The Prescott daily news., 1911-04-05
GREAT THRONG PRESENT TO WITNESS OPENING OF EXTRA
 SESSION OF CONGRESS.
ORGANIZATION COMPLETE
New Speaker Declares Democrats Will Fulfill Promises Made to People of Nation-Mann Is Minor
 ity Leader.

Washington, April 5.-"We are this day put on trial" said Champ Clark of Missouri, shortly after the opening of congress, as he ascended the ros- trum in the house of representatives to begin his term of speaker, being the first Democrat to preside over the house since 1895.
 To the members of the house as- sembled for the extraordinary session of the SiXty-second congress, and, par ticularly to his Democratic colleagues, Clark said there could be no doubt that the Democrats would be equal to the emergency in which they found themselves, and he declared the way to accomplish that was to fulfill the promises made to the people before the election.
 Points Out Promise to Revise Tariff.
 He pointed out that chief among these promises were honestly to re- wise the tariff downward Ito give every American an equal chance and to reduce the cost of living" to pass a resolution providing for the popu- lar election of United States senators; to change the rules of the house and to otbain economy in public expense.
 Clark was formally chosen speaker by vote of PIT out of 365 votes cast Sixteen Republican progressives voted for Henry A. Cooper of Wisconsin, one of EOIlafto'c fnllomprc Coonar voted for George w. Norris of Ne braska for the speakership. Mann of Illinois received 131 votes
 Thousands of persons were disap- pointed in being refused admission even to the corridor leading to the galleries, when the capitol was opened. Only those fortunate enough to have cards from members were admitted. Each congressman was allowed two.
 Called to Order by Clerk.
 As a new house is without form and void, it devolved upon Col Alex Me Dowell. clerk of the last house, to call the members to order. This he did, standing at his own desk, in front of and below the vacant chair provid- ed for the speaker He called upon the chaplain for prayer.
 Mcdowell directed the reading of President Taft's proclamation calling the special session. Then the roll was called alphabetically by states to re- cord the names of the members pres Df the day-the elction of the speaker. Of course, the result was not in doubt, but the realization that in few min utes they would see Champ Clark s giant form passing up the marble steps to the speakers station keyed members and spectators to state of excitement.
 Clark Greeted With Applause. A committee was appointed to no tify the Missouri leader of the honor given him The committee accom- plished the task in few minutes, and when they returned, the new speaker, smiling, was greeted with another burst of applause.
 Clark made a speech expressing his deep appreciation of the honor and his realization of the responsibility de- volving upon him. He took the oath of office and proceeded in turn to ad- l minister it to the members. Then fol lowed the election of the clerk, ser geant-at-arms, the doorkeeper and postmaster of the house.
 The clerk was ordered to notify the president and the senate that the house had completed its organization.