Times-promoter., 1898-12-10
.OURLANNAKERS ATNORK
Unusual Interest Manifested in the
Opening of the Winter SeS-
sion of Congress.
HOUSES RESEMBLED FLOWER GARDENS.


Fresent on the Floor and in the Gall
Itries-The Presidents Message Re-
ceived and Read After the Usual Pre-
Ilminary Proceedings.
Washington. Dec. 5.-Congress reas-
sembled under circumstances of un-
usual public interest. The same
congress, six months ago, de-
clared war against Spain and
now, with the war fought and won. it
came together again for the first leg
islatiye consideration of the que8-
tons developed by the eventful
months just past. The spirit of the
occasion was not, however, one of inn
mediate expectancy, for the few
months left to the existence of the
Fifty-ffth congress give promise Of
little more than a beginning of the
momentous policies and problems
growing out of the war.
All Washington Turned Out.
As usual all Washington turned its
attention to the capital for that gala
event which marks the opening day
of session. The weather imposed no
barriers. for the hurricane of Sunday
had given way to clearing skies and
balmy air. Long before the noon
hour, when the senate and house began
their work, the corridors We're filled
with surging crowds, ccntering in the
Iorunda and statuary hall, and push
ing toward the private galleries. No
evidences remained of the explosion
and fire which recently ravaged the
building.
BY II o'clock the leaders began to
make their appearance and the public
galleries filled rapidly.
Senate.
In the opening hours Of the last ses-
sion of the memorable Fifty-ffth con
gress the senate chamber presented
an animated scene The, galleries
were filed early, many Of the spccta-
tors being visitors to Washington who
had embraced the opportunity to wit
ness a congressional opening. On the
senate floor the scene presented was
unusually brilliant The desks of the
members were loaGcd with magnif-
cent specimens of the florists art
Nothing more beautiful or elaborate
in floral displays has been seen in the
senate for many years.
Above in the diplomatic gallery, just
before the senate convened, appeared
Sir Julian PauncefOtc, the British am
bassador, and party; Mr.. WI Ting
Fung, the Chinese minister. and at
taches of his legation &nd some other
members of the diplomatic corps On
the floor, Lord Herschcll, the chief
representative Of Great Britain on the
Joint high commission, came accom-
panied by Mr.. T. Jefferson Coolidge,
OF Massachusetts.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Sir Richard
Cartwright. Sir Louis Davies and Mr..
Charlton. members of the commits
sion, were also on the floor.
Promptly on the stroke of 19
o'clock Vice President IIobert en-
tered and ascending to his desk,
raped for order,
Mr.. Milburn, the venerable blind
chaplain, in profoundly impressive
manner. returned "devout and rever-
ent thanks for Gods goodness to rs
as a nation and for His care OF us
since last gathered in this chamber.
by Thy good providence" the chap
lain prayed, triumph has crowned our
arms by land and sea; so that peace
has come to us through the council
chamber. Let Thy grace be the por-
ton of our people, and may their
hearts be rendered in service to Thee
and all men. We pray that Thy bless
ing may be with the queen regent of
Spain and her young son, and on her
nation. May Thy heavenly grace
come to secure and uplift and uphold
| that stricken people. Grant that all
good may be given to MS, to our moth
erland, and to all nations. and may we
| walk hand in hand with our brethren
across the sea to the heights of Chris
| tan civilization"
| A call of the senate developed the
| presence of CT members.
The usual resolutions We're offered
and adopted. Mr.. Cullom Qll.) moved
| to appoint committee to inform the
| house that the senate was ready to
| transact business; Mr.. Hale tMe.) that
| fixing the hour of daily meeting at -
o'clock, noon, and Mr.. Morrill, (Nt.)
to appoint a committee to notify
the president that the senate was
| awaiting any communication he might
| desire to make.
Mr.. Morrill, (Vt.) and Mr.. Cockrell
| (Mo.) were named by the vice-presi-
dent to join like committee of the
house of representatives to call upon
the president.
Mr.. Mcbride (Ore.) presented the
credentials of his newly-elcctcd col
league, Mr.. Simon, to whom the vice.
president administered the oath of Of
| fee
Pending the receipt of the presi-
| dents message, the senate. on motion
! of Mr. Allison Qll.), took a recess of
| 80 minutes.
| At 1:25 p. IN. VicePresident Hobart
laid the presidents message before
| the senate, and its reading was begun