Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-06
AlTlNGiNCONGRESS
Crowds Demand Admission to the
Halls Of Legislation.
ARRIVED As EARLY As SIX O'CLOCK
Speedily Filled All Seats When the
Doors Were Opened.
A MEMO RABLE SCEN

saAACs hoS lheIS UcSu buCu ociildHu LUZ 0a-
mission to the halls of Congress as was
made today. People who appreciated what
tho condition of affairs would be were at
the doors of the big building before 9
O'Clock, and they were there in such num-
bers at this time that when the doors were
opened not to exceed half of them could
find seats in the galleries of either the Sen
ate or House.
The people began to arrive at the east
front of the Capitol as early as O'Clock.
and Notwithstanding the fact that the ther-
mometer registered below the freezing
point. they took their places at the doors
and held them with a calm steadfastness
and determination of purpose worthy of
most important quest. The arrivals were
scattering up to 7:3O o'clock, but after that
hour they came In large groups, and by
half-past eight the concroted grounds in
front Of the building were well covered with
struggling people seeking ingress to the
building in which they evidently expected
| history to be made during the day. The
large stone steps leading to the Senate and
House wings and to the rotunda were' lit
orally covered. When the doors were OPEN
ed they rushed into the Capitol through the
various openings like water from a swollen
river breaking through defective levee.
Galleries Filled I'm Five Minutes.
In five minutes time all the public CALLER
les were filled and the crowds in the corri-
dors were so dense that 1t was difficult to
believe that any had found seats and been
removed from the throng.
Upon the issue of the day the tens of thous-
ands who swarmed to the Capitol believed
depended peace or war. Within the people
almost overran the blue-ccated policemen
who struggled to hold them in check. In
great waves the irresistible stream surged
on up the marble stairways to the CALLER
les, in front of the doors of which the great
mass pressed, women fainting in the press,
old men and children crushed by those be-
hind.
The arrangements for the reserved gal
leries were excellent. Special cards had
been issued, and though many failed to
gain admission, owing to, the iateness of
their arrival, those holding special tickets
were well cared for.
On the Floor.
On the floor the greatest excitement and
activity prevailed. The leaders rushed
hither and thither rallying their forces.
Rumors flew about. Here indignation was
riot against the report that the President
would ask for discretion as to when inter-
vention should take place; there stanch
supporter of the President was counselling
calmness; here a group was discussing the
probability Of an alliance between the DEM
ocrats and the dissatisfied republicans
there an appeal to a group of republicans
was being made to stand solidly by the
President and party organization. The
battle was already on.
In corner of the Capitol the House COM
f1r Hfr;,r
the old library hall the "reconcentrados,"
as the republicans who have been urgent
for action are called, were discussing the
latest phase of the situation with stormy
words. Everywhere was the militant spirit
which comes with events that stir the
blood and quicken the pulses.
No more inspiring scene could be wit
messed than was presented by the great
hall of the House of Representatives just
before the House met. Tier upon tier of
people from gallery rail to wall stretched
in unbroken lines about the pit where the
members sit, the gay colors of the gowns
and hats and flowers of the ladies' relieving
the somber black of the garments of the
men. Above the Speakers desk the fes-
tooned silk flag Of the American republic
was to the eye the ocular symbol Of the
patriotism which throbed in the breast.
And opposite the Speakers chair the great
clock with its guarding warriors licked
away the minutes as the vast assemblage
waited the message which carried the
fortunes Of the American people.
In the Diplomatic Gallery.
When the Senate met the diplomatic gal
lery was crowded and a number of mem
bers of legations here were unable to se-
curs seats. This is the first occasion since
the Cuban question has been before Con-
gress that the diplomatic gallery has been
filled with members of inc legations and
their ladies. On several other occasions the
gallery has been opened to friends of sena-
tors after 1t was seen the seats would not
be applied for by the diplomats themselves.
Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British am
bassador, arrived at the diplomatic gallery
a few minutes before noon and secured the
last available seat thers on the rear row.
Mrs. Mendonca, wife of the Brazilian min
lister. occupied seat on the front row of
the gallery. and behind her were two ladies
from the Spanish legation. The Spanish
minister was not present.
Ex-senator Upton of Nebraska and ex-
Senator Pugh of Alabama occupied seats ON
the floor Of the Senate.
Others In the diplomatic gallery were
Senor Don Victor Eastman of the Chilean
legation, Senior Don Antonio Arriega and
Joaquin Yela Of the Guatemalan legation,
Minister Hatch of Hawaii Count and
Countess G. de Lichtervelde of the lega-
ton Of Belgium.
Senator-eiect McComas of Maryland came
on the door Of the Senate about o'clock.
In the senators' private gallery were
Nrs. Hobart, Mrs. Davis, wife of Senator
Davis; Mrs. Mason. wife Of Senator Mason.
and the Misses Mason Mrs. Mason and
her daughters wore Cuban flags. Mrs.
Faulkner. wife of the senator from West
Virginia. and daughters were also in the
gallery.
IN THE HOUSE.
The HIN ReoFgnnfktng the Array
| Taken Up.
Az the hands OF The clock pointed to II
O'clock Speaker Reed pushed his way
| Though the green taiz. doors leading from
the lobby to the House and asccnded the
rcstrum. With two whacks Of the gasei
the great multitude was hushed. srhe
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