The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-05
Waves Of Applause Sweep Floor
Of House as He Delivers
Farewell Address,
DEMOCRATS CALL FOR AYES
AND THANKS RESOLUTION
Joseph Cannon, the Next Speaker, Is
Given an ovation as He Picks Up
the caveI-Remarkable and
Inspiring Scene.

the Gavel--Remarkable and
Inspiring Scene.
washington, March 4.-The Fifty-sev-
enth congress expired at noon today by
Limitation. In many respects the clos
ing scenes were similar to those at the
end of every congress. Every four years,
however, there is an inauguration which
materially changes the proceedings In the
senate, but the expiration of a congress
in the house is very much the same each
time. But there has not been In many
years such a demonstration in the house
as occurred today, owing to the fact that
Speaker Henderson was retiring, not
only as presiding officer, but from the
house as member. The bitter partisan
feeling that has sprung up in the
house of representatives during the past
week, reached a pitch which prevented
the speaker from receiving the unanimous
approval of the house when the usual
resolution of thanks and courtesy was
offered. The speaker, however, delivered
a beautiful farewell address.
The resolution If thanks had to come
from the republican side, and while this
has occurred before. it is not the usual
custom.
The usual resolution of thanks to Pres
ident Pro-Tempore Frye was unanimously
adopted in the senate.
Bill Talked to Death.
Two years ago when the Fifty-sixth
congress expired 1t was remarkable not
only for the second Inauguration of
William Mckinley but also for the fact
that Senator Carter of Montana talked
the river and harbor bill to death, which
occupied the time of the senate up to
within a few minutes Of the end. Today
Senator Masons term, which expired at
noon, also talked an unimportant bill TO
death, but In his valedictory he lectured
the senate for its unlimited debate, which
allows bills IS be killed in that manner,
and he also made a final plea for the 1ree-
dom of the Filipinos.
AS all the important supply bills had
passed before the two houses TOOK re-
cess this morning, no Legislation was
necessary and none was attempted me
bills which had passed and reached the
stage of enrolment were all signed by
President Roosevelt, who, with members
of the cabinet, occupied the President
room in the senate wing of the capitol,
This biennial visit Of the President to
the capitol is one of the features of
closing congress.
Notable today In the house was the
speech of the retiring speaker, Colonel
Henderson, to the resolution of thanks IN
troduced by Mr.. Payne.
Speech BY Henderson.
The speech was followed by remark
able demonstration, the galleries follow
ing the members In paying tribute to the
distinguished Iowan.
Speaker Henderson said
Gentlemen of the House of Representa-
tives:
IAN age spent under this dome must
give opportunity for forming many and
strong ties. Constituted as ! have been
from childhood, friendship is an essential
element of my lfe's food. (Applause.)
And whether on the floor or in the chair
have found bountiful supply in this
hall. (Applause) l have seen beautiful
and instructive things on this floor, sharp,
able, feeling debate, and debate, gentle
men, Is the foundation and sustaining
power of American liberty. (Applause.)
But | have seen another beautiful thing.
have seen both sides of this chamber, as
one man, put 5000 900 into the hands of
the chief magistrate and say lead on
without a dissenting voice. CApplause.)
/ say that from that hour l have believed
that there is no future mCments when
disintegration will come to this reo' blic
rAn@o And when l saw
"A every state in the union tC u
i4s elbow to elbow and rushing into the
a..iro - fharn xuaa nj m.
firmation of that belief (Applause.)
No Fears for Future.
II have no fears for the future of my
country. Let no one be disturbed by the
battles on this floor. AS said, they are
guarantees of freedom and l approve
them. At times there may be scars left
but they are not scars that leave a per-
manent cripple; they are scars that leave
the soul and manhood without danger
Gus wound. For one, go where may from
this hall, l shall carry with me in my
heart an affectionate recollection of the
friends l have met here. and l do not
know of one enemy (Applause) When
ever | meet any member of this body in
the future l shall feel that l meet
legislative comrade. and / know that he
will meet friend. (Applause.)
II am not going to give counsel to this
body further than to say that there is
nothing more precious than this govern
ment for us to fight for. Preserve that
IL you love your life. 1t is more valuable
than anything that can be named. Go on
with the rough and tumble battles of leg
islation, but keep your eye on that flag
which God asks you to die for. (Applause)
when l took this chair / asked the
support Of this house to aid me in per-
forming the duties Of this high office
which you conferred upon me. That gavel
In my hand has never been defied by
either side of this chamber. 1t is a pleas
ure to say that. 1t always has secured
obedience and recognition when order was
demanded. Knowing how excited we are
at times, that is a pleasant recollection
to me.
Now, gentlemen, II / know my feel
ings towards this body of men, I know
that shall carry with me through life
the image of this hour, with it's generous
approval and treatment of me this morn
irg. l shall carry every one of your
faces in my memory and / shall never
cease to feel en- interest In this great
body which stands so near to the happi-
ress of my countrymen. And now I bid
you goodbye prolonged applause,
every member rising in HIS place,
Letter From Roosevelt.