Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-12-06
Robert. Undecided.


ference. After it was over the report
was circulated that Roberts would not
present himself to be sworn in. But
this was Immediately denied. Roberts
himself, said he had not decided what
he would do, but that he might desire
to be heard when the case came up.
He took seat to the right of the main
aisle and soon became the cynosure Of
all eyes. His daughter sat in the
members gallery. Tayler of Ohio, who
represents President McKinley's dis
trict, who was to conduct the case
against Roberts,. was comforting with
his colleagues on the Republican side.
AS the minute hand of the clock op-
posite the speakers rostrum overlook
the hour hand ct noon, the gavel of the
clerk of the last house, Major Mellow
ell, descended with bang.
Calling of the Roll.
The indescribable buzz ceased. The
members arose Ind the spectators in
the galleries boYed their headssS In
this stiffness thd voice of the Hind
chaplain, Rev. Henry Couden ofslhch-
igan, WAS elevated and his pnt yar
madefhe occasion 'reverent. Aftef the
invocation the reading clerk began
calling the roll ana a minute later the
buzz had recominenced, making q
noisy background for the staccato
notes of the clerk as he called out the
names. Roberts sat listening intently
for hts narfae, md when 1t was called
he responded shere" in a loud voice.
But he looked nervous and Ill at ease.
There were NO demonstrations during
the roll-call. When it was concluded
Clerk Mcdowell Announced that. 35g
members had answered to their names,
q quorum. 1.-The next thing in order,s'
announced the clerk, "is the election
of speaker
Applause for Henderson.
Hepburn of Iowa offered a resolution
which was adopted viva yoce proyid.
ing that the house proceed to the cleo.
ton of speaker FOR the Fifty-sixth
congress. Thereupon Grosvenor- OF
Ohio, as chairman of the Republican
caucus, presented the name Of David
b. Henderson of Iowa. The mention
of the name of General Henderson Was
greeted with a round of applause from
the Republican side. Hay Of Virginia
chairman of the Democratic. caucus,
nominated James D. Richardson OF
Tennessee, and his name drew the
plaudits of the Democratic side,
Ridgely of Kansas nominated John q
Bell of Colorado as the Populist can.
didate. and Wilson of Idaho placed
Francis G. Newlands of Nevada IN
nomination as the candidate of the Sill.
yer party. Each party having put for.
ward its candidate by direction OF
the clerk the roll was called and each
member voted forstke candidate of bis
political affiliation.
Henderson Elected.
Morris of Minnesota, Oyerstreet Of
Indiana and Calsfnack of Tennessee
were appointed tellers. Newlands,
himself candidate, voted for Richard.
son. The Toll-caff resulted;s Hender.
son, III; Richardson, 1853: Bell. 4:
Newlands. 2. The clerk thereupon an.
nounced the election of Henderson
amid great Republican applause. He
designated Richardson. Bell and New.
lands rs committee to escort the
speaker to the chair. ~
The committee retired to the lobby
ana after a short wait the doors Of
the main portal of the house swung
open and General Henderson entered
upon the arm of Mr.. Richardson, fol.
lowed by the two other members of
the committee. When the new speak.
err assembled the rostrum Mr.. Richard.
son In a neat speech introduced him
and in response to the hearty cheers,
he addressed the house and then took
the oath.
The speaker then announced that
the oath would be administered to the
members by states. AS the names of
the members were called they ap-
Deared at the bar in groups of about
f'Zen and there with raised hands
We're sworn in by the, speaker. When
the name of Brigham II. Roberts was
reached in the house roll call the Utah
member-elect proceeded alone to the
area in front of the speakers desk. ana
swaited the administration of the
oath. AT the same time Representa-
tive Taylor of Ohio secured recogni.
lion, and amidst breathless interest
protested against the swearing in of
Roberts on the ground of his being a
polygamist and not properly natural
lied American. Mr.. Taylor spoke
calmly and dispassionately. Mr.. Rob-
erts stood gazing at him and not once
coved a muscle throughout the pro-
test.
Protest from democratic Side.
Representative McRea of Arkansas
followed with u protest from the Dem
ocartic side, saying this issue was one
involving the sacredness of the Amer
lean home, a sentiment that brought
an outburst of applause. Speaker
Henderson then addressed Roberts,
saying: "Will the gentleman stand
aside until the roll call is completedY'
Mr.. Robertsassented with the state
ment that IN sosdoing he waived none
of bis rights.s 80.
"fAcaa sssafe the gentleman" an