Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-01
CLOSING SCENES.
Pen Picture Of the Week in
Washington.
Gossip Of the Bowdoin Alumni Asso.
citation.
Third District Pensions and River and Harbor
Improvements.

Washington. d. c.. Feb. 2S.-(SpeciaD.
Here is a word picture of scenes that
are characteristic of the closing days
of the Fifty-fifth Congress, which will.
perhaps, have some interest for the
legislators at Augusta, and for people
in Maine generally. On the great
white marble rostrum of the House sits
Speaker Thomas Il. Reed of Portland,
in his neat fitting black cutaway suit.
He COMFORTS himself comfortable in a
high back chair built on massive lines
to suit that statesmans proportions.
The big gavel is near his right hand.
sometimes he fingers it rather nerv-
ously. The attendance in the House
is large. by which is meant that there
are 240 members in their seats. out of a
total of something like $50. The long
rows of gray benches in the galleries
are but sparsely filed with spectators,
but way over on the left in the pew
which is reserved for the speaker and
his friends, is General c. p. Mattocks
Of Portland, the gallant soldier of two
wars and a personal friend. as well as
college mate at Bowdoin almost 10
years ago. of the big man, physically
anu liitHtailS' WIZ lpoho out ohcI lHt
chamber from the marble rostrum.
A dozen members jump frantically to
their feet. wave their right hands
frantica1ly in the air towards Speaker
Reed. He doesn't seem to mind it
much. The men are from all parts of
the big chamber, across which only
those with powerful lungs can make
themselves heard. General Mattocks
seems to be looking rather anxiously
at the proceedings: perhaps he would
wear some such look if he were watch
ing the advance of brigade of Ameri-
can soldiers under his command.
against columns of Spanish soldiers.
Without showing any concern what
ever. Speaker Reed mods to the left of
the chamber. where way back near the
rear of the hall, man in middle life,
who has rather strident voice and a
full black beard. had risen to gesticu-
late with the rest.
The gentleman from Illinois," SAYS
the speaker quietly. at which score
of other gentlemen sit down with
disappointed air.
The gentleman from Illinois. who is
Representative James r. Mann of
Chicago, Republican. hands his bill
to page, who runs at full speed down
the aisle and puts the precious paper
on the desk of the reading clerk Its
contents are read. apprising those of
the House who chose to listen, that it
is bill to pay Edwin l.. Field of Gray.
Me. $500, the amount of>a Judgment
recovered against him from an en-
ploye who was injured by the falling of
q 4
From what committee does that
come ferociously inquiries Colonel
Nicholas Nichols Cox, Democrat
from Tennessee. who grows exceeding
ly mellow by that time in the after
noon.
From the committee on claims
answers Representative Mann, with a
glance at General Mattocks who. on
the opposite side of the House, is
watching with breathless interest.
What state is the party a resident
Off" demands Colonel Cox in maudlin
voice.
Il reserve the right to object" de-
clares Representative A. NJ Dockery of
Missouri, watchdog" Democrat of
stalwart proportions.
The person resides in Maine" ex-
planned Representative Mann. He
was foreman under the United States
government in the matter of con-
struction--''
An, L suggest, Mr.. Speaker" inter-
rupted Leader Bailey, of the Demo-
cratic minority. popping up from his
seat and rousing himself from reverie
as he gazed about the galleries to see
If any fair women were looking down
admiringly upon him. that it would
take just as much time to get informa-
ton as to the merits of this bill as
that TO which objection was made a
few moments ago. L think those that
would require time should go over"
IF the gentleman will not object"
pleaded Representative Mann, ''it will
not take moment to EXPLAIN
1t involves the responsibility of the
government for damages sustained by
the use of an appliance that belonged
to contractor, or at least to a third
party continued Leader Bailey in
grand tones as he swept the galleries
again for glimpse of some feminine
admirer.
No. Mr.. Speaker, '.said Representa-
tive Mann. land if the gentleman will
pardon me, the appliances belonged to
the government and We're being opera
ted by the government. A man was in
charge as foreman"
Then. if the gentleman will pardon
me-" said Leader Bailey, with a very
courteous bow, how did they get
judgment against somebody else?"
We'll, that is one of the mysteries"
| responded the man from Illinois.
"Mr. Speaker, I object shouted Col.
| Nicholas Nichols Cox.
"If the gentleman will pardon me for
just moment said Representative
Mann.
objection is made by the gentleman
! from Tennessee" said the speaker in
the same quiet and undisturbed tone,
General Mattocks fell back. to use a
4! military term, to the corridor outside
the chamber. and will await later OPP
portunity to pass his bill under sus-
| pension of the rules. All this hap
pened during the morning hour Satur-
day. 1t illustrates something of the
difficulties that hundreds Of people ex-
perience in securing national legisla-
| ton.
| At the Bowdoin alumni banquet,
which was held at the Wellington hotel
| ~ +l,;s ,;tx, Friday evening, Capt. X.