The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-29

WASHINGTON, March 2S.-The reading
of the Presidents message in the House to-
day was listened to with breathless interest
by the members and the spectators in the
galleries, who were crowded in like sardnes
in box. just one wave of applause swept
from floor TO ceiling and then the death of
Representative Simpkins, of Massachusetts,
was announced and tho House adjourned.
Fifteen minutes before the House con-
vened the floor was cleared. The diplomatic
and executive galleries shortly afterward
were opened, and before the gaval fell at
noon not seat was vacant. Altogether.
there were an unusually large number of
ladies' in the galleries. and their gay spring
costumes added much to the brilliancy of
the notable scene. Chairman Dingley and
Mr.. Bailey and the other leaders entered
the hall without demonstration.
At exactly II o'clock the speaker assembled
the rostrum and called the House TO order.
Amid the impressive silence that followed
the blind chaplain delivered solemn prayer
which rang through the hall like warning.
He referred to the storm clouds that hung
above the country, threatening to break at
any time He prayed to God to interpose
His, power that these clouds might pass
away, leaving US in peace and tranquility.
Yet If war must come. he prayed IN YIN,
right, help us to be prepared with brain,
and heart, and Drawn to meet IT. To TINS
end be with the President and the Cabinet,
our co1nselors and all officially connected
with the affairs of state.
There were no preliTninaries. While the
journal was being read Chief Executive
Clerk Pruden appeared with the message,
which was announced as soon as the read
ing of the journal was concluded The
carried the document down the main aisle
and placed it on the speakers table;
Speaker Reed himself broke the large red
seal of the envelope, and without so much,
as looking al the message handed 1T to the
clerk, at the same time announcing in
clear, distinct voice "A message from the
President of the United States.
No presidential message was ever listened
to with such breathless interest Members
every word. When the reading was con-
cluded a wave of applause swept over the
floor and galleries The speaker immedi-
ately announced the reference of the mes
sage to the committee on foreign affairs,
under the rules Mr.. Bailey, the Democratic
leader, arose and said he understood the
message would take that course without de-
bate under the rules, but asked if the report
Of the board of inquiry had not accompanied
the message. The speaker replied that a
foot note to the message contained the In
formation that the report nd testimony had
been transmitted to the Senate:
Would it be in order to ask unanimous
consent to set apart Wednesday for the
consideration of the messenger" asked Mr..
McMilin (Dem., Temp The chair thinks
not replied the speaker.
Meantime Mr.. Walker (Rep., Mass.),
on his feet, and when recognized he an
nounced, as dean of the delegation, the
death of his colleague. Representative
Simpkns The usual resolutions were
adopted, the speaker appointing the follow
ing committee to attend the funeral:
Messrs. Gillette, Mccall and Lowering, of
Massachusetts; Cousin, of Iowa; Foss, of
Illinois; Lattaur, of New York; Newlands,
of Nevada, and Berry of Kentucky. Then,
at 1916 p. m, the House, further mark
of respect, adjourned.