Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-12-02
IN THE SENATE.

Washington, Dec. 1.-The Senate was
in session IL minutes, today, the first
day of the session. an adjournment I'M
til tomorrow being taken out of re-
spect to the memory Of the late Sena-
tor James Mcmillan, who died during
the recess.
Rarely has the historic chamber pre-
Sented such an appearance as 1t did,
today. The custom of placing flowers
on the desks of senators on the open
ing day of q session is one which long
has been followed, but the display, to-
day. was admittedly the most magnifi-
cent of any heretofore seen. Many of
the senators were early on the floor
and were kept busy exchanging greet
ings with old acquaintance. The gal
leries were packed to suffocation and
hundreds stood outside the corridors,
anxious to gain admission.
Among the interested spectators were
several members Of the diplomatic
CORPS, Senior Quesada, the Cuban min
lister. occupying a conspicuous place.
and exhibiting much interest in the
proceedings. The absence Of Rev. Dr.
Milburn. the blind chaplain. was par
ticularly noticed. His place. today,
WAS tdhCh NY lNCNs ~ IVY -
Washington.
No business was transacted beyond
passing the customary resolutions that
the Senate was ready to proceed to
business and fixing the hour of conven-
ing the sessions at IL o'clock.
Washington, Dec. 1.-The scene in
the Senate chamber. today. when that
BODY met to begin the work Of the
second session of the 57th Congress
was a brilliant one. Long before noon
when President Pro TEN Frye brought
his gavel down and opened the pro-
ceedings the galleries began filling up.
Every seat was soon occupied and
hundreds stood up outside in the cor
ridors clamoring for admission.
The floor of the Senate was veri-
table garden of flowers. chrysanthe-
NUNS, roses and viOlets spreading their
fragrance throughout the chamber.
Many of the floral pieces were mag
nificent and completely hid the desks
from view. Without distinction of
party, senators moved from one side of
the chamber to the other and renewed
old acquaintance. The old sores
which had been made in the heat of
debate during the last session seemed
healed and verywhere it was noticed
that the best of feeling prevailed.
The familiar figure of Senator James
Mcmillan of Michigan, who was be-
loved by his associates, was missing
and universal sorrow was again ex-
pressed over his demise.
Instead of the customary black drap-
cry there was placed on the desk form
erly occupied by Senator Mcmillan, a
sheaf Of bridal roses and palms. tied
with white satin ribbon.
Mr.. Frye assembled the rostrum at
noon and a hush fell upon the assem-
blage while Rev. F. j. Prettyman. who
took the place of Rev. DIR. Milburn, pro-
nounccd the Invocation. The clerk |
called the roll and IS senators re-
sponded to their nameA.a . 9tN
The customary resolutions were
adopted notifying. the House that the |
Senate was ready to proceed to BUSH !
ness. appointing a committee to join |
with one from the House to await on |
the President and inform him that |
Congress was assembled and also fix !
ing the hour Of meeting at IL o'clock.
Mr.. Burrows (Mich) then announced |
the death OF his colleague. James Nc
MILAN. He spoke with great emotion |
and briefly referred to the life and |
service of the dead senator. Resolu-
lions OF regret were offered and unan-
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