The herald., 1898-04-12
IN THE HOUSE
The Vast Assemblage Gives No Sign
of Approval

WASHINGTON, April 1.-THE presi-
dents message was read in the house to-
day, in the presence of q vast assembage
and was referred to the committee on for
eign affairs without debate. There was abb
solutely no demonstration, either of ap-
proval or disapproval, from the crowded
galleries throughout, and at the conclusion
OF the reading there was burst of ap-
plause from the Republican side, when, to-
ward the close of the message, the president
said the war in Cuba must cease
Postmaster General Gary and Secretary
of Agriculture Wilson were on the floor
just before the house convened. The
hands of the clock pointed to noon, the
| speaker entered the house and the hubbut
ceased, and amid an impressive silence the
chaplain invoked the divine aid in the cri-
sis Immediately after the reading of the
journal a contest arose between the COM
mittee on foreign relations and the COM
mittee of the District of Columbia over the
right of way and during the wrangle that
followed, to the mystifcation of the eager
visitors in the galleries, Major Pruden,
the presidents executive clerk, appeared
in the main aisle bearing the message. In
stantly the whispered word was passed
around the densely packed galleries, "the
message" 1t was like an electric shock
A hush fell on the assemblage. The
speaker arose and Major Pruden an
nounced the message. AS it was carried
down the aisles the spectators leaned over
with breathless interest and the members
settled in their chairs. The seal of the
envelope was broken by the speaker him
self and the message handed to the clerk.
THE chair submits the message of the
president of the United tSates," announced
the speaker in clear, distinct tones. AS
the reading began every ear was strained.
Many members leaned over on their desks
with their hands to their ears the better
to catch the momentous words which fell
from the lips of the clerk The latter read
! in a loud, clear voice, but in monotonous
tone, with no attempt at emphasis OF
defamation.
But the words needed no defamation
to add to their import. There were no
demonstrations of approval or disapproval
until toward the latter part of the mes
sage came the words: This war must
stop" It was greeted with a round of ap,
pause from about every quarter of the
Republican side. The galleries gave nc
sign When the reading was concluded a
scattering outburst came from the Re.
publican side, mingled with a few groans
from the Democratic side Again the gal
eries were silent. The speaker immedi
ately announced the reference Of the mes
| sag and accompanying papers to the com
mittee on foreign affairs, and without any
| further action the house proceeded to tht
consideration of District of Columbit
business.
Immediately the house was in an uproar
| The spectators flocked from the gallerie.
and the members retired to the cloakroom!
and lobbies to discuss the message. TIL,
speaker was obliged to rap frequently fol
| order.
After some district business had beer
| transacted the contested election case Of
| Farchild VS.. Ward, from the Eighteenth
New York district was taken up. Aftel
two hours' debate the majority report, il
| favor of Mr.. Ward the sitting member
| was adopted-13S to AZ. At 4:55 the hous,
adjourned.