The Mena weekly star., 1909-01-14
THE LEGISLATURE
 IS ORGANIZED
The Thirty Seventh Session Makes Quick Work of the Election of Its Officers -Donaghey Will Be
 Inaugurated Thursday.

| lot today at noon in the senate resulted iu Jess NJ. Martin being chosen president; and one ballot in the house showed the election of F. Epps Brown as speaker. This quick work was the result of caucusing aud thousands of dollars were saved the state organization of both branches of the general assembly on the first day of the meeting.
 At noon the members of the senate and house filed into the dingy old halls of the state house, and listened to the roll call. The legislature of 1909 was then in session, with the representa- ton a more dignified appearing body than has graced the hall iu former years.
 X. Q. Pindall, as acting gover. nor, called the senate to order. After a prayer the roli was called and every member answered 10 bis name. After a few words, President Pro Tem X o. Pindali announced bllloting on the presi- dent ot ihe senate would be in order. Jess NJ. Martin of Pope county was nominated, and hay ing no opposition, received the full vote of the senate. George Trevathau was elected secretary without opposition.
 The house was in a deadlock yesterday and until noon today over the election of sergeant-a,- arms. On ihe fifteenth ballot, however, at noon today G. A. Henry of Franklin county re- ceived majority vote.
 In the house 1t was practically the same story. Few abseutees failed 10 reply to the call of the roll. Oscar H. Vim, as by pre- vious arrangement. made a rous- ing speech in which he nominat- ed l.. B. Leigh of Pulaski county, as temporary speaker. There was no opposition and when Rep- resentative Leigh took the chair he immediately took up the ques- tionof the election of speaker. C.P.New of Louoke. .ma ade tue presentation speech, offering the name of Epps Brown for speaker. The nominations were closed and and he became speaker by accia- nation. The election of a chief clerk IS to follow, and 1t is con- ceded James Higgins of Conway, will win in this easily over Ed Lucas of Ola, who served as chief clerk of the last house.
 By night the senate is expected to be fully organized, and the house is expected to name all the officers and appoiutees before tomorrow morning ends. The inauguration could then take place, but 1t has been agreed it would be best to postpone Ii till Thursday afternoon.
 Until late yesterday afternoon if seemed as though A. C. Martin, of Yell county, the lone candi- date opposing r. E. Brown, of Prairie county, for speaker, was to remain in the race to the eud, but a caucus was held in bis headquarters at 5 o'clock, and an hour later 1t had been voted 10 surrender ia faver of Epps Brown A committee promptly visited the headquarters ot Repre- sentative Brown and conveyed to him the sentiment of the caucus. A. c. Martin expressed coEgratu- latious for his vic torious rival.
 With no contest, save for the smaller offices. considerable of the attraction of other opening sessions of the legislature were removed, but every legislator praised the csucusiug plan, which was used in the organi- zation of both houses, which removed tho contests and saved the state so much time and ex- peuse. The old building was we'll crowded for the opening session. however, and will bc every day during the session of fhe leuislaftIre