Omaha daily bee., 1903-03-05
Interstate commerce. which was adopted by
202 to co.
Henderson Ascends ROstruU


son re-entered the hall and ascended the
rostrum amid great demonstration on the
republican side, which extended to the dem
ocratic side and the galleries
Mr.. Cannon. still standing at the side OF
the rostrum. then in a clear voice read the
resolution adopted by the house. Speaker
Henderson was visibly affected as he faced
the galleries and the members OF the house
for his valedictory. For half a minute he
paused to control his emotions before be-
ginning. Then. in a voice that trembled at
hrst. but grew gradually stronger as he pro-
ceeded until his words rang out, he deliv-
cred what was perhaps the most touchingly
hun,sn farewell address ever delivered from
the speakers chair.
Speaker Bids Farewell.
Speaker Henderson said:
Gentlemen of the House of Representa-
tlves: An age spent under this dome must
give opportunity for forming many and
strong ties Constituted as 1 have been
from childhood, friendship is an essential
element of my lifes d-(appiause)-and
whether on the floor or in the chair have
a g b bbountiful supply in this hall. (Applause.)
have seen beautiful and instructive things
on TINS floor, sharp, able, feeling debate,
and debate gentlemen, is the foundation
ana sustaining power of American liberty.
But l have seen another beautiful thing
When the flag was raised in war 1 have
seen both sides of this chamber as one man
put $50OOO,OOO into the hands of the chief
m1aglstrate and say, Lead or" without a
from that hour l have believed that there
was no future moment when the disnte-
grafton could come to this republic. (Ap-
from every state in the union touching
Elbow TO elbow and rushing into the ranks
9t tt war there was absolute confirmation of
that belief (Applause.)
| have no fears for the future of my
country. Let no one be disturbed by the
battles on this floor. AS said, they are
guarantees OF freedom, and approve them
AT times there may be scars left but they
are not scars that leave a permanent Grip
pie; they are scars that leave the soul and
the manhood without a dangerous wound
For one, go where L may from this hall,
e on Of my my frends aF tbae f
nave nave met here, and | do not know of one
enemy. applause. Whenever meet any
feel that | meet legislative comrade and
know that he will meet a friend. (Ap-
plause.)
am not going to give counsel to this
bodY, further than to say that there is
nothing more precious than this govern
you love your life. It is more valuable
than anything that can be named Go on
with the rough and tumble battles of legis-
God asks us to die for (Applause)
When / took this chair asked the sup
the duties of this high office which you
conferred upon me- That gavel in nv
hand has. never been defed by either side
that It always has secured Obedience,
recognition when order was demanded |
is d pleasant recollection to me-
NOW, gentlemen, If know my feelings |
toward this body of men, 1 know that 1 |
OF this hour with its general approval and |
treatment of me this morning. 1 shall |
Tsa,,;or, DaTTy every one or your faces in my
interest in this great body, which stands
so near to the happiness of my country |
longed applause, every member rising in |
his place.)
Forest of American Flags.
The members with a very few executions
on the democratic side were on their feet. |
Suddenly there blossomed out of the repub- |
lican side forest of American flags. Wav-
ing these aloft, the members sang Amer |
ica," the galleries rising en- masse to ioin |
in the chorus. 1t was a stirring scene. |
AS the notes of the hymn died away the |
speaker, who seemingly had forgotten to |
make the final announcement, turned as IL !
to leave the chair, when he was reminded I
by the clerk at his side. He turned and in |
a clear voice declared the house adjourned
sine die.
Then the demonstration Of applause was
renewed. In the midst of 1t Mr.. Kyle (O), |
in his sweet tenor voice, began singing |
Sweet Land of Liberty" The house took
1t up as the members surged forward to bid |
the speaker farewell. He had descended |
from the rostrum and, standing at the door, |
they filed by and each received from him |
some pleasant word and a cordial shake of |
the hand.
A dozen republican members gathered on |
the marble steps behind him, and the song |
changed to For He's a jolly Good Fellow" |
and later to God Be With You Till We |
Meet Again"
Before all the members had passed the |
visitors from the galleries began surging |
into the flood, also eager to grasp his hand. |
For over half an hour the reception was |
continued and finally broke up with the |
singing of the Doxology. Many women had |
thrust bouquets of flowers into his hands |
and when ex-Speaker Henderson finally re- |
tired to his room his arms we're filled with |