The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
MEETING OF THE House
The Transaction of Public Bust
ness Begins Promptly.
Nine New Representatives Tnke the
rcctcd to Stand Asidc-Thc Crowd
Dwindlcs before the Reading of
the Presidents Message Higgins.

The House of Representatives convened
at noon yesterday. The first business was
the calling of the roll by States. which
showed the presence of a quorum. The
credentials of those men elected to sue
ceed members of the present Congress
who have died or resigned were presented
and read. The oath was administered to
them except in the case of John P. Conner
of Iowa. elected to succeed Jonathan p.
Doiliver. who, on objection from Mr.. Bal
ley of Texas, was directed by the Speaker
to stand aside.
The House took recess at 1 O'Clock
and reassembled at o'clock, when the
Presidents message was presented and
the reading of it was begun at 2:01 o'clock.
The fog which half hid the Capitol S
dome and made nearby objects seem far
away had not lifted when session
scenes and sounds were manifest
in the House. The bald-face clock which
ticks beneath bronze spread eagle in the
north gallery and which in obedience 10
parliamentary requirements has so many
times violated its trust. had not marked
the hour of 9 when people began to gather
on the floor and in the galleries. The
grey, misty light of the morning fell
through the glass panels of the roof and
lighted up the blue cloth over the tops
of the desks. the crimson carpet and its
yellow flowers. This carpet appeared bril-
liant in the semi circle about the Speak
er's desk and in the centre aisle where
it had been renewed. but in the radiating
aisles and between the members desks II
was ashen and threadbare in many places,
showing the foot marks of last session.
Oak wood fires glowed cheerily in the
cloak rooms and little knots of employees
were grouped around them.
The men who were first TO appear on the
fioor of the House were E. l.. Lampson,
reading clerk. and John 7. Chancey and
Isaac r. Hill. special employees.
The first member of Congress to enter
the House was Mr.. Esch of Wisconsin. He
had evidently come directly from train.
He wore light whipcord top coat with a
brown velvet collar and battered and
misshapen brown fedora hat Under Que
arm was a bundle of mail. Mr. Esch ex-
changed cordial greetings with Mr.. Lamp
son. Ike Hill. and Captain Chanoey. AS
the Wisconsin member removed his hat
preparatory to taking his seat. he showed
the curious little bald spot that shines out
at the crown of his head from his mass of
deep black hair. and which is one of the
distinguishing marks of Mr.. Esch.
Mr. BrownIow of Tennessee was the next
member to appear. He looked as he has
for the last decade. His hair was
freshly barbered and he wore the usual
white cravat rolling collar full-bosom
shirt. with plenty OF pleats and Prince
Albert coat. He had little congratulate
ry chat win Mr.. Esch. and as both gen
tlemen are members Of the Committee on
Military Affairs their talk quickly turned
upon the subject of the members of that
committee vino had arrived in Washington.
MIR. Gardner of Michigan and Mr.. Jett
of Illinois entered the House from differ
ent sides at the same moment. Mr.. Jett
has made no change in his manner of
dressing. He appeared in full suit of
black broadcloth. low cat waistcoat, and a
wealth of white shirt and collar.
At 10 O'Clock there had arrived Messrs.
Clayton of Alabama, Kahn, Thomas, Clay
ton of New York, Sims, Ccx, Brosius
Stark. and Barney
Speaker Henderson arrived at the Cap
itol at l0:30 and proceeded Immediately
to his office. where scores of Representa-
tives who had not seen him since adjourn
nlent called to pay their respects.
\ Flower show on the Floor.
Great masses OF chrysanthemums. roses.
and carnations, in baskets or loosely
punched and bound with ribbon, were
being borne into the House and placed on
members desks. The Republican side of
the chamber resembled flower show.
Some of the desks most conspicuous
Iy adorned were those of Messrs.
L nta 70 poh
yener. Burke of South Dakota, Reeder
Calderhead, Hedge, Stewart. W. A. Smith,
Bull. Connell. ". s. Green, Sheldon, and
White, all Republicans.
There were fewer flowers on the Demo-
cratic side. There was a bunch of yellow
chrysanthemums on the desk of Mr. Hall
and huge cluster OF roses and chrysan-
themums on the desk of Mr.. Norton of
Ohio Messrs. Richardson. McRae, and
Brundidge had floral offerings and flower
giving friends did not neglect Mr.. McAleer
of Philadelphia. who has represented Sam
uel j. Randalrs old district for several
terms. but was defeated at the election
last month by means which he thinks will
Justify him in contestins the result before
the next House, and Messrs. Otey and
Jones Of Virginia
The galleries, with the exception of the
diplomatic and executive. by II o'clock
were filled. The space in 'front.' OF the
clerks desk and back of the blue screens
was thronged with talking chattering and
gesticulating men. Groups of sightseers
were being piloted through the congested
aisles by guides. Occasionally the heavy
tones of Mr.. Littlefields voice could be
heard above the din. Judge Linney was
shaking hands with many people and
probably denouncing the North Carolina
Election law; Alexander Mcdowell, Clerk
of fhe House. was congrstulating Republi-
can members and condoling with certain
of the Democrats and Captain French, File
Clerk of the House, appeared to he en-
gagged in the same occupation. Messrs.
Rixey. Lewis, and Lanham were holding
a conference, and Mr.. Stokes had already
resumed his old-tine habit of writing let
ters. Messrs. Kitchin Wheeler. and Clay
ton Of Alabama. were jesting about poll