The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-12-07
CONGRESS In
REGULAR SESSION.
GAY SCENES IN THE LEG
:. s. ISLATIVE HALLS.

- ISLATIVE HALLS.
Washington, Dec. 5.-Congress
reassenbied to-day under circumstances
Of unasual public interest. The same
congress, six months ago, declared
war against Spain. and now, with the
var fought and Won, j: came together
fer the FIRST legislative consideration of
the questions developed by the eventful
months just past. The spirit of the
occasion vas not. however one Of
Immediate expecsancy. for she few
months left the existence of the 56sb
congress gave promise of little more
shsn beginning on sse momentoos
policies aod problems growing out of
7she var
AS usual. ali Washipgten turned it's
attention to the capitol for that gala
event which marks the opening day Of
seasiou The weather imposed no
barriers, for the barricane of yesterday
had given way to clearing skies and
bslmy air. Long before the noon hour
when tho senate aud house began their
work, the corridors were filled with
surging crowds. centeriug in the rotunda
and ssatuary hall aad pushing towards
she private galleries No evidences
remained Of the explosion and FIRE
Which recently ravaged the taildiug
When the senate convened, the
chamber presented q noble aud beau.
tifnl appearance. By II O'Clock the
public aud private galleries we're filed
almost to their capacity With dissin-
,,uished assemblage, including many
ladies' in brilliant attire.
On tho aoor, the display of flowers
was unusually beautiful, even for the
opening day Of session of congress.
The odor of the flowers filed the cham
ber.
Through the, courtesy of the vice
president, the members of the Joint
High commission were admitted TO the
door Of the seoase. aud were the
secipients OF much attention.
Just before the session vas called TO
order. several well-kaown members of
the diplomatic corps appeared in the
diplomatic gallery. Among them we're
Sir Julian Pauncefote. ambassador of
Great Britain to she United States and
dean Of the corps, with party from
the British embassy Mr. Wa Ting
Fang. the Chinese minister, and party;
Mr.. lie PUN Chin. the Korean. minis
ter. was also preset.
Altrsre interested spectators Of che
opening scenes Of the session, and
attentive listeners to the reading of the
presidens's message.
During recess Of three-quar.ers Of
saB hour, while the seaate wss awaiting
the presentation Of the message from
tie president, tbe members of the Joint
High commission held an informal ievee
greeting personally nearly all Of the
members of the American senate
The reading of the presidents mes
sage, whici occupied :Bo hours and
eighteen minutes, was received with
very careful attention for an hour. bus
after shat the senators drifted TO the
s.oak rooms or the committee rooms
where they could peruee the message at
their leisure 10 the printed copies which
had been furnished them.
Wien the clerk had concluded the
reading. Ne. Mason, of Illinois. pre-
seated telegram ircm Mr. Prischard.
of North Carolipa. announcing that
illness prevented bis attendance at the
opening Of the session.
At 3.46 the senate adjourned.
IN THE HOUSE.
Io the house the greetings of the
members were most cordial and there
uss no ou.croppiog Of partisan rsocor
TO mar the occasion. Ooe Of the most
striking incidents was the cordial
meeting between the foo. leaders of the
respective sides. Messrs. Diogley aud
Bailey In view of the gossip about
the possibility OF Mr.. Bailey being
deposed as the minority leader it is
significant that the speaker named Mr..
Baily as the minority member of the
committee to wait upon the president.
an honor always bestowed upon the
recognized leader of the minority
Speaker Reed received a warm
welcome from both sides of the house
when he ascended the rossrum TO call
the house to order bot perhaps the
greatest personal ovation to any mem
ber wss that given Maj. Gen Wheeler.
Of Alabama, who has not been seen By
many of his old colleagues since be
vent to the froo. at the head Of the
eovas,y 1ivis;no of Gen Shafter's