The Washington times., 1909-03-04
SENATE HOLDS LAST
MEETING OF SESSION
Remaining Business Cleared
Away in Time for
Inauguration.
OLD MEMBERS
MEET THE NEW
Galleries Crowded to Witness
Swearing in of the Next
Vice President.

The Senate chamber was the center
o. interest at the Capitol from early
morning because Of the certainty that
the Interesting and diEnifed ceremony
OF swearing In the Vice President would
take place there. It was not until 1l.15
o'clock that announcement was made
publicly, through the adoption or a
resolution offered by Senator Knox, di-
Tecting the change and ordering that
the complete Inauguration ceremonies
be held there instead OF on the inaug
ural stand at the east front of the
Capitol.
The adoption Of the resolution was
greeted with some applause by the for
tunate few who were occupying COM
Portable seats in the gallery But the
sensations of the multitude that had
gathered at the east front plaza and
among which the report had gained
currency that Mr.. Taft insisted upon
adhering to the original plans, were
utterly unspeakaolo and absolutely I'M
q for publication
The Senate met at 10 o'clock with its
business in excellent condition. A file
Of engrossed bills lay on Mr.. Fairbanks
desk awaiting the announcement that
he had signed them. The first business
the Canadian boundary treaty was rati-
fed.
Terms With Smith.
The amendment by Senator Smith of
Michigan to protect American rights in
the St. Mary's river was admitted TO
the text OF the treaty, and Senator
Smith thereupOn withdrew his objection
and permitted the ratification.
Behind beautiful fertilization Of law
books, the Senator was entrenched,
loaded TO the muzzle with talk. and
prepared to converse the treaty into fits
grave II necessary. Under the circUm-
stances II was necessary to make terms
with him, or let the treaty die.
The Senate and House have been I'M
able TO agree on the civil pension bill.
This was the last appropriation bill TO
be taken care Of The disagreement
concerns the House provision to abolish
the Seventeen pension paying agencies
scattered throughout the country and
20 provide that all pensions hereafter
be paid from Washington. In the end
the House finally receded. while the
Senate permitted the insertion OF a
provision that not more than one paying
agency should be maintained in one
State.
Chamber Fills Up.
The Senate chamber filled up rapidly
after the executive session. A large
number of extra seats had been placed
in order that both the House and
Senate might crowd their memberships
upon the floor.
The scene was the usual interesting
one Of Inauguration day. The Senator's
had crowded themselves over on enc
eide of the chamber, many Of them
serving as escorts to their Successors,
who were about TO be sworn IN. OF hers
were accompanied by the governors Of
their States Governor Hughes Of New
York talked for a time with Senator
Depew, and presently they were 5Cined
by Standardized Root.
Everybody in the chamber seemed 20
want 20 speak TO Governor Hughes and
Root. Senator Warner Of Missouri was
accompanied by former Governor Dock
Of Iowa. was with Senator CummiLs.
Senator-elect Hughes Of Colorado was
with Senator Guggenheim, who a few
minutes later was 10 become his col
league.
ShiveIy Biggest Man.
Eenator-elect Shively Of Indiana who
is something lightly less than seven
foot tall. conceded 10 be tho longest man
IN the Senate. and a promising candi-
date for the distinction or being the
most monumental In either branch Of
Congress. sat with Senator Beverage,
and held a reception.
One Of the interesting and pathetic
features Of the occasion was the picture
presented by Senator CuiIOm Of iii
nois, and Senator Teller Of Colorado,
who sat together IN the front row of
seats, manifestly exchanging remiuis-
Cences OF the many years OF service
during which they have sat together IN
the chamber.