The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-12-03
CONGRESS- MEETS
Short Session Of Fifty ninth
Congress Is Inaugurated
With Customary Crowd of
Spectators on Hand.
WILL BE MUCH TALK
LittleLegisIatiOn of Consequence
Is Looked For
Beyond the Passage of the Ap-
preparation Bills.
SHIP SUBSIDY MEN.
Are Insistent for Some Action
on Their Measure.
The Japanese Exclusion Ques-
tlOn Coming to the Front.
Beyond the Passage OF the Ap-
preparation Bills.
SHIP SUBSIDY MEN
Are Insistent for Some Action
on Their Measure.
The Japanese Exclusion Ques-
tlOn Coming to the Front.

Washington, Dec 3-Victors and
vanquished foregathered in the hall Of
the house today to congratulate and
sympathize with one another over the
results Of the November ballot.
The crowds came early and when
the speakers gavel fell at u o'clock
the galleries We're jammed with gaily
dressed women who added much to
the picturesqueness of the scene. The
appearance of Speaker Cannon was
the signal for a hearty round of ap-
plause from both members and the
gallery which lasted until he brought
the gavel down convening the last
session of the Fffty-ninth congress.
Immediately following the prayer of
the chaplain the roll was called by
states.
Both visitors and members found the
great building in excellent shape to re-
ceive them Vast as Is the structure.
1t has been thoroughly renovated both
inside and outside during the recess and
II looked as clean and inviting as many
newer building. All of the commit
tee rooms have received a. thorough
oVerhauling; the pictures have been re-
JuVenated and the two chambers COM
pletely cleaned up.
Senators and members Of the house
began to arrive early in the day and
lnere were many cordial greetings in
the corridors and on the floors. The
experiences of the late campaign were
a fruitful source Of remark, but al
though many of the meetings We're be-
tween Republicans. and Democrats
there was ne evidence Of any but the
best feeling. The newcomers generally
expressed the opinion that the short
session would witness little legislation
beyond the passage of the appropria-
tion bills.
But if anyone thinks we will not find
something to talk about, he has an
other guess" said one of them, and
there was general acquiescence.
The house adjourned at 1858 p. m.
Foraker to Start Inquiry.
Senator Foraker, it is understood.
has decided to offer in the senate early
this week. a resolution of inquiry into
the dismissal from the army of bat
talon OF the Twenty-ffth infantry.
colored, as a result of the shooting up
of Brownsville, Texas on the night of
August g last The senator's resolu-
ton will require the president or the
war department to furnish the senate
with all the facts in the case including
especially the evidence upon which the
order of dismissal was based.
The purpose Of asking for the data
is to permit a clear judgment whether
an injustice has been done any of the
member of the disgraced Orga MIA
ton. The question has been raised
whether the dismissal without honor -
which the cOlored infantrymen suffer
ed. does not deprive them illegally of
military right such as pensions, ad-
mission to soldiers homes. etc
The question of spelling undoubtedly
will receive attention at the hands of
congress this week. The subcommittee
Of the house committee on appropria-
tions 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 decide whether the sim
@1-a
There is a possibility that the congress
sional record will contain both styles of
spelling. Representativ Charles Ian
dis, chairman Of the house committee
on printing in discussing the question,
said:
ssThe congressional record will con
tfnue to be printed as heretofore I
mean that the simplihed spelling rules
will not apply to the record OF course
in reprintfng the presidents message
in the record the simplified spelling
forms that appear in that document
A<vil be reproduced but otherwise the
record will continue to be the same old
fashioned fireside companion as of
yore."
The friends of the ship subsidy bin
are insfstent that that measure receive
considerati ton at this session. The bill
is still in committee in the house. but
its friends think they will be able tc
get it out in due season and have il
SPEAKER Cannon and many other
prominent members of the house arriv-
ed at the capitol lcnE before the opening
Of the house and engaged in a reunion
and informal discussion of probable is
sues which viii occupy their attention.
Japanese Question Discussed.
The japanese situation was discussed
quite generally by the members and
the opinion was expressed freely that
measures affecting the Japanese may
be introduced in the house at any time
Representative Needham. of Califor-
MIA was the first member OF the delega~
ton from that state to reach the capi-
toll Mr.. Needham is not from the San
Francisco district and consequently is
not in close touch with the situation in
that city arising from the exclusion of
sAe japanese from the public schools
attended oy white children. He said
however shat he believes the present
agitation viii gradually die out and the
situation viii quietly settle itself
Rspreseatatize Kann (Cal.) said he
does not think the California delega-
ton viii take immediate steps to
push any legislation affecting Japanese
He said that the California delegation
probably win hold a meeting within two
weeks for the discussion Of the ques-
lion and doubtless will act as a unit in
ease a decision is reached to urge the
passage of any special measure. Two
Japanese exclusion bills. ore by Repre-