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR ALABAMA
BY ARCHIBALD w. BUTT

Washington, December 5.-(Special.) Ut was a serious lot of men who met in the house of representatives this morning. This does not mean that only the senators were serious, for such is their wont at the opening of all sessions. But, as rule, there is something Jovial about the house on it's first day. Members meet and laugh and talk oyer the campaign and think little of serious matters usually the first day of session.
 But today seemed different somehow from former times. l could but help think ing that the mood of the house this morn ing reflected the mood of the people whom the representatives have juGt left. There is no better thermometer of the people in the world than the house of representa- lives. It rises and falls within few hours after tine temper of the people change.
 The contrast of today with the last day of the last session was very marked. Then all were light ht-hesrted in spite of the fact that was was in progress War is an easy thing for congress to meet, easy for the people. Only one thing to be done and that is to fight Since then all congressional specu- lution has been set at naught, predictions, save that of victory, unfulflled and new conditions and undreamed of complications have arisen.
 Unimae ined Problems
 Problems unimagined in the last sessions come up for solution now which would have staggered public men a year, even SIX months ago. Since last session ques- tions have come up that will require much ..1 tO s1t- tle As one glances over the faces there Is hardly one which does not show thought fulness There is some cheering as of old When Wheeler's name was reached in the roll call the pent up admiration which the country feels for the little man burst into applause from the peoples representatives. A smile, saddened somewhat perhaps, spread over the house when the name of Jerry Simpson was heard and the names of Savers, of Texas. and McMilln, of Ten nessee, evoked approval for their victories from their friends.
 But to even the most casual observer there was something serious about this first day of the last session of the Fifty-fifth con- gress A great proportion of these men VIII not be called upon to meet the problems which the war has called to the front, for very few of the questions can be settled between now and the fourth day of next March. But even those who are going out, some to the gubernatorial chair, some to private life and many to the political arena again, seem to have no desire to shirk the responsibility that this war has imposed upon them. The frivolity of former first days has given place to sober thoughtful ness and in place of smiling faces there is a furrow on almost every brow.
 Their Ability is Mighty
 The problems are mighty, and one looks at the American people in congress it's ability to cope with those problems are mighty also. Congress seems to be in just such mood as the rest of the world might expect it to be in the eve of discussing what the world has forced upon 1t. Speaker Reed or Tom Reed, as it seems more nat ural to call him, hammered just as hard as of yore on his desk, but the sound of his gavel appeared to be little more ominous as if he was breaking his long silence. He has not spoken for the public since the last session adjourned. He has indulged in criticism of the war, expressed him. self in no way upon the quest tions which are uppermost in the minds of his follow CTS, but for all that every one seems to- know what he thinks and all wonder if he intends to make his thoughts an active force and act his dominant will against the power of the chief executive.
 He and Senator Hale think alike, or have thought alike on the subject of expansion, and Senator Hale has spoken. As he en- tered the hall there was applause. When he stood behind the marble desk the eyes of the friends of the administration were fixed searchingly upon him. Bailey, the youth full leader of the minority. gave himself more than cursory glance as if to read on that stolid face whether or not he would have ally in>the speaker in the fight the democrats will make against ex- pansion.
 Reeds Countenance Stoical
 There was no indications of his inten- tions on that rounded face. It was stoical He has his lieutenants on the floor. and he will show his hands first through them It is doubtful as yet whether he has express ed his thoughts to Dalzell, Henderson, Cam on, Dingley or Deliver. Watching this coterie was General Grosvenor, the "court favorite." Nothing, no expression no whispered conference vas lost to him. What he observes will be carefully remem-