Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1900-12-06
fHE GRIND HAS BEGUN
Both Houses Of Congress Assemble at
the Proper Time.
NEARLY ALL MEMBERS PRESENT
Short SESSIONS Held, Adjournment Fol-
lowing the Reading of the Presidents
Message-SenatoriaI Conferences Is to
the Program for the Week.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4.-The open
ing of congress drew great crowds to
the capitol, intent On witnessing those
interesting scenes marking the inau-
guration of the legislative work of the
government. On June last the first
session of the Fifty-sixth congress ad-
iourned and the second session began
today with many momentous questions
awaiting the attention Of the national
lawmakers.
Early in the day the tide of travel
turned down Pennsylvania avenue to-
ward the capitol, filling the broad
walks leading to the marble terrace,
which by IL o'clock presented scene
of busy activity. On the eastern plaza
front there was the same scene of ac-
tivity, long lines of carriage swinging
up to the wings, bringing senators,
members, public officials and interest
ed observers, while the many lines of
cars contributed their quota Of the in
terested public.
Inside the building but little restric-
tion had been placed on the free NOV
ing of the throng and the crowd moved
at will from one wing to the other.
All of the public galleries were open,
so that everyone in the good-natured
crowd had an equal chance. By II
o'clock the elevators began to be
sieged and there were signs of an over
flow at the doors leading to the CALLER
les. 1t was evident that the women
took great interest in the procedure,
for they were present in full force,
Of ri CT
bering over fifty.
There were conferences among SEN
ators as to the program for the week
and for so early in the session un-
usual activity was displayed by mem
bers on both sides of the capitol.
: Speaker Henderson arrived at his
private office about 11:15 and soon was
surrounded by members, discussing the
program of business.
At noon the speakers gavel fell and
the hum of voices was hushed Every
member rose in his seat. In the silence
that followed the voice of the blind
chaplain rose clear and impressive in
prayer. The chaplain made a touching
reference tc departed members, asking
the blessing of heaven on the bereaved
lSlI UStlIuu.
At the conclusion Of the prayer the
clerk called the roll. There was so
much confusion that the roll call was
stopped by the speaker.
"All members will take seats" he
ordered 1T is impossible to proceed
with the roll call unless order is re-
stored"
His gavel struck the desk rapidly
and finally the noise subsided. After
brief session the house recessed until
2 o'clock.
In the senate the credentials of Will
liam b. Dillingham; as a senator from
Vermont were presented and the oath
was administered to him. He fills the
unexpired term of the late Senator
Morrill,
Senator Gears successor. former
Representative Jonathan P Dolliver of
Iowa, was present, but his credentials
were withheld until the official an
nouncement of Senator Gears death.
AT 1915 p. m. the senate took re-
cess for half an hour.
The president pro tenn, Mr.. Frye, ap-
pointed Messrs. Hoar and Cockrell
committee to wait on the president and
inform him that the senate was ready
to receive any communication he de-
sired to make. The committee will
join a like committee from the house
of representatives.
At 1855 the senate took further
recess until 1:45.