The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-12-02
CONGRESS
CONvENES.
Both Houses Called Together at
IL O'clock.
A Great Crowd Assemblies to
Witness the Opening.
HENDERSON ELECTED.
Chosen Speaker by a Vote OF
100 to I49.
A Flood of Bills Covering All
Sorts of Public Matters.
NEW SENATORS SWORN.
McLaurin Springs a Resolution
at First Chance.
Hoar Objected and Senate Took
a Recess.
A Flood of Bills Covering AL
Sorts of Public Matters.
NEW SENATORS SWORN
McLaurin Springs Resolution
at First Chance.
Hoar Objected and Senate Took
a Recess.

Washington, Dec. Both houses of
congress were called to order at noon
today, and the Fifty-seventh congress
began.
The opening of the first session of the
Fifty-seventh congress drew to the cap
itol 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 II O'Clock
the historic old structure, now refur-
nished from end to end until it shone
withmarble gilt and rich decorations,w 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 ad-
journn ent of congress nine months
ago. There were no entrance restric-
tions, and the crowds flowed uninter-
ruptedly in the building. Many ladies
were in the throng, including the wives
and families of senators and members
as well many of the feminine repre-
sentatives of the cabinet, diplomatic
and executive circles. Senators and
day and there was the usual handshak-
ing among older 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 resume his work as chairman of
the committee on appropriations.
Senator Jones, of Arkansas, the Dem
Ocratic floor leader in the senate. was
another early arrival and soon had a
circle of his Democratic colleagues in
the cloak room, discussing the sessions
programme. Speaker Henderson did
not reach the house wing until shortly
before the session opened and remained
in his private office, comforting with
members during the formalities preced-
ing his reelection as speaker.
Out of respect to the memory of
President Mckinley, President Roose-
velt decided TO postpone the submission
of his annual message until Tuesday.
MAKING NEW PLACES.
Washington. Dec. 2.-The Republican
senators in caucus today authorized
Senator Allison to appoint committee
on order of business, also a. committee
to fill vacancies on the committees,
both to consist of nine members The
latter committee was directed to in
crease some of the important commit
tees, in order that places may be found
for Republican senators in accordance
with the increased membership of the
party.
IN THE SENATE.
Washington, Dec. "A profusion of
floral offerings quite unusual in guam
tity, in variety and in beauty TODAY
transformed the senate chamber into a
veritable flower show. Almost every
member of the body Nas the recipient
of one or more of these evidences of
the regard of his friends and the at
moSphere of the chamber was heavy
with the odor of rare plants and bios
sons The display of chrysanthemums
was notably beautiful many of the
specimens being of the choicest vari-
ties.
Since the adjournment of the senate
last spring the chamber has been re-
decorated and recarpeted. The prin-
cipal features of its beauty and indi-
viduality have been retained but they
have been added to by the artistic dec
orations- A bright green carpet with
old gold figures has taken the place of
the old gold carpet. and the desks and
furnishings of the chamber have heen
notably improved.
DIETRICH and Miller of Nebraska. Glib
son of Montana and Kittredge of South
Dakota were sworn in as senator's
After the usual resolution and after
the appointment OF. a committee to no
tify the president that the senate was
in session, recess of 80 minutes was
taken.
Before the recess Mr.. McLaurin
(S-C) offered joint resolution provid-
ing for the free admission of articles
intended for exhibition to the Charles
ton exposition Objection to Immediate
consideration was made by Mr.. Hoar.
who said no business should be pre-
sented until the president was informed
the senate was in session
The senate took a further recess until
O'Clock to await the organization of
the house and the appointment of its
committee to wait on the president
Senators Hale of Maine and Morgan of
Alabama were appointed as the senate
committee.
At o'clock the senate reassembled
Mr. Gamble announced the death of the
late Senator Kyle and the senate ad-
5ourned-
IN THE HOUSE
Washington, Dec. 2.-The verv hand
some interior of the hall of the house
of representatives added much To The
of the general scene A.
the south end of the capitol when
Alexander Mcdowell of Pennsvlvania
called the new house of representafixes
to order at noon today The vast
chamber had been repainted. regilde1
and completely refurnished during the
recess. and many changes made for the
comfort and convenience both of the
members and spectators. The floor had
been elevated TO q greater angle, the