, 1899-12-05
56TH CONGRESS
ENORMOUS CROWD PRESENT IN
THE HOUSE AT THE OPEN
ING SESSION.
The Roberts Case the All-Absorbing
Topic-The Expected Sensational
Scene Did Not Materialize-Mr.
Mr.. Roberts Ordered to Stand Aside

Washington, d. c., Dec. 4.-Seldom,
if ever, have such enormous crowds
swarmed about the House to witness
the opening scenes of the session as
besieged the doors today. The assem-
bling of a new congress always attracts
a big attendance. Today the proceed
ing in the case of Representative-elect
Roberts, which promised to be exclt-
ing, and possibly sensational, furnish
ed an additional attraction. For hours
before noon, the hour for the House to
meet, people streamed through the cor
ridors to the galleries which looked
down upon the arena where the state
men were co~ngregating.
BY II O'Clock a brilliant gathering
had assembled. The galleries were
black with people, and through the
swinging doors could be seen pushing
hundreds who were unable to gain ad-
mission. Entrance was only obtained
by card, for which there was an enor,
nous demand. The ladies and men,
bers galleries were filled with brilliant
bers and their friends. The executive
gallery vas filled with high dignita-
ries Of the government and the diplo-
matte gallery was resplendent with the
representatives Of foreign govern,
ments.
The principal interest conferred in
the roll call showed the presence of 1852
members.
The democrats knew it was futile to
more than protect against the adoption
the rules after the republican decision
upon this course in caucus and the
debate upon the resolution to adopt
them was very brief. They were adopt
ed by a strict party vote.
After the new speaker had assembled
the rostrum, Mr.. Richardson in a neat
speech introduced him, and in response
to the hearty cheers he addressed the
House.
In accordance with the time-honored
IuSIoul lhS CluVoI Shlp u th' AAouSN
in point of service, Mr.. Harmer of
Pennsylvania, administered the oath
to the speaker. The speaker then an
nounced the disposition of Mr.. Roberts,
the Mormon representative from Utah.
Those who anticipated a sensational
announcement were disappointed. The
programme outlined by the republican
leaders at their conference on Friday
night was partially carried out. The
objection to the administration of the
oath to Mr.. Roberts was entered by
Mr.. Taylor of Ohio, as predicted, and
he stepped aside without protest, ex-
cept to ask If by doing so he waived
any OF his rights. To this the speaker
responded in the negative.
There was not a protest from any
quarter against the objection to the
administration of the oath to Mr.. Rob-
erts but on the contrary the only voice
raised except that Of Mr. Taylor's was
that of McRae, a democrat of Arkan-
sas. who Joined with Mr.. Taylor in his
protest. Mr.. Taylor offered his resolu-
ton to refer the case to a special com
mittee, and by mutual arrangement
the consideration Of the resolution was
postponed until tomorrow, in order
hat the routine business in connection
with the organization might be tran>
sacted today.
Although Mr.. Roberts was not sworn
in today he secured a seat. This, how
ever, was an accident, pure and sim
pie. In the seat drawing lottery no pro-
vision had been made for Mr.. Roberts,
but when the drawing was completed
two others as well as himself had not
been provided with seats and the speak
er asked and secured from the House
for these members who had
not drawn seats to make such seelc-
tons as they could. Under this author
ity Mr.. Roberts got a seat in an obscure
Of the hall. His daughter sat