The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-04-04
Democratic Congress
Of the United States

I, 49, ~ " enc ldSt rouse, TO call
'ie members to order This he did
standing at his own desk in front of
and below the vacant chair provided
Tor the Speaker He called upon the
chaplain for prayer, the first prayer
OF a session which always Is printed
In the Congressional Record.
Mcdowell directed the reading of
president Tafts proclamation calling
the special session Then the roll was
called alphabetically by states to re-
cord the names of the members pres
ent. Word passed among the mem
bers that l27 substitute names for
those of members present at the ses-
sion that opened last December ap-
peared on the roll
Then came the great event of the
day, the election of the Speaker. OF
course, the result was not in doubt
but the realization that in few min
utes they wouiu see Champ Clark's
giant form passing up the marble
steps TO the Speakers station keyed
members and spectators to state of
excitment. Clark was modestly alb
sent during the operation but it was
proved later that he was not far away.
Mcdowell named Democrat and a
Republican as tellers and they took
their places at the clerks desk. Each
member, as his name was called, an
nounced the name of his choice for
/ speaker. The Democrats piled W
their majority for Clark and roar o1
! approval rumbled through the lone
corridors of the Capitol.
A committee was appointed to noti
| fly the Missouri leader of the honor
given him The Committee accom-
/ plished the task in few minutes AMI
/ when they returned the new speake
smiling happy. was greeted with an
other burst of applause.
Clark made a speech expressing hi
+. deep appreciation Of the honor and hi
realization of the responsibility de
volying upon him He took the oat
I of office and proceeded in turn to ao
4 minister it to the members. The
were called in groups to the clea
A space between the seats and tn
4 clerks desk and with upraised hand
subscribed tc the oath as pronounce
by the Speaker.
7 There followed the election of th
, clerk, ergeant-at-arms, the doc
keeper and postmaster of the House.
The clerk was ordered to notify tn
: President and the Senate that th
, House had completed its organizatio
: A committee was appointed to az
3 with committee of Senators to i,
7 form the President that Congress We
ready to receive any communicate
$ he might be pleased to make.
5 a resolution adopting IL o'clock {
the time for daily meeting was ador
'. ed.
|, A report was submitted by chal
e man Henry (Dem., Tex.), of the col
mittee on rules.
# Proceedings differed somewhat
e the Senate, it being continuing BOD
y That is. one-third of the members T
o tire or are elected every two veal
r but two-thirds of the membership a
s. full-fledged with authority and qua
d fed for business at the beginning
II new Congress.
& With Aldrich, Hale, kear, SEQ
e Burrows, Carter and others Oh I
Standpat leaders missing the after
1t ance on the floor presented an aime
" startling scene to those familiar WI
n the Senate of recent years. Inc
u was no Aldrich to direct the proce'
is ings Progressives, with their incre'
n ed numbers and prestige, showed
st serene and contented mood.
lie Vice President Sherman, rudy W
tbe glow of health, well-groomed,
TO usual. and also with a flaring carr
in lion on the lapel Of his coat as us'
at stepped into the chamber at
O. minute to twelve as sedately
IN though there had been no brake
st the session. He announced PRAYER
as III. chaplain and when that was o.
ge the clerk was directed TO reau
presidents proclamation Gaining
,e- extraordinary session
an The roll was called. reasons
or tho absence of number of memo
g" we're given by their colleagues
or Reelected senators and the new
he cruits were lined up in front OF
he seats and facing the vice preside
he He administered the oath prescfi'
by law. a,.oo+
ho Resolutions were adopted direct
IT'S the secretary to notify the mousse
ed The senate was ready for business
* for the appointment of a comm.
IN, TO ioin the house committee III v
oil. ing the white house to INFORM
he president that congress was READY
US hear from him.
i'd The time-honored resolution pro
Id ing that the senate should NEE, q
ay at noon was adopted without uls'
nd sion or dissent !,
ire The galleries, particularly 'ne ID
:. =