Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-01
QUICKLY ADJOURNED
Short Session Of Both
Houses Of Congress-
TRIBUTE OF RESPECT
Testimonial to Members Who
Have Died.
GREAT FLORAL DISPLAY
USUAL ANIMATED SCENES OF AN
OPENING DAY.
Belief That No Radical Legislation
Will Be Put Through at
This Session.
USUAL ANIMATED SCENES OF AN
OPENING DAY.

The second session of the Fifty-seventh
Congress was convened at noon today.
Long before the gavels fell in the two
houses large crowds thronged about the
doors of the visitors galleries seeking ad-
mission. Early in the forenoon the corri-
dors gave evidence of an approaching ses-
sion. There were the usual scenes and in
cidents attending the opening of Congress.
A bright, sunny day brought out crowd
to greet the lawmakers. the women being
conspicuous among the visitors.
In the Iobbies of the House members were
exchanging greetings while on the Senate
side there were similar exchanges. Large
numbers of representatives also went over
to the Senate chamber to shake hands
AS the hour for opening approached the
crowds in the corridors grew larger, and
the numbers gathering about the doors of
the galleries increased, but many were nee
essarily disappointed, as the capacity of
the space allotted to outsiders was claimed
early
To be seen in the corridors and lobbies
on both sides were many public officials
who left the departments to witness the
opening. Notably among those who gath
cred at the Capitol this morning were some
Of the members-elect. who will take seats
session be called.
There were many out-of-town visitors
who helped to swell the numbers at the
Capitol. and who came hoping to get a
glimpse Of the opening ceremonies.
The correspondents were early on the
scene preparing for the three months work
ahead of them. And among these were
many new faces. To those who have seen
Congress opened time and again this occa-
sion differed but little from any previous
opening But TO one who attended for the
nrst time 1t was a scene of brilliance and
sufficiently awing to be very impressive
With the old-time members ii was the be-
ginning of a seasons work and strictly
business affair.
Ex-Speaker Reeds Query.
Big Tom Reeds towering form overtopped
a group OF statesmen at the Capitol where
the distinguished former Speaker of the
House was discussing the opening of Con-
gress.
What are you going to do this session ?'
asked Mr.. Reed of one of the House lead
ers. The reply was that nothing would be
done beyond passing the appropriation bills.
What" drawled the ex-Speaker with
well-simulated surprise, ARE you going to
miss your golden opportunity to amend the
Constitution?"
What do you mean?" the House leader
asked
well. an indeAnable something is to be
done In a way nobody knows how. and at
time nobody knows when. That as l un-
derstand is the program against the trusts
The opportunity is so broad 1 should think
You could not miss it,
Mr.. Reed came very near giving q good
description of the sentiment of the rank
and file of senators and representatives
upon the probability OF trust legislation
The something to be done is lndeffnable and
the ways and means OF doing it yet unde-
cided.
No Indication of Radical Action.
The session which began today will come
TO close at noon March 4 next Three
weeks Will be consumed in the holiday re-
cess. There Is no time for radical action.
and, to tell the truth, there is no evidence
Of decided inclination In that direction.
AS senators and representatives, coming
back from close association with their con-
stituents, mingled in the Hobbies and cloak
rooms today the expression was general
that nothing should be attempted at this
session.
The statement frequently was heard that
1t would be risky 10 put the slightest check
upon the snexampled prosperity of the
country, indicating trend of mind among
the statesmen to stand pat" as Senator
Hanna puts It, on all economic questions
for the present.
There is no deep sentiment for tariff re-
vision; there is no sincere sentiment for
antitrust legislation. Undoubtedly bills
will be offered in both houses commit tee
meetings will be held there will be a lot
or talk. but looking ahead for results-the
frank men In Congress say they do not see
anything in sight.
Ghosts Of Last Session.
Some of the legislative ghosts of last ses-
sion will come back to haunt the legislative
halls until in conferences of the leaders
they are laid for good or infused with the
breath of life. Reduction of southern rep.
resentation; statehood for the territories,
Cuban reciprocity treaty; reciprocity with
the British West Indies and France and
the ship subsidy bill will be taken up il
conference at an early date and a program
of action agreed upon.
THE SENATE