The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-08
Babb, FusiOnist, Receives Al
Votes For the Place.
Members Take the Oath I'D
Blocks Of 20.
SENATE is PROMPT
Called to Order by Gov. Richter
at 1900.
J. G. Morrow Is Elected Presi-
dent Pro Fem.


teIeWSG4uX 8 11 e28a t5a IN y u-AA AZ p o.
All the newness to be found in the
convening of the legislature OF Kansas
for the first time in the twentieth CEN
tury wouldn't shock sensitive plate in
a Photographic camera.
Secretary Of State George A Clark
raped with new gavei when he called
the house to order at noon. H. was five
minutes after the hour by the house
clock
There were more spectators in the
aisies than in the galleries. Two dozen
We're women and they constituted nearly
third of the onlookers.
The members desks are placed ia
square lines up and down the length ot
the hall, but before the house gets really
down to business they are TO be re-
arranged in successive half circles.
Chaplain John Aorehead's invocation
was that thls may be a session or tle
greatest harmony and that the laws
enacted may be for the best interests
of the whole state.
Without further ceremony the swear
ing in of members was begun. Associate
Justice w. A. Smith administered the
oath Of office to the members as they
came up in blocks of twenty d. ~.
Edwards was the first to sign the roll,
because he comes from Dentonville IN
the First district
In the second contingent Ed. Weilep.
through the formula were four OF the
venerable and veteran members Of the
house They were John Seaton, Geo. J.
Barker, J. b. Remington and John
Francis.
nj the second contingent Ed. Wenep.
Of Cherokee county, doomed up as the
most Conspicuous figure He only has
one bill to Introduce this session. ne
says. but it is some time tin the end
comes. Weilep viii more than lkeiF be
the leader Of the minority forces.
w. j. Babb, who was hOnered by To
minority by being put forward FOR
<ofs
M. w. Coburn. Of Barton. a Populist
of the vintage Of 93. returned 60 the
house again and John Schleyer. Demo
crat. to represent Ellis county. one ol
Hays City's rich men, were in the nfth
group.
There were 25 in the last group whiea
brought to book DR.. Frank II. smith.
who served I'M the legislature OF 1885,
and has been twice elected mayor OF
Goodland. He was nominated by Dem
ociats and endorsed BY Populists
J. A Rucklin. POpulist of ThomdF
who served in '93 and '95, and now
comes back after two years Ia the
klondike. came forward also. as well as
Alvin Law. Republican member from
Graham, who blushingly cOnfesses 20
the ownership Of FIVE sons and three
daughters.
Secretary or State Clark announced
the completion of the roll call al two
minutes to one and called for the furth-
er pleasure of the house.
D. d HOag nominated Major j. B
ID. Weilep moved the nomination be
made unanimous. The pair sat in th.
front aisle together and on appointment
escorted the temporary speaker TO the
chair
Five words served to thank the house
for the courtesy and H0ag and Wsilep
performed another harmonious and du-
tiful act by making Charles LoDoeIi
temporary clerk in the same way.
They split on the next issue however.
when it came to eneetine the perma-
nent organization.
Hoag presented the name Of George j.
Barker; Weilep named w J. Babb.
The vote on roll call resulted: Barker
so; Babb Al.
Speaker Barker Acknowledged the
honor, upon being introduced by Major
]. j. Remington
4 feel my weakness" he said ato
express my profound appreciation OF
the honor conferred. 1t is my determi-
nation to be fair and impartial In the
interests Of sound legislation. untram-
meled by promises. with malice toward
none, but with heart full Of irindliness
to you all, am now ready 10 enter
upon the duties as speaker Of the
house"
Ed MeKeever, OF Shawnee. and T.. II.
Dunham Of Lincoln. were placed in
nomination for speaker pro tenn.
McKeever was chosen on ballot, with
119 voting. 81 TO 3S.
A blanket motion elected Charles
I-obdell chief clerk and the balance Of
the officers and completed the perman-
ent organization
On motion Of Mr. Weilep the vote for
speaker was recorded on the journal as
the vote for these positions, the nQmi-
nees Of both caucuses having been duly
placed in noninatio
resolution giving the agricultural
society the use Of Representative hall
the evenings Of January 3, 20. and n
was passed.
The chief clerk was instructed TO no
tify the senate that the house was orr
ganizcd.
Mr. Weilep moved adoption Of the
rules Of the last legislature temporarily.
which WAS agreed to-
The house received the usual concur
rent resolution No. 4 from the senate.
and Major J. p. Remington. John
Seaton and w. j. Rabb were appointed
the committee to wait upon Governor
Stanley. notify him the house IS orr
ganfzed and solicit any communication
he may have.
John Seaton created a stir st the last
moment by Offering a resolution that
men be given preference for clerical po-
sitions But the fight on women that
Seaton waH about to cal up and renew.
after his original step of yesterday. was