The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-10
Cannon Elected Speaker and is Happily Received by Ma
 joriIy and Minority
DEMOCRATS NOMINATE
 WILLIAMS IF MISSISSIPPI
As Members Had Not Been Assigned to Seats the Flowers Had to Be Piled Up in the Lobbies.
 Many Women Present.

Washington, November 9.--The House of Representatives of the F'ifty-eighth Congress today held it's first session, and except for the naming of committees, which will follow later, organization was completed. Joseph G. Cannon of Ill- nois whose elevation to the speakership was assured months ago, was formally elected speaker, and inducted into of- fee.
 Mir Cannon received the applause of Democrats and Republicans alike when he took the gayel of authority, the dem onstration being most complimentary to the newly-elected speaker. He was at once at ease in the speakers chair, hay ing filled it so often temporarily during his many years of service in the house. The old officers were reelected.
 The rules of the fifty-seventh Congress were adopted for the ffty-eghth con- gross by an aye and nay vote, after brief discussion, during which the mi- nority sought to secure an increase in the Democratic representatives on the committee.
 Floral Display Elaborate.
 The floral display in the speakers lob by was never more elaborate than to- day. The popular members on both sides were remembered by friends. As the seats of members could not be determ- ined until after the drawing, the flow CTS were deposited in the lobby.
 The bright colors of smart gowns, the flowers and other scenes usual on first day, lent picturesqueness to the oc- casion Many familiar figures of the last congress were missed today. some retir- ing voluntarily others failing of re-elec- ton, and few going to the senate. At quarter to twelve the floor was cleared of all save those entitled to re- main Promptly at noon Clerk of the House Alex Mcdowell dropped the gavel, formally calling the house to order. Prayer by the chaplain followed.
 A call of the roll by states showed anorum, $50 having answered.
 The clerk called for nominations for speaker. MT. Hepburn, of Iowa, chair man of the Republican caucus, formally nominated Mr. Cannon.
 MT. Hay, of Virginia, chairman of the Democratic caucus. nominated MT. Will Hams. of Mississippi. No speeches were made in making the nominations.
 The clerk named MT Holiday, in- diana. MT. Scudder, New York, MT. Bow CTS, Mississippi, and MT. Porter Pehh- svlvania, as teers and the roll then was called.
 Names Greeted With Applause.
 Ff..a .Naf- ann was received with applause on the repub- lican side and the naming of MT. Nil- Hams as the minority candidate was likewise greeted on the democratic side Clerk Mcdowell announced the vote, showing MT. Cannon to have received lss votes and MT. Williams l66 MT. Cannon being declared elected as speaker of the house.
 MT Williams, Mississippi and MT. Grosvenor, Ohio were appointed com mittee to notify MT. Cannon of his elec- ton and to escort him to the speaker chair
 As MT. Cannon entered the north door with MT Williams and MT. Grosvenor, members of both sides of the chamber arose and joined in the ovation to the newly elected speaker. MT. Williams in troduced MT. Cannon, saying:
 s'Gentlemen of the house of represen- tatives: It is a high honor to present a sneaker of the house of representatives, the greatest parliamentary body the surface of the earth. It is an especial honor to present to this house this par ticuar speaker.
 T think the majority have selected their best type and I am satisfied the minority will be given a full measure of fairness and impartiality from him. (Ap- plause). 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
 Cannon Makes Brief Speech.
 "Gentlemen, members of the house: I appreciate the honor you confer in choos- ing me the presiding officer of the house After 2S years service in the house. such an expression of your con fidence touches me profoundly. thank you. In the performance of the duties of office l bring to the service a sim cere desire to acqut myself with court esy, efficiency and fairness.
 If I err. 1t will be error of the head, not of the heart
 ''rhe contests on the floor touching policies that abound in partsanship will be spirited and earnest. The majority determines. l am quite sure in the consid- eration of the peoples business, how ever sharp may be our differences, we will not forget that courtesy demeanor which should always obtain between