Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-12-04
IHE F|F|Y.N|N|H
CONGRESS MEETS
First Session of What Promises
to be a Notable Congress
Convened Today
BIC CROWDS AT THE OPENING
House and Senate Chambers Have
Heen Redecorated and Refurnished
in Preparation for the Session -
Speaker Cannon Holds Reception -
Many Bills Introduced.


Washington, Dec. 4.-The first ses-
sion Of the Fifty-ninth congress,
which convened at noon today, has
been looked forward to as likely to be
more than ordinarily eventful. Pend
Ing matters Of commercial and political
interests have proven intensely attrac-
tive during the lcng recess. The mat
ters to be urged upon congress include
the questions OF railroad rate legisla-
tion. protecting. interests OF policyhold-
ers In insurance companies, statehood
for remaining territories, Panama canal
construction, immigration and treat
ment Of Chinese under the present ex-
clusion law, raising Of revenue against
possible deficit. control of corporations
engaged In Interstate business, cor
rupt use OF money at elections, Philip
pines, Santo Domingo and other wes-
tern republics, tariff questions and
commercial competition with Germany,
as Well as the usual diversified subjects
which the various executive depart
ments annually present to be revised
by congress Early in the day lobbies
in the hotels were enlivened by many
visitors preparing to attend the ses-
sion and the crowds on the streets
were all directed toward the big mar
BILE building or, the hill. Although adj
mission to the garreries was by card,
this did not prevent hundreds of
sightseers from wandering thru the
corridors and inspecting the commit
tee rooms and other points from which
the general public is not barred. The
visitors were greeted with many
changes. both on the exterior. and in
terror The finger marks Of time had
been secured away in the nine months
that have elapsed since the last ses-
sion. The steps and walls of the out
side look new, but the greatest sur
prise is caused by the appearance Of
the interior of the building. The ro-
tunda and dome had been secured and
FURNISHED until nothing is left Of the
stains of age that have been accum-
ulating for fifty years. The white
granite and marble stand out with a
boldness that almost repels. Bright,
OF both chambers. The ceiling and
lighting arrangement of the senate
also had been enlivened. Regular at
tendants at the opening session of con-
gress missed the usual tributes Of flow
ers with which friends and members
have testified .heir admiration and es-
TEEN. These offerings frequently have
been made wi.h such generosity that.
piled high upon the desks, they hid
from view the statesmen receiving
them. A year ago q resolution was
! adopted prohibiting the bringing Of
flowers into the senate chamber and
the rule has had the effect also Of
stopping the sending Of such testimon-
tals to the house.
The House.
For an hour preceding the formal
opening Of the house there were scenes
OF increasing animation on the floor
and in the galleries. The legislative
veterans EXCHANGED cordial greetings
and the newly elected members made
acquaintance An index to the bus
tness of the session was the industry
of members in Introducing bills. Hum
dreds Of public bills had been placed
in the basket or. the clerks desk before
IL O'clock. These were measures Of
legislation affecting the general gov
ernment. Speaker Cannon held an
enthusiastic reception in his office ad-
joining the hall house. Members of
both political parties went to see him
and extend congratulations. Half an
hour before rtocn there was not an
empty seat III the galleries and long
lines had been formed in the corridors.
Exactly al: noon, Clerk Mcdowell
called the house to order.
Declaring the Louse "in order" he
announced prayer by Chaplain
Couden.
Roll call by the states, to show the
presence OF quorum, was at once be-
gun.
At the conclusion of roll call, the
clerk announcei 264 members present,
a quorum Of the F'ifty-ninth congress.
Speaker Cannon vas placed in nomina-
tion for speaker by Hepburn Qowa),
and the first applause of the session
followed. Williams (MississippD, was
nominated on behalf Of the minority by
Henry (Texas), provoking democratic
applause. Necter made the nominat-
ing speeches and roll call for speaker
was at once proceeded with.
Cannon received 243 votes, and
Williams 12S. Cannon was brought
into the hall and escorted to his chair
amidst round applause from both sides
and galleries After accepting the
position in a few appropriate words,
Cannon took the oath of office, which
was administered by Bingham penn
eylvania), father of the house. The
speaker then administered the oath to
all the members.
The Senate.
Washington, Zee. At was famil-
lar scene when Vice President Fair
banks called the senate to order. There
We're few changes in the membership.
Death had taken away Senators Bate,
of Tennessee and Platt Of Connecticut
There were mo changes among the sen
ate officials The public galleries were
well occupied as early as 10 o'clock
Uha reserved galleries were oRened ct