Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-01-14

| observation-disclosures IneniIs' Eff.
fort to Board Up tho Portals OF Tho
| hotunda Nearly Led TO N Sally on
the Fart of Indignant Menbrr.-
Copyright. 1900, by Amos j. Cummings
Washington, D. c., Jan. 13.-Many
members of the House of Rep
resentatiyes enter the Senate wing of
the Capitol on the ground floor. They
pace deliberately beneath the marble
archway Of the great steps and gravely
shove open one Of the swinging doors.
It is the entrance used by the Sena-
tors themselves. The first object to
attract the attention OF the Represen-
tative is an official of the Capitol po-
lice seated at a small table. He wears
a neat uniform and white cotton
gloves. He invariably saluttG all
members and Senators, bowling lower
to the Senators. The Representative
makes his way to the main corridor
He solemnly trayerses this corridor. 375
feet and inches, on his way to the
House wing, before he overcomes his
solemnity and feels perfectly at home.
He converses during his walk in a low
| tone.
The dividing line is indicated by the
huge marble dial of compass set in
a flooring of dark stone.= The jurisdc-
ton of the Senate stops ut this COM
pass. Before the Representative
reaches 1t, signs of mo smoking" and
For the exclusive use OF Senators"
greet his eye. The older members puff
their cigars without regard to the first
warning, but always heed the second.
This Is owning to the fact that that
great man, William S. Holman, while
member of the House several years
ago, had the hardihood at one time TO
disregard the second warning, and was
conducted by an officer to the white
compass marking the center OF the
Capitol, and there released from Gus
tody. 1t was averred that this viola
ton senatorial dignity was discussed
in executive session. If so, the clerk
who divulged the secret escaped with
out punishment.
BREATHES WITH MORE FREEDOM
Once over the compass the member
of the House breathes with more free
ant. He Is no longer overcome with
awe. The heavy atmosphere of digni-
| ty characterizlng the Senate wing has
! disappeared, and there is more ozone
in the air. He is confronted with no
more warnings in oaken frames, and
| laughs outright In conversation as he
| gleefully perambulates the remaining
315 feet and inches. He enters the
House as though it was his homestead,
hangs up his hat in the cloakroom,
heartily halls his brother members and
receives their greetings with genuine
| joy.
Far different is 1t with the Senators.
Not more than one or two enter the
House wing on their way to the Senate
| chamber. They preserve their dignity
for the entire 75l feet and inches.
They are not impressed by the great
marble compass, although possibly
they walk little more arrogantIy I'M
! I'll they reach the north wing. The
I few Senate wttfU use the HOUSE en-.
trance come to the Capitol via Penn
sylvania avenue. There are Others who
use the same line of street cars. but
seem to prefer the plaza to the House
corridor. Possibly this is because thew
are fearful of being mistaken for Rep,
re6entatives of the people. Certain It
is that In wintry weather the main
corridor is far preferable to the plaza.
MASON AT HOME EVERYWHERE.
Only one Senator seems to be nor
fcctly at home in both wings of tho
Capitol. He Is the Hon. William 70.
Mason. of Illinois. The thunder of his
voice has been heard in both the House
| and the Senate. He rebelied against the
Reed rules In the Fifty-first Congress
and had the audacity to flibuster in the
interest of Chicago on what was known
as the Lard bill. He is the same in the
Senate as he was in the House. He had
some dignity when a member of the
House. His career In the Senate how
ever. is similar to his career in the
| House. He shocked the troslodytes
gathered within that sacred precinct Inv
proposing the adjustment OF executive
sessions. Failing in this. he made de-
fiant speeches upon the Cuban cues
ton and broke into open mutiny when
the Spanish treaty was before tho Sem
ate. His sympathy with the Doors is
outspoken, and he is pursuing tbe
narrow path OF individual rectitnde
without regard to the wishes of The
| administration
The dignity of the Senate has q more
or less paralyzing effect upon members
Of the House OF Representatives. Under
the rules they are allowed to enter the
Senate chamber when the Senate is moi
in executive session. AS they leave the
door of the House they chat nonchai-
antly until they PASS the center of the
great rotunda. With the first breath of
the atmosphere of dignity, their de-
meanor changes They become more
stately. and enter the Senate chamber