The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-03-05

three persons nj q time was crowded
today by the wives OF representatives
Of the various foreign embassies and
legations, all manifesting much eager
ness to witness what they evidently
considered an exceptional ceremony
Directly opposite that quarter numer-
Gus members of the newspaper fra
ternity occupied their usual places in
the Press Gallery. Every niche and
Granny was filled, but the careful pre-.
arrangement which limited the num-
Der OF tickets to the exact capacity Of
the hall prevented unseemly crowd
ing.
Entrance Of tue Guests.
The two big round-faced gold clocks
which front with solemn mien and in
stately service from the north and
south walls of the Senate Chamber
had measured the time up to 11:45
when the first of the special guests ar
rived. These were the members Of
the House of Representatives. They
had marched over in a body to tue
quarters Of the Senate through the
long corridor from their own nall at
the other end of the Capitol, headed by
their redoubtable leader. Speaker Can
non. and when the south doors of the
Senate Chamber swun open and AS
sistant Sergeant at-Arnls Layton an
nounced THE Speakers and the House
of Representatives, they walked
proudly To the seats assigned them on
the Democratic side of the Chamber
accepting as their due the honor done
them when, upon the stroke of the
gavel Of the President pro tenpore.
the Senate and its visitors rose as
one person 10 welcome them
The Speaker had scarcely taken his
seat at the side of the presiding officer
and Senator'S and guests had not more
than resumed their chairs, when the
doors again parted, and Alonzo IT.
Stewart, also Assistant Sergeaut-a
Arms, heralded in genuine feudal
style the approach Of the Diplomats
headed by Count Cassini. dean OF the
corps.
"'Fhe ambassadors and ministers
pIenipotentiary. he said in ringing
tones, and again, upon the fall of the
gavel, all came TO standing posture,
while Sergeant-at-Arms Ransdell es-
corted the foreign dignataries to their
places fronting the presiding officer.
The foreigners attracted much atten-
ton. and the brilliancy Of their dress
and the distinction of the gentlemen
themselves. we're the subjects of much
admjriug comment.
The ministers were sharply followed
by the Supreme Court, officially gown
ed in long monkish robes and with
Chief Justice Fuller. distinguished in
appearance leading the van. The judi
ciary was succeeded by Lieutenant
General Chafree. Chief of STAFF. and
his aid. The many was not repre-
scented, owing to Illness Of Admiral
Dewey.
The President Comes.
Gradually the hall was filled. ana
a..
animated until for tho last time IN
connection with the occasion, the
doors were opened to admit the Presi
dent and the President Theodore
Roosevelt
1.-THE President and his Cabinet, :"
proclaimed Sergeant -at-Arms Rams
dell. All were on their feet and all
eyes were turned upon him as. ac-
companicd by the Congressional Com
fetal household nc walked down the
center aisle of the Chamber in the
wake Of the conveying Sergeant-at-
Arms, who placed him in a big red
leather chair Immediately i'm front Of
the presiding officers desk, where,
himself an interested spectator, aud
still flanked by the committee on ar
engagements. he sat facing the other
spectators. He had gone directly to
his seat. looking scarcely TO the right
or to Tho left but evidently never
unmiudful OF tho splendid scene about
him. His manner was that Of a rpau
who appreciates responsibilities and
at the same time feels capable OF as
snming them -Self-couSciouS and self
reliant the object Of all observation
and alive TO all surroundings.
Senator Fairbanks had been escort>
ed BY tho committee on arrangements
to the platform on which sat President
Pro ycmpore Frye and Speaker Can
non, the former Of whom was on the
eve of performing tho last act Of his
present term in that office by admins
istering the oath which would make
Mr.. Fairbanks not only Vice-Prcsi-
dent. bet also the permanent presid-
ing officer of the Senate.
The Oath OF Office.
Rising in front of the slender but
towering form Of his successor, the
president pro tempore repeated to him
In the form of an official oath the few
impressive words which transformed
the Indiana leader from the position
OF a Senator to that Of Vice-Presideut
Of the United States. The ceremony
did not exceed two minutes, but Il
was conducted with such dignity ana
solemnlty as to make lasting inn.
preston on all present
The oath concluded the two lead
ing participants shook hands cordially,
and Mr.. FRYE spoke few hurried
positive thump Of the gavel. The
Maine Senator relinquished his posi-
ton as president pro tcmpore by ali.
sa1i