Omaha daily bee., 1898-12-06
CONGRESS- CONVENES
Opening Of the Chambers Attended by
Brilliant Scenes.
GALLERIES ARE CROWDED WITH VISITORS
Lawmakers Come Together Again Under
Momentous circumstances.
RARE FLORAL TRIBUTES FOR THE LEADERS
Both Houses Promptly Begin the Work Of the
Last Session of Fifty-Fifth Assembly.
DIPLOMATIC CORPS GRACE THE OCCASION
Chaplain Milburn, in Rendering
Thanks ana Asking for Blessings
ON Deliberations, Remembers
Queen Regent and Her Son.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5.-Congress reas-
sembled today under circumstances OF un-
usual public interest. The same congress-
six months ago, declared war against Spain,
and now, with the war fought and won, 1t
came together again for the first legislative
consideration Of the questions developed by
the eventful months just passed. The spirit
of the occasion was not. however, Of imme-
diate expectancy, for the few months left to
the existence Of the Fifty-1fth congress gave
promise Of little more than beginning Of
the momentous policies and problems grow
ing out Of the war.
As usual, all Washington turned its atten-
tion to the capital for that gala even, which
marks the opening day OF the session.
When the senate convened the cham
Der presented a notable and beauti-
full appearance By II O'Clock the pub
lie and private galleries were filled almost
to their capacity with a distinguished as
semblage, including many women in bril-
liant attire. On the floor Of the senate the
display Of flowers was unusually beautiful,
oven for the opening day Of a session Of
congress. The odor of the flowers filled the
chambers.
Magnificent Floral Tributes.
The senate chamber presented an animated
". A"o e"eo "eio n.eN o", '
OF the spectators peihg Visi'ors 10 "asnine
toh' VINO nau embraced tne opportunity "
witness a congressional opening On the
senate floor the scene presented was un-
usually brilliant. The desks of the men,
bers were loaded with magnificent specl-
ments of the florists art. Nothing more
beautiful or elaborate In floral displays has
ueeh Seeh ~ Tue senate ,or many years ~
was veritable chrysanthemum show. with
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