The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1903-11-12
IN EXTRA SESSION
Fifty-Eighth Congress Con-
venes at National Capital.
PRELIMINARY PROCEDURE
Great Enthusiasm and Crowded Gal
Ieries Greeted SoIons-Cannon
Elected Speaker and Both
Houses Organized.

n0uSsS OTSdHtLeC.
The ffty-eighth congress convened
in extraordinary session at noon Mon
day. in accordance with the proclama-
ton Of President Roosevelt for the
purpose OF enacting legislation to
make effective the Cuban reciprocity
treaty. The day was devoted simply
to personal greetings and organiza-
ton. The house elected Joseph G.
Cannon. of Illinois, speaker.
The house assembled the largest
membership in its history and the
scene before the gavel fell in that
body was one Of animation, both on
the floor, in the cloak room and in the
lobbies and corridors. The day was
crisp and bright, and the capitol build
ing presented the appearance of a
new structure with it's coat Of white
paint and complete renovation within.
Crowds of eager spectators, both
men and women, thronged the corri-
dors and rotunda Of the capitol early
in the day, and the galleries, to which
admission was had by card only, were
taxed to their capacity long before
the hour of assembling arrived. Com
m:ttee rooms, which had been in the
hands of the renoVator during the re-
cess, weer thrown open and many for
NAL receptions were held by popular
chairmen.
With galleries crowded, with the
chamber a mass of elaborate floral
tributes and nearly every senator in
his seat, the gavel of President Pro
Tenn. Frye sounded at the hour Of
noon. calling the senate together.
The special session of the senate fol-
lowing the adjournment last spring OF
the fifty-seventh congress eliminated
much Of the routine work which other
wise would have been performed at
the first days session.
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 1-2 by 4 IL feet Of blue i'm
mortelles, in which was wrought the
American flag. The offering bore the
inscription Senator Mark Hanna,
from his friends, the Irish Democrats
of Cleveland"
Fully a score of smaller tributes
were banked around Senator Hanna's
desk.
Senator Germans triumph in the
Maryland election was recognized by
the second largest floral piece, q
handsome wreath more than two feet
in diameter, with crossed luster OF
roses, carnations and chrysanthe-
NUNS at the base.
The senate adjourned at 1874
o'clock.
Many familiar figures Of the last con-
gress were missed. Galusha A. Grow,
the veteran member OF Pennsylvania
and a former speaker, were among
the absent ones.
The democrats rallied around new
leader, Mr.. Williams, of Mississippi,
who was chosen to take the place OF
Mr.. Richardson, Of Tennessee, who
retired from the leadership of the
minority.
A call Of the roll by states develop
ing a quorum, $50 having answered,
the clerk called for nominations Tor
speaker Mr.. Hepburn, OF Iowa, chair
man of the republican caucus, formal
ly nominated Mr. Cannon.
Mr.. Hay, of Virginia, chairman OF
the democratic caucus, nominated Mr..
Williams, of Mississippi. No speeches
were made in making the nominations.
The mention of Mr.. Cannon's name
was received with applause on the re-
publican side and the naming Of Mr.
Williams as the minority candidate
was likewise greeted on the democrat
ic side.
The roll was then called, resulting
in 1913 votes for Mr.. Cannon and 166
for Mr.. Williams Mr.. Cannon was
then declared duly elected speaker Of
the house.
In a brief, felicitous speech Mr.. Will
liams presented Speaker Cannon, and
the latter delivered short, but COM
prehensive inaugural address.
Mr.. Bingham, of Pennsylvania, upon
whom falls the titular honor of "farh-
er of the house,. bestowed by reason
Of his having seen the longest contin-
uous service, in accordance with Gus
tom administered the oath to the
speaker. The members were then
sworn in by Mr.. Cannon.
Following this, a resolution was
adopted re-electing the old officers OF
the house: Alexander Mcdowell,
clerk; Henry Casson, sergeant at
arms; Frank B. Lyon, doorkeeper; j.
C. McElroy, postmaster, and Rev. II.
n. Couden. chaplain.