Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-01
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The Hall of Representatives presented a
brilliant scene for the opening of the ses-
sion. During the recess the chamber had
been redecorated throughout. The old
color scheme of gold and carmine was pre-
served, but the fresh colors served to light
en- the general effect. The famous paint
ings of Bierstadt, THE Discovery of the
Hudsin," and the Landing of the Verbain
Expedition at Monterey, Cal, in 1G01,"
which formerly hung in panels on either
side of the Speakers rostrum, have been
removed to the lobby in the rear of the hall
and in their places now hang the full-length
portraits of Washington and Lafayette.
Although the gavel was not to fall until
noon, the public galleries were packed soon
after they were thrown open at 10 o'clock
and the sections reserved for the families
and friends Of members also filled early.
The opening of Congress Is a society, as
well as a political event, and in the galleries
were many handsomely gowned society
women.
several of the ladies who are the house
guests of the Presidents family were in
terested spectators, occupying seats in the
executive gallery.
There was the usual flower display, al
though it was, perhaps, not as elaborate as
upon some similar occasions in the past.
| 1t was noticeable that the victorious party
| in the recent campaign did not monopolize
| the entire flower show. BY IL o clock the
| air was heavy with the odor of perfumes
| and the hall buzzed with the steady hum of
| conversation from the throngs in the sur
| rounding galleries. Shortly after IL O clock
| the members of the House began arriving
| the greetings exchanged seemingly being
| equally cordial whether they were between
| political friends or enemies. The democrat is
! who are returning after their fifth success
sive defeat took the raillery of the repub-
| licans good naturedly.
| 1t was generally remarked upon in the
galleries that the most elaborate floral
| pieces We're on the desks of Mr.. ConnelI of
| Pennsylvania and Loud of California, two
| republicans who were defeated for re-elec-
| ton.
Scene on the Floor.
| At Has the doorkeeper directed his as
sistants to clear the floor Of all persons not
entitled to remain during the session.
| Meantime members were entering the floor
| from the lobbies and there was much con-
| fusion. The leaders both sides were sur
rounded and greeted as they found their
way to their desks but there were no DEM
| onstrations. Mr.. Cannon Qll), whose cleo
| ton as Speaker Of the next House is al
! ready assured, was besleged by his col
| leagues with congratulations and could with
| difficulty force way to his desk. Mr..
| Payne On. ", the floor leader of the ma
! jority; Mr.. Dalzel Pa), Mr.. Richardson,
| the minority leader, and other prominent
| members also held impromptu receptions.
| Three minutes before the hour of noon
| the doors from the rear lobby swung open
| and Speaker Henderson entered He was
| Immediately surrounded by members and
| held a reception upon the marble steps Of
| the rostrum until the hands of the clock
| met. Then, exactly at IL o'clock noon, he
applause greeted him as he faced the house
| and galleries.
The House in Session.
| ,ieyo ,, ooxu HI
| the Speaker stilled the demonstration In his
honor. In the hush that followed the blind
chaplain Rev. Mr.. Couden, offered prayer,
| fervently invoking the divine blessing upon
the President, the government the members
| OF Congress and the work Of the session.
| The prayer follows:
| Infinite and Eternal Spirit-God, our
| Heavenly Father. We approach Thee with
profound gratitude and infinite love, mind
| full of Thy overruling providence which has
| shaped and guided the progress of our IA
| ton through all the shifting scenes nnd
| yicissitudes Of the past, and we most fer
| vently pray that Thou wilt continue to up
hold and protect us. that our sacred in.sti-
| tutions may be preserved unsulied to all
generations; that the emblem of liberty and
| union may float on in power forever.
| ITO this end let Thy blessing descend in
| full measure upon our President and mis-
advisors on the Congress now convened
and upon the Department of Justice, that
in all these branches Thy will may be done
and righteousness. peace and prosperity
prevail.
And now o. God, waken by Thy spirit
the mind and heart of him who presldes
over this body that with Infinite judgm ant
| he may rule with justice and equity and
| inspire each member with patriotic zeal
and religious fervor; that he may render
unto Caesar the things that are Caesars
and unto God the things that are Gods
When he had concluded the Speaker d.
| rected the clerk to call the roll.
| Immediately the babel of voices hroka ont
| afresh, and In the volume of sound that
filled the hall the calls of the clerk could
hardly be distinguished. So great was the
| confusion that the Speaker was Obliged to
bring the House to order and to admonish
both the members and the spectators in the
galleries to preserve order. The roll call
then proceeded.
| When>the roll call was finished the Speak
| er announced quorum present. The resig-
| nation of Representatives Ray Of New York
and Hall of Pennsylvania were laid before
the House.
| New Members Sworn In.
! The following members, elected during the