The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-12-15
IN THE HOUSE.
Reading OF the Message Followed
With Close Attention.

With Close Attention.
Washington, Dec. 6. - The opening
session of congress yesterday was a
spectacular occasion, animated and
brilliant. There were more than the
usual number of distinguished per-
sonages in the thronged galleries, ill.,
Guiding many representatives of for
eign governments, high officials and
ladies' and gentlemen conspicuous in
social and political life. The greetings
Of the members were most cordial and
there was no outcropping Of partisan
rancor to mar the occasion. One of the
most striking incidents was the cor
dial meeting between the floor leaders
OF the respective sides, Messrs. Ding
ley and Bailey. In view of the gossip
about the possibility of Mr.. Bailey be-
ing deposed as the minority leader it
is significant that the speaker named
Mr.. Bailey as the minority member Of
the committee to wait upon the presi-
dent, an honor always bestowed upon
the recognized leader Of the minority.
Speaker Reed received warm well
come from both sides Of the house
when he assembled the rostrum to call
the house to order, but perhaps the
greatest personal ovation to any mem
Der was that given Maj. Gen. Wheeler
of Alabama, who has not been seen by
many of his old colleagues since he
went to the front at the head Of the
cavalry division of Gen. Skaters
amy. Mr.. w. A. Stone of Pennsyl-
vania. Mr.. McNfillin of Tennessee and
Mr.. Sayers Of Texas, who have been
elected governors Of their respective
states since congress adjourned, were
also overwhelmed with congratula-
tons. The floral tributes were unusu-
ally numerous and made the hall q
veritable bower of beautiful flowers.
The proceedings themselves We're dull,
all interest centering in the reading Of
the presidents message. For over two
hours the clerk droned through the
long document, but the interest of the
members and the spectators never
tagged. With rapt attention they fol-
lowed the presidents recital Of the
war. and listened eagerly to every sug-
gcstion or recommendation he had to
offer. No expression of approval or
disapproval interrupted the reading.
Washington, Dec. THE first note
of the anti-eNpansionists was sounded
in the senate by Senator Vest of Mis-
souri,. who introduced the following
resolution:
THAT under the constitution of the
United States no power is given to the
federal government to acquire territory
to be held and governed permanently
as colonies. The colonial system Of
European nations cannot be estab-
lished under our present constitution;
but all territory acquired by the gov
eminent, except such small amount as
may be necessary for coaling stations,
correction Of boundaries and similar
governmental purposes must be ac-
Quired and governed with the purpose
Of ultimately organizing such terri
tories into states suitable for admis-
sion into the Union.'
A brief discussion Of the navigation
laws was precipitated by the consid-
GRAFTON Of a bill amending those laws
by the addition of a provision that for
eign 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, men,
Der Of the committee on commerce ex-
pressed his opposition to the bill,
principally because it afforded protec-
ton to the coastwise trade which need
ed no protection. Mr.. Caffery of
Louisiana, who is member Of the COM
mittee on commerce, opposed the bill
Finally it was made special order
for next Monday. At 1870 the senate
adjourned.
In the House.
The house was in session less than
half an hour yesterday when the
dsaths Of Representatives Northway
Of Ohio and Love Of Mississippi were
announced and an adjournment was
taken out of respect to their memory.
The customary resolution for the dis
tribution of the presidents message to
the several committees having juris-
diction was adopted, and the deficiency
bill. carrying the appropriation for the
extraordinary expenses of the army
and navy from Jan. TO July 1, 1890,
was reported and win be taken up by
the house to-day. The report of the
Hawaiian commission. transmitted by
the president, was laid before the
house and referred to the committee
on territories. together with n bill Of.
fer I'd by Mr.. Hitt to carry out the rec
concentrations of the commission.