The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-02-14
UniOnists Make Up in Noise
 For Small Numbers
LORDS RECEIVE MEMBERS
Lowther is Unanimously Elected Speaker of the House-klng Ed wards Speech Will be
 Made Next Monday.

London, February 13.-James William Lowther was unanimously elected speak CT of the house of commons today. In accordance with precedent there was no opposition. The house afterwards ad- journed until tomorrow, without trans acting any other business. The swearing in of members will occupy the rest of the week.
 The new house of commons met under conditions of unusual interest and evi- dence of this was seen in the wild rush for seats at midnight when the spectacle at the entrance of the houses of parlia- ment at Westminster resembled the entry to pit on the first night of play by a popular author. Nearly all of the mem- bers are entirely new to parliamentary life as a result of upheavel caused by the general elections, and the house of com mons police had difficult task in diff ferentitaing between members and out siders who attempted to take advantage of the occasion to view the proceed ings.
 Crowds Cheer on Outside.
 Outside the house great crowd show ed keen interest in the proceedings, criti- cising or cheering according to their poli- ical bias the better known members, while the arrival of the yeomen of the guard to make the historic search of the vaults for Guy Hawkes. with all the time-honored formalities, evoked un- bounded enthusiasm.
 The members dropped into the house of commons shortly before o'clock, the time for the opening, and when that hour arrived, the reception began by their re- spective adherents, the uninists trying to veil the noticeable paucity of their numbers by an extra display of enthusi- asm. A minute or two later the black rod entered and summoned the common CTS to the house of lords where the par liament was formally opened by royal commission. Only few peers were pres- ent.
 Commissioners Receive Commoners.
 Five royal commissioners wearing robes of scarlet and ermine, sat on q bench in front of the throne to receive the com moners. The lord chancellor then an nounced that as soon as the members of both houses ndu been SWoTil, lllS Alh5 would declare the cause of his calling of parliament together, adding that at the outset the gentlemen of the house of commons must appoint some proper per son. to be their speaker, and present him the following day for his majesty approval On the withdrawal of the com moners, the peers met to present their writs and subscribe to the oath, those recently succeeding to their titles being introduced in their robes. Meanwhile the commoners had proceeded to the election of a speaker The election of the speaker was attended by somewhat quaint cere- monial The clerk of the house, who is not permitted to speak, solmely rose and pointed his index finger at Sir Wilfred Lawson. The latter, who has been a member of the house longer than any one else, was evidently posted regarding what was expected of him, and address, ing the clerk Sir Wilfred moved in set phraseology the reelection of James Will liam Lowther.
 MT Lowther was chosen by unanimous vote and returned thanks in a graceful speech.
 The formal opening of parliament will take place February 19, when the King s speech will be delivered.