The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-03
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
Great Interest Is Manifested in the
 Opening Session of Congress.

Washington, December 2.--So far as the first session of the Sixtieth Congress is concerned the House of Representatives convened today amid similar scenes that have been witnessed in years gone by. The galleries were crowded with beauti- fully gowned women. who had come early In the expectation of witnessing some exciting scenes Their tickets had been provided weeks in advance. Those unfortunates who were unable to secure admission to the galleries were compelled to stand in long lines in the corridors. hoping for an opportunity to secure the much-coveted seats. The diplomatic gall lcry was made conspicuous by the pres ence of Senor Mayor des Planches, dean of the corps. in full state uniform: Am bassador James Bryce of Great Britain, in conventional dress, who attracted more than ordinary attention: Mrs. Nicholas Bongworth daughter of the President and wife of the member of the Cincinnati district. and the new Persian minister, in his Variegated uniform.
 Interesting Scenes.
 The scenes on the floor were interesting in the extreme. Such veterans as Sereno Payne, the floor leader; John Dslzell, w. r. Hepburn, James s. Sherman, and James A. Tawney, congregated in little groups to exchange greetings. Speaker Cannon held an informal reception in his private room, republicans and democrats without distinction calling to pay thetr respects. Among these were Representa- tive and Senator-elect John Sharp Wji- Hams of Mississippi. There was an ab- sence of any floral tributes on the floor. These hitherto have formed a spectacl- lar feature of the opening of Congress, but a rule of the House, adopted at the last Congress, forbids such tokens of re- membrance. While the veterans of ths House were perfectly at home. the 12l new members of the body evinced an acute interest fin everything that trans pired. They arrived early and at once set about making acqnaintances. The ab- sence of old war horses, such as Charles H. Grosvenor and Representative Bao- cock. who went down to defeat in tho last elections, was commented upon and their familiar figures were distinctly missed Representative Burton of Ohio. who was defeated for the mayoralty of Cleveland. was surrounded by a group of his admirers. Representative Samuel w. Smith of Michigan. who will succeed MT. Babcock ss chairman of the commit tee on the District of Columbia, and who is without doubt the smallest man. physi- cally. in the House was warmly con- graduated at having succeeded to one of the most important of the cthairmanships.
 Lottery for Seats.
 The biennial lottery for seats was con ducted after the usual fashion. As has been the custom for years, Representa- tive Bingham of Philadelphia. father of the House. was allowed to retain his old seat, which is directly in front of the Speakers desk. John Sharp Williams, the minority leader, was also given the privilege of choosing his seat on the dem ocratic side Both he and Speaker Can- non were given oyations when they made their appearance in the chamber, but the occupants of the galleries did not confine their applause to these two noted charac- ters, many others coming in for recognf- ton.
 Promptly at F o'clock Clerk McDowell entered the chamber. accompanied by the veteran assistant sergeant-at-arms. Col. F. S Pierce. bearing the mace. the enl- blem of order in legislative bodies. The hum of conversation on the floor and in the galleries, which had been incessant. suddenly ceased and Clerk McDowel de- clared the body duly in session. Chap lain Cruden immediately offered prayer. after which the roll was called. An iu- terested spectator who was given the privileges of the floor was Sir Cortenay Ebert. speaker of the Palace of West minister. who is the clerk to the speaker of parliament. He was present as the guest of Speaker Cannon and occupied k seat the right of the speakers chair. Tn, roll call occupied 20 minutes and showed s65 members present.
 Amid great applause oh the republican 
 lCoNTTNCUD ON PA0B Al --N