Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-11-13
Proceedings in the Senate,

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Proceedings in the Senate.
With galleries crowded, with the
chamber mass Of elaborate floral trib-
utes and nearly every Senator in his
seat, the gavel of President pro tenn. Fry
sounded at noon calling the Senate to-
gethcr in the second extraordinary ses-
sion of the Fifty-eighth Congress. The
special session of the Senate following
the adjournment last spring of the Eff
ty-seventh Congress eliminated much of
the routine work which otherwise would
have been performed Monday. New Sen
ators had gone through the formality OF
taking oaths of office, seats had been as
signed and with the exception Of the
appointment Of some vacancies all func-
tons Of the organization has been COM
piled with.
More than two hours before the Sen
ate was called to order the galleries were
filled up with early arrivals Happy oc-
cupation was found in watching the
work Of pages and messengers placing
the constantly arriving floral offerings
upon the desks Of Senators. Senator
Hanna's pronounced victory in. the Ohio
election won for him what was one Of
the most pretentious floral designs ever
seen in the Senate-a shield three and
a half by four and q half feet of blue
immortelles, in which was wrought out
Of California grasses, ribbons and red,
white and blue immortelles the design of
the American eagle Identical with that
on silver quarter Of a dollar.
Senator Germans triumph in the
Maryland election was recognized by the
largest floral piece, a handsome wreath
more than two feet in diameter, with a
crossed cluster Of roses, carnations and
chrysanthemums as the base.
DoinGs in the House.
The House of Representatives con-
vened at noon in extraordinary session.
The session was full of interest to the
spectator, likewise TO the new members,
but to the veteran it was only a routine
proceeding. The fact that speaker
was to be elected and that this was the
first session of new Congress added
to the interest that usually attaches to
an opening day. Long before the hour
of noon, when the gavel fell, the CALLER
les were filed women being largely in
the majority. Many more were disap-
pointed, holders of cards Of admission
even being among this number. Among
the spectators were public officers, diplo-
mats and a great many out-of- town Wis
itors.
During the hour or two prior to the
opening members kept coming in. The
leaders of both sides were early on the
scene. Old friends and associates met
and chatted. New members were intro
duced to their colleagues. The hum pro-
duced by conversations going on in oil
parts Of the House grew louder and
louder as the hour hand on the big clock
approached u. First of Importance
among the days events was the election
of Mr.. Cannon as Speaker. next was the
swearing in of the members and the
drawing for seats.
The floral display in the Speakers lob
by was never more elaborate. The popu-
lar members on both sides were remem-
bered by friends in lavish fashion. AS
the seats Of members would not be de-
until after the drawing the
flowers were deposited in the lobby.
The bright colors of smart gowns. tho
flowers and other scenes usual on a first
day lent picturesqueness to the occasion.
Many familiar figures of the last Con-
gress were. missed some retiring yolun.
larily, others failing Of reelection and
Few going to the Senate.