The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-04-04
SPECT ACULAR
WAS OPENING
OF CONGRESS
Great Demonstration in the
Lower House When Har-
mon and Bryan Met, Smiled
and Shook Hands.
CONTINUED From Page One)

tinuing several minutes, during which
recipients OF the demonstration stood
smiling and bowling recognition. De
spite the steady rain the house was
packed nearly to suffocation, the
bright gowns and gorgeous millinery
OF the women spectators helping to
dispel the last vestige of gloom. A
vast army of would-be spectators we're
disappointed. admission being strictly
by card. Swearing in of new members
was the only business attempted be-
sides the selection OF officers, which
was according TO the Democratic eau
Gus program Despite the remarkable
thinning of their ranks the Republi.
cans did not appear downcast while
"Unclc Joe" assumed his jauntiest air.
The floral display on desks of men,
bers was never surpassed.
Scene in the Senate.
Compared with the vociferous dem
onstrations in the house, the opening
session of the senate was calm and in
keeping with the traditional dignity
of the upper house. Next to the keen
interest of the administration of the
oath of Office feature which attracted
universal comment, was the appear
ance OF president pro TEN, Senator
Frye of Maine. now entering his thir-
ty-tirst year of service, walking down
the aisle accompanied by his col
league, Charles Johnson, the first
Democratic senator elected from
Maine in sixty-four years. Many
Democrats declared 1t sight worth
travelling miles to witness. Senator
Tillman, always a unique figure at
the openings, was absent because Of
serious Illness. Senator O'Gorman of
New York walked down the center
aisle on the arm OF the dignified Root
Kern of Indiana, with an expansive
cluster of Hoosier chin whiskers, fam
Gus as the running mate of Bryan, vic
torious now after many defeats. was
the object of special interest. Enjoy
ing the unique distinction Of being the
junior of Indiana's first pair of Demo
cratic senators since the days of Voor-
bees the Tall Sycamore of the Wa.
bash" and Dave Turpie. he also holds
the great honor of representing the
most doubtful state In the union.
Striking Features.
Among the striking features of the
new congress are the following: The
Democrats have majority in the
house; the Republicans have nomi-
nal majority In the senate. which
could be overcome by coalition of
progressives and Democrats. This is
the first Democratic congress in six
teen years. and the first extra session
Of Democratic congress ever assem-
bled by Republican president. The
strength of the old guard has been
broken in both houses and in the
house Champ Clark Of Missouri, sue
ceeds Joseph G. Cannon of Illinois as
speaker. The present extra session,
which Ia the first of the SiXty-second
congress, was called together in IA
proclamation issued by President Taft
on March last, to pass the Cana
dian reciprocity agreement. There
are 1877 new members in the house
and seven new members in the SEN
ate. This Is the first session of con-
press ever I'd contain SOcidlist. he
session, which will likely last until
fall will see, according to the Demo
cratic slate. action upon the following
matters: Tariff revision, amendment
Of the United States constitution to
provide for the popular election of I'm
tied States senator's, publicity of cam
paign contributions. reciprocity. reap
port!onment of the membership of the
house of representatives, and the adj