The Butte inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1901-1912, 1901-12-02
(By Associated Press.)


the first session of the Fifty-seventh
congress at noon today drew to the
capitol a great throng of spectators,
eager to witness 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 IL o'clock
the historic old structure, now refur-
nished from end to end, until it shone
with marble. gilt and rich decorations,
was astir long before that hour. 1t was
an ideal day to bring out the public;
sunny and warm, with just enough
breeze from the south to lazily stir the
flags over the capitol, some of which
were raised for the first time since the
adjournment Of congress nine months
ago
There were no entrance restrictions
and the crowds flowed uninterruptedly
into the building. Many ladies were in
the throng, including the wives and
families of senators and members, as
we'll as many of the feminine represen-
tatives Of the cabinet, diplomatic and
executive circles.
Old Senators and Members.
Senators and members began arriving
early in the day and there was the usual
handshaking among old friends and in
formal talk of the work ahead.
The veteran senator from Iowa, Mr..
Allison, was one of the first to reach
the senate wing and resume his work
as chairman of the committee on appro-
priations.
Senator Jones of Arkansas, the demo-
cratic floor leader in the senate, was an
other early arrival, and had a circle of
his democratic colleagues in the cloak
room discussing the sessions program.
Speaker Henderson did not reach the
house wing until shortly before the ses-
sion opened, and remained in the private
room OF the speaker comforting with
members during the formalities preced-
ing his re-election as speaker.
Senate Floral Decorations.
"A profusion Of floral offerings. quite
unusual in quantity. variety and beauty.
transformed the senate chamber into
veritable flower show. Almost every
member of the body was the recipient of
one or more of these evidences of the re-
gard of his friends, and the atmosphere
of the chamber was heavy with the odor
of rare plants and blossoms.
The display of chrysanthemums was
notable many of the specimens being of
the choicest variety.
Since the adjournment Of the senate
last spring the chamber has been redec-
Grated and recarDeted The principal
features Of it's beauty and individuality
have been retained, but they have been
ADDED to by the artistic decorations. A
bright green carpet with old gold figures
has taken the place Of the old gold car
pet, and the desks and furnishings Of the
chamber have been notably improved.
Senator Gibson Sworn In.
Messrs. Dietrich and Millard of Ne
braska, Gibson of Montana and Kilt
redge of South Dakota, were sworn in as
senators. After the usual resolutions
and the appointment of committee te
notify the president that the senate was
in session, a recess Of 30 minutes was
taken.
Before the recess Mr.. McLaurin OF
South Calorina offered joint resolution
providing for the free admission of ar
ticles intended for exhibition at the
Charleston Exposition. Objection to I'M
mediate consideration was made by Mr.
Hoar, who said no business should be
transacted until the president had been
informed that the senate was in session.
The senate took further recess until
o'clock to await the organization of the
house and the appointment of it's COM
mittee to wait upon the president Sem
ators Hale of Maine and Morgan of Ala
bama were appointed as the senate COM
mittee.
Washington. Dec. AIT 2 o'clock the
senate reassambled. Mr.. Gamble an
nounced the death of the late Senator
Kyle and the senate adjourned.
House Called to Order.
The very handsome interior of the
- toti o66 6o6 fo
the impressiveness of the general scene
at the south end of the capitol, when AL
exander Mcdowell of Pennsylvania called
the house of representatives to order at
noon today.
The vast chamber has been repainted,
regilded and completely refurnished dur
ing the recess and many changes made
for the comfort and convenience both for
the members and the spectators. The
floor has been elevated to greater angle
the new mahogany desks rising tier on
tier, making a sort of amphitheater
effect.
Henderson Elected Speaker.
At the conclusion of the rollcall show
ing 318 members present, Mr. Cannon of
Illinois nominated David b. Henderson
of Iowa and Mr.. Hay Of Virginia nomi-
mated Mr.. Richardson of Tennessee for
Spe&kcT. "A Io'1CoIA AoA tAAe cicClion eASAA
followed. The vote for speaker was:
Henderson, 1870; Richardson, 149; Stark
of Nebraska, L: Cummings of New
York, /.
Mr. Henderson was declared elected
and was escorted to the Chair by the
other three men voted for He made a
brief speech.
Members Sworn In.
Mr.. Henderson thanked the house for
dts expression of confidence and asked
the support of all the members. The
oath was then administered to him by
Representative Bingham of Pennsyl-
vania, ''the father Of the house." and