The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-12-03
The MEETING OF CONGRESS.
The Reading of the Presidents
Message Today.

Washington, Dec. i.-Ine SecOno
session Of the Fifty-seventh congress
was convened at noon today. Long be
| fore the gavels fell in the two houses
large crowds thronged about the
doors of the visitors galleries seeking
admission. Early in the forenoon the
corridors gave evidence OF an approach
ing session. There were the usual
scenes and incidents attending the
opening Of congress. A bright sunny
day brought out crowd to greet the
| lawmakers. the women being con-
spicuous among the visitors.
In the lobbies of the house members
were exchanging greetings while on
the senate side there were similar ex-
changes. Large numbers Of represent
atives also iourneyed to the senate
chamber to shake hands.
To be seen in the corridors and lob
bies on both sides were many public
officials who left the departments to
witness the opening. Notable among
those who gathered. at the capitol this
morning were some of the members
elect who will take seats next Decem-
Der, or earlier, should an extra ses-
sion be called.
Former Speaker Thomas B. Reed
was among the visitors at the capitol.
Prior to the hour for converting he
visited among the members Of the
house where he once served so many
years, then among the members OF the
senate. he was greeted on both sides
BY friends and former associates.
The opening of the Fifty-seventh
congress in the house was as usual
spectacular event. The galleries OF the
freshly decorated hall we're packed to
the doors with people prominent in
society and politics and the flower show
on the floor, although not as elaborate
as usual, filled the chamber with per-
fume and added grace and beauty to
the scene. The members were good
natured and jovial and there was DO
outcropping Of partisan feeling to
mar the reassembling. Speaker Hen
derson received a cordial reception as
he assumed the gavel, but beyond this
there were no demonstrations. The
proceedings were purely perfunctory.
A prayer, the calling of the roll, the
swearing in OF members elected to fill
vacancies created by death or resigna-
tion during the recess, the adoption OF
the customery resolutions to appoint
committee to wait upon the presi-
dent, to inform the senate that the
house was ready to transact business
and to fix the daily hour Of meeting,
summarizes what was done. Then the
death of the late Representative
Charles 4. Russell, OF Connecticut,
which occurred in the early fall, WAS
announced by his successor, Mr.. Bran
degee, the usual resolution OF regret
was adopted and the house, as fur
ther mark of respect adjourned until
tomorrow when the presidents mes
sage will be received. The session
lasted less than an hour.
The leaders on both sides were sur
rounded and greeted as they found
their way to their desks, but there
were no demonstrations. Mr.. Cannon
of Illinois, whose election as speaker
of the next house is already assured,
was besieged byshis colleagues with
congratulations and could with diff
calty force away to his desk. Mr..
Payne, of New York, the floor leader of
the majority, MI. Dalzell, OF Penn
sylyania, Mr.. Richardson, the minori
ty leader, and other prominent mem
be-s also held. impromptu receptions.
Among the new members sworn in
was Carter Glass, Sixth Virginia dis
trict, vice Peter j. Otey, deceased.
Immediately after the swearing in
of these members Mr.. Taylor of Ohio
created a furry by offering resolution
to Investigate the election of Carter
Glass, in the Sixth Virginia district.
Mr.. Richardson, the minority leader,
challenged action upon the resolution,
bnt as Mr. Taylor did not ask action
upon it but only that it be refer
red to committee on elections No. l,
it was SO referred without objections.
The speaker appointed Messrs. Bing-
ham, of Pennsylvania, HIT, of Illinois,
and Richardson, of Tennessee, as the
committee to wait On the president,
and the house adjourned until tomor-
row.
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