The Savannah morning news., 1903-11-10
HOW THE HOUSE DID
ITS OPENING WORK.
Democrats May Get More Places on
Committees.


Washington, Nov. 9.-The House of
Representatives convened to-day in ex-
traordinary session. Long before the
hour of noon, when the gavel fell. the
galleries were filled, the ladies' being
largely in the majority.
Many familiar figures of the last
Congress were missed to-day. Galusha
A. Grow, the veteran member from
Pennsylvania and former speaker,
was among the absent ones.
The Democrats to-day rallied around
new leader, Mr.. Williams of Missis-
sippi having been chosen to take the
place of Mr.. Richardson of Tennessee,
who retired from the leadership of the
minority.
call of the roll by states developing
a quorum, $50 having answered, the
clerk called for nominations for Speak
er. Mr.. Hepburn of Iowa, chairman of
the Republican caucus, formally nomi-
mated 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 Democratic
side. The roll was then called, result
ing in 1913 votes for Mr.. Cannon and 166
for Mr.. Williams. Mr.. Cannon was
then declared duly elected Speaker of
the House.
Mr.. williams of Mississippi, and Mr..
Grosvenor of Ohio were appointed a
committee to notify Mr.. Cannon of
his election, and to escort him to the
Speakers chair.
AS Mr.. Cannon entered the north
door with Mr.. Williams and Mr.. Gros-
venor the applause beginning with a
ripple, grew in its intensity as he APP
preached the Speakers desk. Mem
bers of both sides of the chamber
arose and joined in the ovation to the
newly elected Speaker. Mr.. Williams
introduced Mr.. Cannon, saying:
Gentlemen of the House of Repre-
sentatives, it is high honor to present
a speaker of the House of ReDresen-
tatives-the greatest parliamentary
body on the surface of the earth. 1t
is an especial honor to present this
House this particular Speaker.
Il think the majority have selected
their best type, and I am satisfied the
minority will be given a fun measure
of fairness and impartiality from him.
(Applause.)
II have the honor to present your
Speaker, the Hon. Joseph G. Cannon
of Illinois" Continued applause on
both sides of the chamber
Mr.. Cannon in brief response said:
Gentlemen, Members of the House:
II appreciate the honor you confer in
choosing me as the presiding ofticer
of the House. After twenty-eight
years service in the House, such an
expression of your confidence touches
me profoundly. l thank you. In the
performance of the duties of the office
bring to the service a sincere desire
to acquit myself with courtesy, eff
cheney and fairness.
"If 1 err it wifi be an error of the
head, not of the heart.
"rhe contests on the floor touching
policies that abound in partisanship
will be spirited and earnest. The ma
jority determines. I am quite sure
that in the consideration of the peo-
pies business, however sharp may be
our differences, we will not forget that
courtesy and demeanor which should
always obtain between manly oppon-
ents, who honestly differ.
I'm the performance of the duties of
Speaker, l bespeak the kindly Coop
Grafton of each member of the House."
Mr.. Bingham of Pennsylvania, upon
whom falls the titular honor of Faith
er Of the House." bestowed by reason
of his having seen the longest contin-
uous service, in accordance with the
custom, administered the oath to the
Speaker. The members were then
sworn in by Mr.. Cannon.
Following this resolution was adopt
ed, re-electing the old officers of the
House: Alexander Mcdowell clerk:
Henry Cason, sergeant-at-arms; Frank
B. Lyon, doorkeeper; ]. G. McElroy.
Continued on Fifth Page.