The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1899-12-05
Reed Rules Adopted, Speaker Hen.
dersOn and Officers Elected.
ROBERTS HEARING IS TODAY
Utah Member Present but Not Sworn
10 On Objection Of TaylOr-The
Finsneiul Bill introduced.

WASHINGTON, Dec. L--seidom. II
ever. have such enormous crowds
swarmed around the house TO witness
the opening scenes Of the session as be-
heged the doors today BY Ii o'clock
a brilliant gathering had assembled.
The galleries were black with people
and through the swinging doors could b.
seen pushing hundreds who were un-
able TO gain admission. Entrance was
obtained by cari. for which there was
an enormous demand. The ladies and
members galleries were filed With
brilliantly gowned women. the wiv 8
Of members and the4r friends. The ex-
ecutlye gallery was filled with high dig
nltarles Of the government and the dip
Ioniatic gallery Was nesplendent with
the representatives OF foreign govern
ments. Scattered through the galleries
were people prominent in the political.
social and financial worlds.
Richardson. OF Tennessee, leader OF
the minority. came upon the door early
and was soon surrounded by a group
of democrats. Roberts came into the
hall shortly after II o'clock but he was
not generally recognized, and he re-
tired TO the cloakroom almost immedi-
ately. At 1850 the shrdll-voiced clerk
directed those not entitled TO the hoor
to retire, and the officers and pages
rapidly cleared out those already in.
As the minute hand OF the clock
opposite the speakers rostrum overlook
the hour hand at noon, the gavel OF the
chief clerk OF the last house. Major Nc
Dowen, descended with bang. The
mebers at once arose and the sp eta
tors In the galleries bowed their heads,
In this stiffness the voice Of the blind
chaplain was elevated and his prayer
mad, the occasion reverent.
After the invocation. the reading
clerk began calling the roll, Roberts
sat listening intently for his name, and
when IL was called he responded,
Here" in a loud voice, but he looked
nervous and III at ease. There were no
demonstrations during the TO Icall
When 1t WAS concluded, Mcdowell an
rounced that 352 members had ans
wered to their names, a quorum.
The ceremony OF administering the
oath OF office was then proceeded with
until the name Of Mr.. Roberts was
reached, when Mr.. Taylor, OF Ohio. Of
fered the resolution protesting against
his admission.
Taylor spoke calmly and dispassion-
atelS, MT Roberts stood gazing intent
ly at him and not once moved a muscle
throughout the protest.
Representative McRae Of Arkansas,
followed with protest from the demo-
cratic side. saying this issue was in
volving the sscredness Of the American
home, a sentiment that brought an cut.
buIst Of applause. Speaker Henderson
than addressed Roberts. saying:
'Mi!l the gentleman stand aside unit
the roll call Is completed?"
Mt, Roberts assented. with the state.
nrerE that, in so doing, he waived non,
Of his rights.
a can assure the gentleman" ans
wered the speaker, that he valves
none Of his rights by this course"
Mr., Roberts then resumed his seal
On6 the roll call proceeded. It was
agreed by unanimous consent that the
consideration OF Roberts case should
20 ever until tomorrow. after the read.
1ng of the presidents message. The
sweuing-in of the remaining members
was 1hen concluded