The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-10
First Day Devoted 10 Organization,
Induction of Members and the
Drawing of Seats.
JESSE OvERSTREET IN LUCK
HAD SECOND CHOICE OF DESKS IN
THE LOWER BRANCH.
Mr.. Hemenway Unfortunate, but Able
changing with Prince Cupid.
peciaI to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9.-Indiana partics-
pated in every feature of the interesting
and impressive opening exercises OF the
special session of Congress which met to-
day to consider the reciprocity treaty. 1t
is noteworthy fact which will be OBJ
servable throughout every days session Of
the Fifty-eighth Congress that Indiana will
be conspicuous in the deliberations Of both
houses. Her senators and members occupy
high vantage ground IN Republican party
and in the workings Of commit
tees wherein the legislation OF Congress
is put into shape for final action. The
special subject for which the present ses-
sion of Congress is called will receive con-
sideration at the hands of the Indiana men
in both houses, and they will be active at all
stages of the proceedings. The preliminary
arrangements for the regular session. such
as the assignment OF the committees, will
find Indiana men giving to the State the
most conspicuous place that IL has ever
held in respect to positions of honor ard
influence on the great committees which
shape congressional legislation. This VIII
be found especially true of the Republicans
In the House of Representatives.
Particular advantage viii be brought 20
the delegation of assignments of Hemen-
way, Overstreet, Crumpacker. Watson and
Lands 10 the leading committees OF the
House. There is an extreme probability
that ar overstreet win have -rosition
of special Importance, In view Of the great
public interest in the postal affairs OF the
country as a result of the postofice investi-
n.
of Speaker Cannon are found necessary Mr..
Overstreet will be chairman of postofiices
and post roads. Distinguished men from
that State who will serve on appropriations.
ways and means, insular affairs, foreign
affairs and judiciary. will greatly accentu-
ate the influence of Indiana in federal legis.
lation.
Senators Fairbanks and Beveridge were
present to-day when President Pro Tenn.
Frye called the senators in session. They
were the recipients of handsome floral Of
ferings. and were cordially greeted by their
colleagues.
OVERSTREET DREW A PRIZE.
All of the States representatives in the
House, with the exception of Represents
tive Miers, were in attendance. The time
honored custom of assigning seats by lot
terry was carried out. At the biennial draw
ing for seats the new member is on a level
with the old graybeards. The Indiana del
egation did not fare well in the lottery
to-day as on like occasions heretofore. Jesse
Overstreet drew the prize. His was the
second name called. Representative Sher-
man, of New York, secured the honor OF
taking first choice. Mr.. Overstreet selected
a seat we'll up in front, little to the left
of the speakers rostrum. He will be In
aristocratic company during the session
Behind him is the seat OF Mr.. Payne, the
Republican leader, and in front that OF
General Bingham. the father OF the
House."
Representative watson's name was the
second one Of the Indiana delegation called.
He took a seat in the left center, near the
one he occupied in the last Congress On
his right sits Mr.. Cooper. of Wisconsin.
chairman of insular affairs. and to the left
Mr. Foss. of Chicago, chairman Of naval
affairs. Representative Brick drew a seat
directly behind Mr.. Watson. Representa-
tive Holiday will sit next TO Mr.. Brick.
Representative Hemenway had an inter-
esting experience. His was one OF the last
names called. and for time he feared
Cherokee strip" on the Democratic side
of the House He secured one Of the last
available seats on the Republican side, but
shortly after adjournment he effected an
exchange with Prince Cupid, the delegate
from Hawaii. Prince Cupid secured seat
in the second row directly in front of the
speaker, and that is where the chairman Of
the committee on appropriations will be
located in this Congress.
Representative Fred Lands, the raw re-
cruit the delegation. drew a seat to the
left of the speaker, well in the rear. Across
the aisle from him sits his brother. Repre-
sentative Charles b. Landis- Representa-
tives Cromer and Crumpacker drew seats
in the of the House. Representatives
Robinson, Griffith and zenor are right on
the border of the Cherokee strip" no /
far from Mcclellan. OF New York, and
close to William Randolph Hearst, who
represents a Tammany district
SAW TWO SONS SWORN IN.
A number OF Indiana people were spec
tators in the House galleries to-day. Mrs.
NJ. X. Landis. of Loganspolt, had the pleas
ure OF seeing her two sons. Charles and
Fred Landis. sworn In Mrs. Lands was
accompanied by another son. Walter Il.
Lands. postmaster at San Juan, Porto
Rico. Among other Hoosiers present I'm the
House were John ID. DE PREF and wife. OF
Shelbyville. Newland I. DE Pauw. OF New
Albany. and w. G. sutton and wife. OF
Dunkirk
The House assembled the largest mem-
bership In its history. and the scene be-
fore the gavel fell in that body was one
OF animation, both ON the floor, In the
cloak rooms and In the Hobbies and corri-
dors. The day was crisp and bright and
the Capitol building presented the appear
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