Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-03
OPENING THE
SECOND SESSION
Short Sessions Held by Both
Houses of Congress.
REUNION OF MEMBERS
Committees to Notify the President
Appointed.
NO BUSINESS TRANSACTED
Resolutions Of Inquiry Regarding the
Dismissal of Colored Sol
diers introduced.

The fact that both Houses Of Congress:
were to meet today for the short session
had the effect early in the day Of giving
the Capitol an appearance Of activity such
as 1t has not presented since adjournment
last June. The first day of a session never
develops much Of interest to those used tC
attending the sessions Of Congress, but nc
other day Of session seems to possess
greater charm for the average citizen. To-
day was evidently not to be an exception
to the rule, as the corridors were not with
out visitors even before senator's and repre-
sentatives had begun to arrive, and there
was a marked increase as the day ad.
vanced Most Of the attendants were from
out of the city, and there was the usual
Importantly of members for tickets These
were. as usual, freely given and for the
time at least both congressman and con-
stituent were happy.
Both visitors and members found the
great building in excellent shape to receive
them. Vast as is the structure. it has
been thoroughly renovated both inside and
out, during the recess. and 1t looked as
clean and inviting many newer build
ings All of the committee rooms have
received thorough overhauling the pic
lures have been rejuvenated and the two
chambers completely cleaned up.
Early Arrivals.
Senators and representatives began to
arrive early in the day. and there were
many cordial greetings in the corridors
and on the floors. The experience of the
late campaign were a fruitful source of
remark. but although many of the meet
fngs were between republicans and demo-
Gratis, there was no evidence of any but the
best feeling. The new corners generally
expressed the opinion that the short SEES
sion would witness little legislation beyond
the passage of appropriation bills. but
II any one thinks will not find some
thing to talk about, he has another guess -
said one of them, and there was general
acQuiescence.
No effort was made to transact business
even In the committee rooms. The day
was given over absolutely to receptions and
the formal business of opening the session
sion.
Senator Allison Missed.
Practically all of the veterans of the
Senate were on hand, most of them look
Ing hale and hearty. as If their summers
rest. followed by a busy campaign. had
agreed with them. One of the familiar
faces most missed was that OF Senator
Allison. He has arranged to remain at his
home at Dubuque, Iowa, until after the
holiday recess. leaving the work of or.
BdlllLdtloII LUZ the younger members. InlS
is the first session in many years that he
has not been present to take a hand in
the organization. His friends were de-
lighted to learn that he had recovered from
his Illness of the last session and will be
b. here TO take charge of his important work
at the head OF the appropriations commit
tee and chairman of the republican steer
ing committee just as soon there is need
for his presence. Senator Pettus the old
member who
close of the last session, was one Of the
first TO arrive at the Capitol. He sticks
TO his pet phrase of telling his colleagues
how young he is when reference is made
to his advanced years.
Vice President Fairbanks fairy beamed
upon the two or three score of senators who
sought him out In his room before the Sem
ate opened. Senators Foraker Aldrich.
Hale, Frye. Burrows, Lodge and other lead
ers on the republican side were in their
committee rooms early. Both of the New
York senators, Platt and DepeW arrived
two days ago to be present at the opening
session. Most of the prominent democrats
were In attendance one exception being
Senator Bailey. who left Washington a few
days ago for his home in Texas
Three raps with the traditional little
ivory gaVel in the hand OF Vice President
Fairbanks brought sudden stiffness owe,
the thronged galleries surrounding the Sen.
ate champer and ushered In the first min
ute oe the Senate's last session of the Fifty.
ninth Congress at noon today
The scene in the chamber had been one
of increasing animation during the proceed
ing hour and a half. Before 10 O'Clock the
galleries began to fill and occasionally q
sena tor would stroll into the chamber which
bore none of the usual signs of the begin.
ming OF the session. AS the hour of moor
approached the floor of the chamber begar
70 be the gathering place of senator's Sen
ator Tellor of Colorado was the first tc
take his seat full half-hour before the
Gavel fell The venerable Senator Plat
of New York came In leaning heavily or
the arm OF an attendant. Senator DAME
OF Virginia came next. then Senator Benson
OF Kansas. Senator Depew of New Yorl
took his place early in the row with hi:
colleague.
For fifteen minutes before noon there was
general reception on the floor. with greet
fngS and congratulations Then the signal
for the session was given the senators. sew.
enty-SiN OF whom were in their places
rose TO their feet aud the venerable chan
lain. Edward Everett Hale, pronounced the
snvocl ton.
Only a Short Session.
The roll was called following the prayer
when Senator Dupont OF Delaware took
the oath of office. being presented at the
bar of the Senate by his colleague, Sena.
tor Alice.
On motion oc Senator Hale of Maine
which was agreed TO. the Vice Presiden,
appointed Mr.. Hale and Mr.. Pettus as 9
committee to Join a similar committee from
the House TO notify the President that Con.
gress was in session and ready to pro.
coed % business.
On motion of Mr.. Aldrich Or. - IL O'CLOCK
noon was fixed as the daily hour OF meet
ing Senator Cullom secured the adoption
OF a resolution instruct!ng the clerk oil
the Senate to inform the House that It haG
O quorum present and was in session.
After the introduction of the resolutions
regarding the discharged negro troops, Sen.
stor Hale announced that thu President
would have a message before The Senate
In q few minutes relating to nominations