Evening star., 1903-11-09


self into cool, legislative assembly. Three
heavy raps on the clerks desk acted as
the talisman.
Prayer will be offered by the chaplain
announced the clerk.
AS Rev Mr.. CoGden raised his voice in
invocation there was complete silence. The
prayer was brief, and at its close the hum
of interrupted conver sation resumed,
but in a more srrbdued tone, The roll call
by state delegations developed a quorum
present, $50 having answered.
Purpose of the Session.
The extraordinary session OF Congress
which convened today was called by Presi-
dent Roosevelt for the purpose of enaeting
reciprocity legislation affecting the Island
of Cuba. This legislation failed during the
last Congress. but, it is believed. viii have
plain sailing this time.
The extra session viii probably continue
until the first Monday in December. when
the first regular session of the Eifty-e!giith
Congress will be convened
Scene in the House.
The picture presented by the House was
one repeated at the beginning of each
Congress. but ever new and interesting.
The changing tides among the Representa-
tives of tie people bring new men. new
brains and new ideas to Congress as each
fall denotes the beginning Of the national
legislative year. There were l29 new mem
bers Of the House present today. Their
smiling faces told the story Of their grati-
fication at having reached the goal Of their
present ambition. Their enjoyment at being
at last in the halls of Congress not
Concealed. They took a lively interest
in the prepara tiops for tie opening Of the
House and the exercises that followed,
which WIS not 50 apparent among :he older
members to whom The novelty of The cere-
mony had lost much of its keel edge.
Galleries Crowded Early.
The galleries which had begun to fill
up as early as O'Clock this morning were
crowded at the opening hour. Only those
holding cards from the members of the
House We're admitted. These taxed the
seating capacity, however, and thu obser-
walton sections of the chamber presented
their usual bright and varied appearance.
AS usual the ladies were in the majority
among the onlookeTs They redeemed the
reputation for tardness so often accredited
to their and were at the Capitol early,
so as not to miss a single incident of the
momentous occasion. They were clad in
their newest fail suits and miliners fnery.
The members galleries and the public
reservations were quickly filled, while later
the diplomatic and executive galleries had
their full complement.
Prominent Men on the Floor.
The interest of the galleries justt-
fed by the activity on the floor of the
House just prior to the hour of being called
to order. The prominent men of both par
ties easily distinguished by the
groups about them. On the republican
side was Representative Dick of Ohio who
was chairman of the republican state COM
mittee during the recent campaign in the
buckeye commonwealth when his party
achieved such notable victory. Mr.. Dicks
was being warmly congratulated on all
sides He is known as Senator Hannaa
right-hand man, and not only among the
delegation from his own state, but among
all the representatives of his party he
was a figure of unusual interest.
The always interesting and instructive
Mr.. Grosyenor, also of the buckeye state,
who is the prophet of his party, and, un-
like other prophets has an abundance OF
credit in his own home and councils. 80
busy shaking hands with his colleague and
friends. He was also the center of introiuc-
tons for most of the new members were
anxious to meet the gentleman from Ohio.
The third member of the Ohio delegation
who the cynosure of many eyes, was
Representative w. p. Hepburn, who was on
Saturday night called upon to preside at the
caucus of the republican members. Mr.,
Hepburn is of the partys leaders on
the floor.
Representative Crumpacker of Indiana,
who has such decided views in favor of re-
ducing the representation cf the southern
states in Congress on account OF alleged un-
constitutional disfranchisement of colored
voters was constantly in the midst of an
interesting group.
Representative Babcock OF Wisconsin,
chairman of the House committee on the
District of Columbia. did not reach the
chamber until just before the noon hour,
but his colleagues had time to bestow upon
him a hearty greeting and to congratulate
him upon the good shape into which he has
whipped his political affairs in his district.
A Crowd Around Mr.. Mcclellan.
On the democratic side of the House there
were many interesting figures Represen-
tative George B. Mcclellan Of New York
city, who on January 1 next win b ~