Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1901-12-03
THE FIFTY-SEVENTH
CONGRESS CONVENES
Reassembling cf the National
Lawmakers.
CROWDS THRoNe THE CAPITOL

CROWDS THRoNe THE CAPITOL
Hall of Representatives and Senate
Chamber Have Been OverhauIed and
Present a Handsome Appearance
Many Floral Offerings.
Washington, Dec. 2.-The opening of
the first session of the fifty-seventh
congress at noon today thronged the
capitol with spectators eager to wit
ness the scenes of animation which
mark the annual reassembling of the
| national lawmakers.
Although the actual work of the
two houses was not to begin until II
o'clock, the historic old structure, now
refurnished from end to end until it
shone with marble, gilt and rich deco
| rations, was astlr long before that
hour.
An Ideal Opening.
1t was an ideal day to bring out the
public, sunny and warm with just
stir the flags over the capitol, some
of which were raised for the first time
since the adjournment of congress
nine months ago. There was no en-
trance restrictions and the crowd flow
ed into the building. Many ladies
were in the throng, including the
wives and families of senators and
members, as well as many of the fem
mime representatives of the cabinet,
diplomatic and executive circles.
Senators and members began arriv-
ing early in the day and there was the
usual handshaking among old friends
and informal talk of the work ahead
The veteran senator from Iowa, Mr.
Allison, was one of the first to reach
the senate wing and assume his work
as chairman of the committee on ap-
preparations. Senator Jones, of Arkan-
sas, the Democratic floor leader in the
senate, was anothtr early arrival and
soon had a circle of his Democratic
colleagues in the cloakroom discuss
ing the sessions program. Speaker
| Henderson did not reach the house un-
til shortly after the session opened
and remained in his private Office con-
ferring with members until the for
malities preceding his reelection as
speaker.
Many Floral Offerings.
A profusion of floral offerings, un-
usual in quantity in variety and in
beauty today transformed the senate
chamber into a Veritable flower show
Almost every member of the senate
was the recipient OF one or more of
these evidences of the regard of his
friends. The display of chrysanthe-
NUNS was notably beautiful. Since the
adjournment of the senate last spring
the chairman has redecorated and re.
painted the senate chamber. The fea'
lures of it's beauty and individuality
have been retained, but they have
been added to by the artistic decora.
ton. A bright green carpet, with gold
figures, has taken the place of the old
gold carpet around the desks and the
furnishings of the chamber have been
notably improved.
The very handsome interior of the
Hall VI SpISSGnIdLlfSO dQQCQ A1uCn W
the impressiveness of the general
scene at the south end of the capitol,
where Alexander Mcdowell, of Penn.
sylyania, called the new house of rep.
resentatives to order at noon today.
The vast chamber had been repainted,
regilded and completely refurnished
during the recess, and many changes
made for the convenience both of the
members and spectators.
The floor had been elevated to a
greater angle, the mahogany desks
rising tier on tier, making a sort of
amphitheater effect.
Dietrich and Millard, Nebraska;
Gibson, Montana, and Kitridge were
sworn in as senators.
After the usual resolutions and ap
pointments of a committee to notify
the president that the congress was
in session a recess of 80 minutes was
taken.