Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-12-11
FEDERAL LAW MAKERS.
Opening Formalities.

Washington, D. c., Dec. 1.-There
was notable absence of ceremony
connected with the opening of the sec
ond session of the ffty-seventh con-
gress. The senate was in session ex-
actly fourteen minutes, and yet it did
all that could be expected except to
listen to the presidents message. The
house, which is much more I'M
wieldy body so far as mere formalities
go, adjourned for the day after ses-
sion of fifty minutes, about two-thirds
of which was taken up with calling the
roll and swearing in the new members
elected to fill vacancies. Both houses
adjourned out of respect for members
who had died during the recess.
Mr.. Frye assembled the rostrum in
the senate at noon and hush fell on
the assemblage while Rev. F. J. Pretty
man, who took the place of Rev. DR..
Milburn, pronounced the invocation.
The clerk called the roll and sixty
eight senators responded. The GUS
tomary resolutions were adopted mott
flying the house that the senate was
ready to proceed to business and ap-
pointing a committee to join with one
from the house to wait on the presi
dent and inform him that congress was
assembled. Mr.. Burrows Of Michi-
gan then announced the death of his
colleague, James Mcmillan. He spoke
with great emotion and briefly re-
ferred to the life and services of the
dead senator. In the house the speak
er took his place on the drop Of IL, and
was greeted with the usual ripple of
applause. He touched his hand to his
waving hair with a gesture familiar
to all his friends, tapped the gavel on
his desk, and called the house to order
with as much self-cOnfidence as if he
had never thought of such a thing as
resigning a place second only in dig
nifty and power to that of the presi-
dent Of the United States.
Both during and after the sessions
Of the day plans were laid for legisla-
ton that will provoke much discussion.
Antitrust bills in large numbers ap-
peared, but none Of them had the Of
fetal sanction of President Roosevelt
or Attorney General Knox. Frauds in
elections, particularly in the southern
states, where new constitutions have
DISTINGUISHED negroes, came in for at
tention. The admission of territories
to statehood was another issue brought
UP for settlement.
The tariff question was revived by
bill offered by Congressman Smith
of Michigan TO place paints, colors,
varnishes, glass and glassware, metals
and manufacturers pulps, paper, books
and coal on the free list.
The hard coal strike became a con-
gressional issue also through Con-
gresham Cannons resolution asking
an appropriation of $4,000 to defray
the expenses Of President Roosevelt's
arbitration commission.
Senate.
Washington, D. c., Dec. 2.-Interest
in the session Of the senate was height
ened by the fact that the presidents
message to congress was read, and
also that Genera Russell A Alger of
Michigan, former secretary of war IN
der President Mckinley, was sworn in
to fill the vacancy caused by the death
Of Senator Mcmillan. His desk and
chair were hidden beneath a mass of
flowers, and as he took his seat he was
surrounded by a number of his col |
leagues, who extended hearty congrat- !
ulations. In the gallery were num-
Der Of General Ayers personal friends |
and members of his family. One hour |
and fifteen minutes was consumed in |
reading the presidents message. The |
Of Rev. W. H. Milburn, |
blind chaplain Of the senate, was re-
ceived. No action was taken on the
A concurrent resolution offered by
Mr.. Morgan (Ala) providing for the !
printing of a compilation of bills and
debates in congress relating to trusts
vas referred to the committee on print
ng.
Senator Cu1lom introduced an anti
rust bill. In accordance with the
equest of the Taft commission and
he secretary of war, Senator Lodge
bill to make the tariff
etween the Philippines and the United
states % per cent. Of the Dingley rate,
instead of Is per cent, as at present.
lie expects to secure the passage of
he bill without much discussion.
Washington, D. c., Dec. 2.-The
ouse met at noon with large attend '
nee and crowded galleries and the