The times., 1898-12-06
MESSAGE IN THE HOUSE.
No Sound of Applause or Apprecia
ton TO Greet Il.

tion TO Greet II.
The clocks were striking u when the
gavel of the Speaker fell, calling the
House to order Fifteen minutes before the
floor had been cleared OF unauthorized
persons, but the throng that crowded the
aisles seemed hardly diminished SO in
terested were the various Congressman
in greeting their friends Only about two
thirds of the total membel ship was pes
ent, but the buzz of converse ion ttat
arose from the little arena in front of tie
Speakers desk would have done credit 20
double its numbers.
Nearly all the leaders were there,
among them Dfngley and Bal ey. rival
leaders on the floor: Henderson and Me
Millin, wheel horses for the two pa ties;
Cannon and Wheeler, gray, but active.
The aisles and desks bloomed Yitn ros es
and chrysanthesnums. Representative
Hawley of Texas received a beautiful
basket of tall La France roses Repre-
sentative Dayton of West Virgin a lad
an enormous anchor. typifying the hope
that he is very likely TO need at son e
future election. Other members were fit
tingly remembered.
The honors of the day fell to Gen.
Wheeler who entered as hastily as ever.
dressed in plain citizens suit 1t ne d
ed not the band of crepe upon his sleeve
to show that his gallant work in war
had not been without sorrow to himself.
AS soon as he appeared he was surround
ed by score of members anxious TO
press his hand.
At the sound of the gavel a hush + II
on the chamber and on the crowded gal
leries. The blind chaplain arose to pay.
His prayer was longer than usIal. He
alluded feelingly to the wonderful bless
ings that had fallen upon our arms and
his voice grew tender as he spoke of those
who fperished. A kind remembrance for
those members of the House who had
passed away since Congress adj1urnt
closed the prayer.
Instantly babel reigned again. drowning
the voice of the clerk who tried to call the
roll. and only partially to be hushed by
the efforts Of the Speaker. Finally it was
ascertained that 267 members were pres
ent
Representatives Charles Dick of Ohio.
Thomas Speight of Mississippi. and W. II.
Graham, of Pennsylvania, all newly e'ect-
ed, were presented by their colleagues,
Representatives Grosvenor. Allen and
Grow, and sworn in. Col Dick succeeds
the late Representative Northway, Mr..
Speight succeeds Representative Sullivan,
who has been elected TO the Senate while
Mr.. Graham comes in the place of Repre-
sentative Stone, chosen governor of his
State.
On motion of Mr.. Dinley. the Speaker
named Representative Dingley. Cannon
and Bailey as committee TO visit the
President. in company with similar ccm-
mittee from the Senate, and inform him
that Congress was ready for business, and
the House took recess until 1:3O to await
the result of the errand.
The committee returned at 1:20, closely
followed by the message. which was at
once given into the hands of the clerks
to be read.
The reading occupied nearly three hours
and was concluded at 3:i5. When tho
clerks voice stopped there was silence for
moment and not a sound of applause
greeted the message of the President to
Congress. Mr. Dingley moved TO adjourn
and thus ended the day in the House.