The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-01-05
GREAT AND GENERAL COURT.
Legislature of Massachusetts. Begins its
Annual Session In Boston.

Annual Session In Boston.
Boston, Jan. 6.-The Massachusetts,
legislature. officially known as the great
and general court, convened at the state
house today. the two branches meeting
in their respective chambers, where,
after the members were sworn in by
Governor Wolcott, the officers for the
ensuing year were chosen. The cere-
monies attending the organization OF
both branches differed little from those
of previous years, and the day passed
off in the quiet and orderly manner
which has become noteworthy OF this
state.
Perhaps the chief event OF the day
was the meeting OF the senate in its
permanent chamber in the retuvenated
Bulfinch front. this marking the prac-
tical completion OF the state house.
George h. Smith of Everett was elected
president of the senate and John L.
Bates of Boston the speaker OF the
house for the third successive year. The
other officers OF both bodies were also
elected without oppositioD~
As the senate caucus, the only one
necessary for the filing of a vacancy
was held last evening, the members had
nothing 10 attract them to the summit
OF Beacon hill until just before the time
set for the opening exercises: yet be-
fore o'clc-K number appeared In the
long and spacious corridors OF the annex.
and strolled through the new rooms of
the Bulfnch front. Not a few well
coined Governor Wolcott when he ar
rived shortly before 10 o'clock at the
executive department BY this time
fully two-thirds OF the members of both
branches had arrived ard whiled away
the remaining hour chatting in the
smoking rooms. renewing old acquaint-
ances and forming new ones
The Jingle Of the call bells at IL o'clock
caused n general stampede to the two
chambers, where the galleries had al
ready become well filed with interested
spectators. AS the 40 senators ranged
themselves about the shining mahogany
desks. which form a horseshoe IN the
center OF the cid hall Of Representatives.
which henceforth becomes the senate
chamber, there were many new faces to
be seen and as many old ones TO be
missed. Clerk Coolidge called the SEN
ators TO order at II 10 a. m and re-
Quested Josiah G. Bennett OF Somer-
Vile. the senior senator. 10 take the
chair, After the customary invoca ton
had been made, a committee was APP
pointed TO wait upon the governor and
inform him that the senate was ready
TO take the oath. Governor Wolcott
soon after appeared. accompanied by
his council, and the senator's took the
oath i'm a body.
The governor then retired and the sem
ate at once proceeded 10 organize for
the coming year The election of the
president resulted in the choice Of MIR.
smith
Henry Coolidge Of Concord was re-
elected clerk for his twelfth year and
Rev. Edmund Dowse Of Sherborn and
Captain j. @. Adams Of Lynn were also
elected chaplain and sergeant-at-arms
respectively The message was then
sent TO the house tha, organization had
been effected, and giving the list of the
newly elected officers. similar no.
tifcation was received from that body.
Last years rules we're ordered to stand
until others might be adopted, and after
a session of about two hours the senate
adjourned until tomorrow.
The house was called to order by Clerk
Kimball about the same time as the
upper branch. and Francis + Harlow
OF Whitman, the Oldest representative,
took the chair AS in the senate
committee was appointed to notify the
governor that the members Of the house
were ready 10 comply with the law in
taking the cath of Office, and the same
form was gone through with as In the
senate. After the governor had retired
the house proceeded to ballot for speaker.
and John l.. Bates received the unani-
nous vote Of the body.
Further orneHlzatlon was made by
tho choice Of James f. Rlmball as clerk.
Rev. Daniel w. Waldron OF Boston az
chaplain and Captain J. q. B. Adams OF
Lynn as sergeant-at-arms. After trans
acting minor business. the house ad-
Journed until tomorrow.