The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-12

WAShlNGION, April A.-Cuo3unteo
by the disappointment OF last "Wednesday,
a multitude again besieged the capitol
before the doors were opened. Many
camped out on the marble terrace all night.
But the thousands did not begin to arrive
until about o'clock. The day was dark
and gloomy. AS on Wednesday last. many
women tainted in the crush and were car
ried out The diplomatic galleries were
filed with members of the diplomatic
corps. with their ladies'. The general pub
lie opinion as manifested by the spirit In
the galleries seemed in favor of brushing
aside the latest offer of Span. and this
feeling was reflected by some members
on the noor, but the conservatives cir
culating here and there were counseling
calmness and patience.
As the hands OF the clock pointed to
noon, the speaker entered, the hubbub
ceased, and amid an impressive silence
the chaplain invoked Divine ad In the
crisis.
Immediately after the reading OF the
Journal q contest arose between the CON-
the District OF Columbia over the right
of-way. and while the wrangie that fol-
lowed. to the myst.fcanon OF the eager
visitors in the galleries. was at its height,
Maj. Pruden. the presidents executive
clerk. suddenly appeared IN the main aisle,
bearing the message
Instantly the whispered word passed
around the denseiy packed galleries, The
message" 'The message" 1t was like
an electric shock. "A hush fell on the as
semblage. The Legislative giadIators who
were lighting for right-of-way fell apart
Tho speaker arose and announced the
message As il was carried down the aisle
the galleries leaned over with breathless
attention and the members settled In their
chairs. The sealed envelope was broken
by the speaker himself and the message
was handed To the clerk
''T9e chair submits the message OF the
president OF the United States" announced
the speaker. in clear and distinct tones.
AS the reading began the ticking of the
clock could have been heard. so intense
was the silence. Every ear was strained.
Many members leaned over their desks
with their hands to their ears 10 catch
better the monentous words which fen
from the lips OF the clerk The latter read
In a loud. clear voice, but IN ,lonoton-
GUS tone. with no attempt at emphasis or
defamation. But the words needed no
defamation 20 add 10 their present i'm
port.
There were no demonstrations of an
prevail or disapprora. until toward the
latter part OF the message came the
words "this war mast stop" It was
greeted with round OF applause from
about every quarter OF the Republican
side. The galleries gave no sign.
When the reading was concluded a
scattering outburst came from the Re-
publican side, mingled with few groans
from the Democratic side Again the gal
leries were silent.
The speaker Immediately announced the
reference OF the message and Accompany
ing papers to the committee an foreIan af-
fairs. and without further action .he
house proceeded 20 the consideration of
Dsstric: Of Columbia business. Iyr-ne-
diate.y the house was In an uproar. The
spectators foeked froin the galleries and
the members retired 10 the sioak rooms
and iontsles 10 discuss the message. The
speaker was obliged 70 rap frequently fce
order.
After some district business has been
transacted. the contested election case q,
Fasrchi.ds vs. Ward. from the Eighteenth
New York district. was taken up. After
two hoars' debate the majority renort IN
favor OF Ward. the sitting member, was
adopted. lss 10 -
AZ s:5s ,ae house adjourned.