Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1899-12-07
CONGRESS ASSEMBLIES.
congressman Roberts. of Utah, Not Civ n
the Oath-Both Houses Adjourn.

the Oath-Both Houses Adjourn.
The opening of the 56th congress at
noon on Dec. 4 attracted that wide
spread attention which always attaches
10 the annual assembling of the ma
tonal lawmakers. There was added
interest in the event this year, for the
many far-reaching questions awaiting
consideration gave unusual Importance
10 the return of congress.
In accordance with the time honored
custom, the oldest member of the house
In point of service, Mr.. Harmer, of
pennsylvania, administered the oath to
the speaker, David Il. Henderson, Of
iowa. The speaker than announced
that the oath would be administered to
the members by states. AS the names
OF the members were called they APP
peared at the bar in groups of about
dozen and there with raised hands were
sworn in by the speaker
When the name of Brigham II. Rob-
erts was reached in the house roll call
the Utah member-elect proceeded alone
TO the area in front of the speakers
desk and awaited the administration of
the oath. At the same time Rep Tay-
Tor, OF Ohio, secured recognition and,
amidst breathless interest, protested
against the swearing of Roberts, on the
ground of his being a polygamist and
not properly naturalized American
citizen. Mr.. Taylor spoke calmy and
dlspassionately, and at the close offered
the following resolution for the APP
polntment of a special committee to in
vestigate the Roberts case:
Whereas, 1t is charged that Brigham
III. Roberts, representative to the seth
congress from the state of Utah, Is in
eligible to seat in the house of repre-
sentatives; and,
Whereas, Such charge is made
through member of the house. on his
responsibility as such member, and on
the basis, as he asserts, of public rec
ords, afiidavits and papers evidencing
such ineligibility;
Resolved, That the question of the
prima facie rights of Brigham III. Rob
erts to be sworn in as representative
be referred to special committee of
nine members of the house. to be APP
pointed by the speaker and until such |
committee shall report upon and the |
mouse decide such question and right. |
the said Brigham ii. Roberts shall not |
De sworn in nor be permitted to occupy |
seat IN this house; and said commit.
tee snail have power to send for per-
sons and papers and examine witnesses
on oath in relation to the subject mat
ter of this resolution.
Officers of the house are as follows:
Clerk Mcdowell, of Pennsylvania. Ser
geant-at-Arms Casen, of Wisconsin,
Doorkeeper Glenn, of New York, and
Postmaster McElroy, of Ohio
In the shadow of the recent death
)f its president, Vice-President Hobart.
The senate convened at noon on the 4th
n the first session of the 56th congress-
After the usual routine of business.
customary on the opening day, Mr.
Sewell, of New Jersey, then announced
he death of Vice President Hobart and
offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the senate has re-
eived with the deepest regret informa-
ion of the death of Garrett Augustus
hobart, late vice-president of the
United States.
hSooiNtu, lndt the business OF the
enate be suspended in order that the
distinguished public services of the de-
eased and the virtues of his private
haracter may be fittiugly commem-
rated
Resolved, That the secretary of the
enate be instructed to communicate
hese resolutions to the house of repre-
entatives
As further mark of respect the SEN
tie and house both adjourned.