The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-11-09
Assemblies in Extraordinary
Session at Noon Today.
CROWDS OF VISITORS
ThrOng the Corridors and RO.
tunda of the Capitol.
Day Devoted to Personal Greet.
ings and Organization.
Mr. Cannon Is Chosen Speaker
of the House.

Washington, Nov. 9.-The Fifty
eighth congress convened in extraordi-
nary session at noon today in accord
ance with the proclamation of President
Roosevelt for the purpose of enacting
legislation necessary to make effective
the Cuban reciprocity treaty. The day
was devoted simply to personal greet
tngs and organization. The house as
sembled 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 rooms
and in the Hobbies and corridors. The
day was crisp and bright and the capitol
building presented the appearance of a
new structure with its coat of white
paint and complete renovation within.
Crowds of eager spectators, both men
and women, thronged the corridors 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 for as
sembling arrived. Many high officials
of the government left their desks at
the departments to witness the opening
of the session and greet their legislative
friends; many strangers in Washington
had their first glimpse of congress, while
the capitol was the mecca of the Wash
ingtonian
Committee rooms, which had been in
the hands of the renovator during the
recess, were thrown open and many in
formal receptions were held by popu-
lar chairmen. With the speakershiI
question out of the way in the endorse
ment of Mr.. Cannon, there was nothing
to worry the legislative mind and the
day was given up to the sentiment OF
the occasion
Many handsome floral tributes tC
members were borne in unusual profu-
sion to the lobbies back of both tht
senate and house chambers to be placed
later on the desks of the members. The
new members of the house received
their initiation to doorkeepers anC
house employees, and many We're turned
back for identification because Of theil
slight hesitation on presenting them
selves for admission. Such incidents
contributed to the general lively anima
tion and good humor of the occasion.
The message of the president will
till Tuesday. President Roosevelt.
message is short-only about LOO
words-and it is confined wholly to
statement Of the need for Legislation
which shall make effective the Cubar
reciprocity treaty ratified by the sen.
ate of the last congress.
IN THE HOUSE
Washington, Nov. 9-The house O.
representatives, convened today at moor
in extraordinary session. Today's ses
sion was full of interest to the specta
tor, likewise to the new members. but Il
the veteran it was but a routine pro
ceeding. The fact that a speaker was tt
be elected and that this was the frs
session of a new congress added to tn,
interest that usually attaches to an op
ening day. Long before the hour o
noon when the gavel fell. the gallerie.
were filed. the ladies being largely il
the majority. Many more were disap
pointed holders of cards of admission
even being among this number.
Among the spectators were public of
hcers, diplomats and a great many ou
of town visitors
The floral display was never NOR
elaborate than today. The popula
members on both sides were remem
bered in lavish fashion
First of Importance among today
events was the election of Mr.. Cannon
as speaker, next was the swearing in O
the members and the drawing of seats
The Democrats today rallied around
new leader, Mr.. Williams (Miss). hay
ing been chosen to take the place O
Mr.. Richardson (Tenn.). who retire
from the leadership of the minority.