The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-11-10
CONGRESS- IS IN SESSION 
 Cannon Speaker of the
 House. WHLIAMSLEADS MINORITY Interesting Scenes at Assem- bling of the Bodies. MT. Hit of Illinois Introduces Reso- lution Asking for Papers and
 Documents in Regard to
 the Panama Canal.
wMLIAMsLEADs MINORITY

Representatives of the 5Sth Congress to- day held it's first session, and, except TOT the naming of committees. which Will follow later organization was completed Joseph G. Cannon of Illinois, whose eie- vation to the Speakership was assured months ago, was formally elected speak- CT and inducted into office MT. cannon received the applause of Democrats and Republicans alike when he took the gavel of authority, the demonstration oe- Ing complimentary to the newly-electeo Speaker. He was at once at ease Tn the Speakers chair, having filled 1t so often temporarily during his many years Of service in the House The old omeers were reelected.
 The rules of the 57th Congress were adopted for the 18th Congress by an aye and nav vote. after d brief discussion, during which the minority sought to se- cure an increase in the Democratic rep resentation on the committees.
 The Floral Display.
 The floral display in the Speakers lobby was never more elaborate than today. The popular members on both sides were remembered by friends. As the seats or members could not be determined until after the drawing. the flowers were de- posted in the lobby.
 The bright colors of smart gowns, the
  day. lent picturesqueness to the occasion. Many familiar figures of the last Con- Eress were missed today. some retiring voluntarily, others failing of reelection and a few going to the Senate.
 At 11:45 o'clock the floor was cleared of all save those entitled to remain. Promptly at noon Clerk of the House Alex Mcdowell dropped the gaVef for mally calling the House to order. Prayer by the chaplain followed. .- call of the roll by States showed quorum $50 having answered
 The clerk called for nominations for Speaker Mir Hepburn Qowa) chairman of the Republican caucus, formally nom mated Mir. Cannon. MT. Hay CVirginia), chairman of the Democratic caucus, nominated Mr, Wti-. Hams Mississippi. No speeches were made in making the nominations.
 The clerk named MT. Holiday undl- anal, Mir. Scudder (New Yorlkl, Mir. Bower (MississippD and Mir. Porter Cennsylva- nia) as tellers, and the roll then was called.
 The Favorites Applauded.
 The mention of Mir Cannons name was received with applause on the Republican side and the naming of Mir. Williams as the minority candidate. was likewise greeted on the Democratic side Clerk Mo  Cannon to have received 193 votes and Mir Williams 166, MT Cannon being de- ciared elected as Speaker of the House.
 Mr Williams Mississippi and MT. Grosvenor (Ohio) were appointed com mittee to notify MT. Cannon of his cleo tion and to escort him to the Speakers chair
 As Mir. Cannon entered the north door. with MT. Williams and Mir. Grosvenor, ice of ha ClJaY 1har arose and joined in the ovation to the newly-elected Speaker. MT. Williams in- troduced Mr. Cannon, saying
 "Gentlemen of the House of Represent atives It is a high honor to present a speaker of the House of Representatives. the greatest parliamentary body on the surface of the earth. It is an especial honor to present to this House this par ticular speaker
 '.I think the majority have selected their best type and I am satisfied the minority will be given a full measure of fairness and impartiality from him. (Applause).
 'I have the honor to present your speaker. the Hon. Joseph G. Cannon of llnnois" (Continued applause on both sides of the chamber)
 MT. Cannon, in a brief response, said:
 MT. Cannon Speaks.
 Gentlemen. members of the House: appreciate the honor you confer in choos- ing me as the presiding officer of the House After twenty-eight years service in the House such an expression of your confidence touches me profoundly. thank you. In the performance of the duties of office I bring to the service sincere desire to acdult myself with courtesy, efficiency and fairness.
 If err 1t will be an error of the head, not of the heart.
 The contests on the floor touching pol icies that abound in pariisanship will be spirited and earnest. The majority deter mines I am quite sure in the considera- tion of the peoples business. however sharp may be our differences. We will not forget that courtesy and demeanor which should always obtain between manly op- ponents who honestly differ.
 Tn the performance of the duties of speaker I bespeak the kindly co-opera tion of each member of the House.
 "I am ready to take the oath of office." Mir Bingham (Pennsylvania), upon whom falls the titular honor of Father of the House" bestowed by reason of his having seen the longest continuous serv ice, in accordance with custom. adminis- tered the oath to the speaker.
 The members were then sw"rn in by MT. Cannon.
 Following this a resolution vas adopt ed re-electng the old officers of the House, Alexander Mcdowell, clerk; Hen ry Casson, sergeant at arms Frank B. Lyon door keeper; ]. c. Melroy. postmas- ter. and Rev. H. N. Conden chaplain
 By resolution the speaker appointed a committee to notify the President, and the Senate of the election of Mir. Cannon as speaker, and MT. Mcdowell as clerk. Another resolution was adopted for the appointment of a committee to join a committee from the Senate to notify the President of the presence of quorum in the two Houses and that they were ready to receive any communication he may have to make. The speaker appoint ed the following:
 Mir Tawney (Minnesota), Mir Capron, (Rhode Islandl. MT. Willi-ms (Mississip- pn and Mir. Dalsell HennsylvaniaI.
 MT. Dalzcl tPennsylvaniaD offered the resolution adopted in the Republican eau