The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-02
Resignation of the Rev. DIR. w. III. Mil
burn, the Blind Chaplain, An
nounced by Mr.. Frye.
OMNIBUS STATEHOOD BILL
1T JUMPS TO THE FRONT ON THE
SENATE PROGRAMME.
Conference at Which Mr.. Beveridge
Outlined His Report Anti
Trust Bills Introduced.

WASHINGTON, Dee. 1.-The second ses-
sion of the Fifty-seventh Congress was
convened at noon to-day. Long before the
gavels fell in the two houses large crowds
thronged about the doors of the visitors
galleries seeking admittance. Early in the
forenoon the corridors gave evidence of an
approaching session. There were the usual
scenes and incidents attending the open
ing of Congress. A bright, sunny day
brought out a crowd to greet the lawmak-
ers, the women being conspicuous among
the visitors. There were many out-of-town
visitors who helped to swell the numbers
and who came hoping to get a glimpse of
the opening ceremonies. The correspond
ents were early on the scene preparing for
the three months work ahead of them,
and among these were a great many new
faces. Former Speaker Thomas B. Reed
was a visitor at the Capitol to-day Prior
to the hour for convening he visited among
the members of the House, where he once
served SC many years. then among the
members of the Senate. He was greeted
on both sides by friends and former asso-
ciates-
The scene at the opening Of the House
was usual spectacular event. The
galleries of the freshly decorated hall were
packed to the doors with people prominent
in society and politics, and the flower show
on the floor, although not as elaborate as
usual, filed the chamber with perfume and
added grace and beauty to-the scene. The
members were good-natured and jovial,
and there was no outcropping of partisan
feeling. Speaker Henderson received cor
dial reception as he assumed the gavel but
beyond this there was no demonstration.
The proceedings were purely perfunctory
A prayer. the calling of the roll. the swear
ing In of members elected to fill vacancies
created by death or resignation during the
recess. the adoption of the customary reso-
lutions to appoint a committee to wait
upon the President and to inform the Sem
ate that the House was ready to transact
business and to fix the daily hour of meet
Ing summarizes what was done Then the
death OF the late Representative Charles
Russell, of Connecticut, which occurred in
the early fall. was announced by his sue
cessor, Mr.. Brandegee, the usual resolu-
tion OF regret was adopted and the House
as a further mark of respect adjourned
until tomorrow, when the Presidents
message will be received. The session
lasted less than an hour.
The Senate in session twelve
minutes, an adjournment until tomorrow
being taken out of respect to the memory
OF the late Senator James Mcmillan, who
died during the recess Rarely has the
historic chamber presented such an appear
ance as IL did to-day The custom of plac-
Ing flowers on the desks of senators on the
opening day OF session is one which long
has been followed, but the display to-day
was admittedly the most magnificent of
any that heretofore have been SEEN Many
or the senator's were early on the floor and
kept busy exchanging greetings with old
acqua1ntances. The galleries were packed
TO sunocation and hundreds stood outside
the corridors anxious TO gain admission.
Among the interested spectators were
several members of the diplomatic corps
Senor Quesada, the Cuban minister occu-
pied a conspicuous place and exhibited
much interest in the proceedings The alb
sence or the Rev. DIR. w. III. Milburn the
Dlnd cnaplin, was particularly noticed
HIS place to-day was taken by Rev J. F.
Prettyman. OF Washington. No business
was transacted beyond passing the custo-
mory resolutions that the Senate was ready
10 proceed 10 business and fixing the hour
or convening the session at II O'Clock
Dr. Milburn, who is now in California.
has forwarded his resignation as chaplain
10 President Pro TEN Frye II will he
placed before the Senate Tomorrow His
successor Will be elected by the Senate
Mr.. Milburn, In his letter to Senator FRYE
says Ill health compels him to retire from
the position and he says: ''It Is with deen
sorrow that / have come to this decision
as II was my cherished wish that under the
favor OF the Senate, 1 should conduct its
religious services during the Remainder Of
my days. %