The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-06-02
SCENE IN THE HOUSE
LETTER FROM ADAMS READ TO As-
 SOCRATES.
In Response To His Request No Com gressi0nal Committee Will Accom-
 pany the Body to Philadelphia. House Affected.

Washington, June IA black draped desk in the hal of the House of Rep resentatives. covered with June flow CTS. smilax and ferns, brought shock to almost every member when the House convened today
 It told with a pathos all its own the story of the passing of Robert Adams Jr.. late Congressman from the second Pennsylvania District. from the scenes of a busy, active life.
 Not in years has there come to the membership of the House such sudden gloom as came with the going out of Mir. Adams. But yesterday. having charge of the diplomatic and consular bill. he showed energy and activity, getting the bill through the House with less friction than usual, but few amend ments being made to the measure When the House convened there was an especially large membership pres ent. and when the chaplain referred to the death of the late Congressman, members were visibly affected.
 Immediately after the approval of the journal, MT. Morrell. (Pa.) arose and amid a profound hush, said:
 MT. Speaker: It Is with the deepest feelings of pain and sorrow that have to announce to the public the sudden death this morning of an old friend. the death of one of our members. one of my colleagues from Philadelphia. gentleman who personally was with us yesterday and whose conduct of the bill of which he had charge brought 1t to a successful passage in the late hours of the afternoon; gentleman whose characteristics were such as to be admired and emulated.
 MT. Speaker, 1t is my sad duty to announce to the House the sudden death In the early hours of the morn ing of Robert Adams. Jr.. represen- tstive from the State of Pennsylvania"
 Then came scene that has never had It's parallel in the historic chamber of the nations law making body The speaker rose and asked that the House irdulge him while he read letter from the dead. letter received while the life of Robert Adams was passing away A silence fell on the House that but yesterday was surcharged with anil nation. He then read the letter.
 Following the reading of the letter MT Morrell presented a resolution di- recting the sergean t-et-arms to make the necessary arrangements for the fu- neral, the exepnses to be paid out of the contingent fund of the House, and then as a further mark of respect the House adjourn.
 Tn view of the request contained In the letter written the speaker by MT. Adams, no Congressional committee viil accompany his body to Philadel- phia An official of the House will go however, and 1t Is understood that Informally several members will also act as an escort
 The body has been placed In the hands of an undertaken under orders from the office of the sergeant-at-a arms of the House and prepared for burial. It will not be taken to Philadelphia until tomorrow.
 Tn the absence of Chairman Hut or Illinois. MT. Adams had been actins ..naIrman of the House Committee on Forieen Affairs during the greater part of the present session. He took this position by reason of being the ranking Republican member or the committee.