The Topeka state journal., 1905-12-04
House Called to Order at II
O'clock Sharp.
Sneaker Cannon Arrives Early
and Holds Reception.
GALLERIES ARE FILLED
Absence of Flowers on Desks Is
Noticeable.
Animated Discussions rake
Place in Cloak Rooms.
INTEREST is INTENSE.
Session Expected to Betnusually
EYentful.
INTEREST is INTENSE.
Railroad, Panama and Insurance
Questions Before Congress.

QUeSLlOilS D0AVAo W" . 0-
washington. Dec. 4.-The first ses-
.,o, IF the Fiftv-ninth congress con-
v5aned at 12 o'clock today. Vice Presl-
dent Fairbanks called the senate 10
order while the house was called 10
order by Clerk Mcdowell.
The sessions of the two bodies were
brief In the senate new members
we're sworn in and the routine incldehl
70 the arst day transacted after which
at-12.2O an adjournment was taken out
Of respect to the memory OF the 4sNIe
Senator Platt (Conn.)
In the house greater interest attach
ed to the proceedings because a com
plete organization was necessary rms
includes the election of a speaker and
other officers and the drawing Of seats
by the members of the house.
The first session of the Fifty-ninth
congress has been looked forward to as
one likely to be more than ordinarily
eventful. Pending matters of CONNER
cial and political interest have proved
intensely attractive during the long
recess. Columns of newspaper space
have been devoted daily for many
weeks to predictions of legislative bat
ties that may be fought by factions in
terested in the outcome of demands
for railroad rate legislation or legisla-
ton or any one of q dozen public ques-
tons OF equal Importance. The mat
ters to be urged upon the attention Of
congress include the questions of pro-
tecting the interests of policy holders
in insurance companies, statehood for
the remaining territories, Panama
canal construction. immigration and
the treatment of the Chinese under the
present exclusion law raising revenue
against a possible deficit, control OF
corporations engaged in interstate
business, corrupt use of money at cleo
tions. the Philippines, Santo Domingo
and other western republics. tariff
questions and commercial competition
with Germany, as Well as the usual di-
Nefslned subjects, which the various
executive departments annually pre-
sent to congress
Hotels Are Crowded.
Early IN the day the lobbfes of the
hotels were enivened by many visitors
preparing to attend the session and the
CtoWds on the streets were all directed
towards the big marble building On the
niii- Although admission to the CALLER
les was by card this did not preven+
hundreds of sight seers from vanfJari7or
thfough the corridors and inspecting the
committee rooms and other poiDfs fro-9
red. vas iiO1 Dal-
The visitors We're greeted with MANY
chahges both on the exterior and inter
lof The finger marks of time have
tnat nave elapsed since the nine months
tnat nave elapsed since the Fast session
ne stems and 1e Of
new, but the greatest surprise is caused
py the appearance of the interior of
the building. The rotunda and dome
nave been secured and FURNISHED until
4lotlllHs Is ieIt OF the stains of age that
nave peeh accommodating for so wears
Wnlle granite and marble stand ont
with boldness that almost rene. brfqht
new carpets nave been laid on the floors
of both chambers. The ceiling Uebting
arrangement for the senate also has
been enlarged.
No flags had hoated over the caDfto1
Tor nine months, save on national hoU-
DAYS, but early today they were raised
over the east and west entrances. AS
soon as the sessions were called to order
ilags were shown over the senate and
house wings of the buildings and were
lowered when adjournment was taken.
No Flowers on Desk.
Regular attendants at the opening ses-
slohs OF congress missed the usual
bouquets Of flowers with which friends
OF members have testified their adr9ira-
tlon and esteem. These offerings ere-
Quently had been made with such gen
eIoslCy that, piled high upon the desk
tney hid from view the statesmen re-
ceivlng them. A year ago, a resolution
was adopted prohibiting the bringing Of
mowers into the senate chamber ana the
rule has had the effect also of stopping
the sending Of such testimonials to the
house.
Both the Republican and Democratic
cloak room were places of animated dis
Casslofls Events of the recess were re
counted and prospective legislation dis
cussed. An index to the business OF
the session was the industry of mem
psfs IN introducing bills. AS many as
1U0 public bills had been placed In tbs
basket on the clerA' 9 desk before II
CLOCK. these measures of legislation
Afecting the general government.
Speaker Cannon arrived in his office
early and for an hour and a half be.
fore the session began he held an en-.
Ihustastlc reception in his Office ad5oin.
ing the hall Of the house. Members @.
both parties went to see and extend con
gratulations. Half hour before nool
there was not an empty seat in the gal
4ery and long lines had formed in thi
corridors.
Roll Can In House.
Exactly at noon Major AIexande
Mcdowell clerk of the house. caiIe
that body to oEders standing in hi