Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-12-02
AGAIN IN SESSION
Opening of the Fifty
seventh Congress.
HENDERSON REFLECTED
Committees Appointed to
Wait Upon the President.
USUAL THRONG OF SPECTATORS
Senate Adjourns From Respect to
Mr.. kyIe's Memory.
USUAL HHRONG OF SPECTATORS
FLOWERS IN PROFU SION

With the beginning of the F1fty-seventh
Congress at noon today the national legis-
lative body entered upon of action
which promises to be one of great impor
tance to the country Other Congresses of
recent years have passed upon questions of
war and strife. This one will deal with is
sues. the fruits of war. no less important,
and involving the everyday, material in
teIests of the citizens of the United States
and the welfare of other peoples whose
destinies war has placed in their hands.
1t Is in part a new Congress. A goodly
proportion of fresh blood was infused in
recent elections. Representatives coming
direct from the people will be present to
voice the wishes of their constituents. At
the same time, there remain in both SEN
ate and House practically the same number
of old leaders men of wide experience in
legislation, of thorough familiarity with the
needs of the country. the policies of the
dominant party and parliamentary prac-
tice- 1t would seem to be commingling
of conservatism and enterprise.
The House has a membership of 3J7 of
which 197 republicans, Isl are demo-
Gratis and are fusionists silverites or pop
ulists- With this division the republicans
would have clear majority over all of
thirty-seven in case the populists voted
with the democrats on party questions. The
Senate has 81 members. there being at pres
ent three vacancies. The republicans will
have a majority in the Senate varying from
% to "a. according to the way certain for
mer populists and fusionists vote, and TAX
ing into consideration the possibility of at
least one democrat voting with the admin
istratiOn on national policies
The new members of the House number
S2 Of whom fifty are republicans 80 are
democrats and are fusionists. but who will
probably vote with the democrats. Thus
not only is there preponderance in numbers
of old members of the House in the present
body, but it happens that most of the in
fuential and experienced men in both par
ties were reelected.
The questions of national, internal and
foreign policy which are to be treated and
solved or partially settled by this Congress
have been discussed in The Star for weeks
past, in interviews with incoming legisla-
tors and are well defined and familiar In
ternal taxation and internal improvements;
trade relations with foreign nations and the
dependencies; Nicaraguan canal and the up
buidnig of the American merchant marine;
increased naval strength and coast defense;
submarine telegraphic communication with
the Pacific possessions will be some of the
principal subjects of congressional consid-
Grafton.
The new Congress begins it's work with
new President in the White House-not a
new administration. however, in the fullest
sense of the word, for the pledge the pres
ent executive made by the bier of his pre-
decessor TO follow in his footsteps is still
fresh in the memory of the nation
Aside from the economic phase Of the
prospective legislation of this Congress, its
work will be watched with interest from
political viewpoint Campaign material for
the impending congressional election is to
b. made. The two old parties, having
shaken OF populism, will face each other
on clearly defined issues
The first session promises to be a long
one. probably running far into the summer
Every senator and representative expects
1t to be an interesting and momentous one
THE SENATE.
There was the greatest interest manifest
ed in the opening of the Senate. The gal
leries were filled long before noon and long
lines OF disappointed visitors were formed
at each of the gallery entrances. The pres
sure for seats was great that every aisle
was filled, while no available standing room
was unoccupied.
The crowds in the galleries looked down
upon beautiful display of flowers on the
desks of the senators. Nearly every desk
had some elaborate collection Of bloom At
the desk OF Senator Clark of Montana was
o base ball bat attached to a bunch of roses
Chrysanthemums and American beauty
roses were the dominant flowers in the
chamber. Before noon the senators strolled
IN ana old acquaintances were renewed.
Senators Lodge and Foraker had chat
lasting a few minutes. Commissioners
Macfarland and Biddle were on the floor
MT Macfarland introducing his colleague
TO many OF the senator's. Senator Millard
tne new senator from Nebraska, was on
the noor for the first time Senator Vest
showed evident Improvement in his condi-
tion since the adjournment of the last Com
gress, and was warmly greeted by senators
who crowded about him.. Senators Nc
MILAN and Hanna were welcomed by large
numbers OF their colleagues.
There was one vacant place in the Sem
5ourned-that of Senator Kyle of South Da-
kota, who died during the recess.
Senate i'm Session.
The loud hum of voices was hushed as
Senator Frye of Maine. president pro tenn.
of the Senate. sounded his gavel on his
desk. and the blind chaplain, Rev. Mr.. Mil
burn. opened the session with prayer He
referred with much feeling to the bereave-
ment to the country since Congress ad-
lourned In the death of President McKin-
ley. and prayed for Divine help for the
widow who had suffered such a great per-
sonai loss He also referred with feeling
TO the death of Senator Kyle.
Immediately upon the conclusion of the