Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-12-03
Negro Troops Subject oil
First Act by Sen
ate.
ALL DATA DEMANDED
Speaker Cannon Greeted by
Applause When GaveI
Falls.

Washington. Dec 3.-The fact that
congress met today for the short ses
sion had the effect early in the day OF
giving the capital the appearance OF
activity The first days session never
develops much interest to those used
to attending sessions of congress, but
no other day of the session seems to
possess greater charm for the average
citizen. Today was no exception to
the rule, as the corridors were filled
with visitors even before the senators
and members began 10 arrive. Most
of the attendants were from out of the
city. and there was the usual impOr-
tunity of members for tickets.
building Renovated.
Both visitors and members found the
great building in excellent shape to
receive them. 1t has been thoroughly
renovated both inside and out, during
recess, and it looked as clean and in
yiting as many of the newer buildings
All committee rooms have received 4
thorough overhauling and pictures
have been rejuvenated, and the two
chambers completely cleaned up.
Many Cordial Greetings.
Senators and members of the house
began arriving early in the day and
there were many cordial greetings in
the corridors and on the floors. EX-
periences of the late campaign were Il
fruitful source of remark. but although
many greetings were between republi-
cans and democrats, there was no evil
dence of any but the best of feeling.
Plenty to Talk About
The newcomers generally expressed
the opinion the short session would
witness little legislation beyond the
passage of appropriation bills, but if
anyone thinks we will not find some
thing TO talk about, ne has another
guess" said one of them, and there
was general acquiescence.
Probe Brownsville Matter.
Senator Foraker. it is understood,
has decided to offer in the senate early
this week a resolution of inquiry into
the dismissal of the army battalion of
the 25th United States infantry. col
Ored, as a result of the Shooting up"
of Brownsville. Texas, the night of
Aug. IS last. The senator's resolution
will request the president or the war
department to furnish the senate with
all the facts in the case, including es-
pecially evidence upon which the order
of dismissal was based.
To Permit of Clear Judgment.
The purpose of asking for data is to
of nIn ind a n
injustice has been done any of the
members of the disgraced organization
The question has been raised whether
the dismissal without honor does not
deprive them illegally of military
rights.
Clash Over Spelling, Too.
The question of spelling undoubtedly
will receive attention at the hands of
congress this week.
subcommittee of the house commit
tee on appropriations, which prepared
the legislative, executive and judicial
appropriation bill, will report that
measure to the full committee today
with the old form of spelling retained,
and it will be for the committee to de-
eide whether the simplified spelling
Slldli De uS0u. HGIc 10 pOSSlDilAlN
that the Congressional Record will con-
tain both styles of spelling.
Senate in Session.
There were 76 senators in their seats
when Vice President Fairbanks raped
the senate to order Chaplain Edward
Everett Hale pronounced the invoca-
ton. The roll was called following the
prayer, when Senator Dupont of Della
ware took the oath of Office. Hale and
Penrose were appointed as commit
tee to join a similar committee from
the house and notify the president that
congress was in session.
Penross There with Resolution.
Penrose introduced a resolution call
ing on the president for all information
regarding the dismissal of a battalion
of negro troops at Fort Reno, on ac-
count of the ARRAY at Brownsville, Tex.
On receipt of nominations from the
White house. the senate went into exc
cutive session and adjourned at 12:44.
Applause for Cannon.
When Speaker Cannon's gavel fell
calling the house to order he was
greeted with applause. Following