Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-04-07
CONGRESS SITS;
TARIFF REVISION
FIRST TAKEN Up
President Wilson, Breaking 100
Year Precedent, Will Speak on
Floor of House.

WASHINGTON. April THE Six
ty-third Congress was called to order
in both Houses promptly at noon to-
day.
Practically the entire membership
was on hand, and no time was lost in
either branch getting right down to
business.
The one circumstance of the DAY
that gave extraordinary interest to
the occasion was the authoritative
announcement from the White House
that President Wilson had determined
to appear in person before Congress
tomorrow and deliver his first mes
sage of advice and suggestion.
In taking this step, the President
will upset tradition and precedent for
more than 100 years. but will not per-
form an unheard of act by any means,
nor will he violate anything whatever,
either of the spirit or letter of the
constitutional prerogatives OF the
Presidency.
Senate Awaits Tariff Bill.
The President is said to have reach
ed the conclusion that by delivering
his first message in person he thereby
VIII demonstrate to Congress his sin
cere desire and inclination to get in
close and personal touch with it, both
as executive and friend
The Senate, already organized. held
only brief and uneventful session
to-day. Until the House has framed
and passed the new tariff bill the SEN
ate will do little more than go through
the occasional motions of meeting and
adjourning.
Under the Constitution, the tarlff
bill, being revenue measure. must
originate in the House. The Senate.
however, eventually may amend it out
Of existence. If it so inclines. As
matter of fact. the real fight on the
tariff is expected to come in the SEN
ate
The House was called to order by
Clerk South Trimble. Speaker Clark
promptly was e-elected TO his Office
receiving the entire vote Of the House
Democracy.
The Republicans named James r
Mann, of Illinois, and the Progressives
named Victor Murdoch. Of Kansas. for
Speaker Clark received 271 votes
Mann Ill and Murdoch IS. Repre-
sentative Cooper. of Wisconsin, got
votes. and Nelson, also of Wisconsin.
received /.
Dunbar, Of Georgia, Gets Place,
South Trimble was reelected clerk
Of the House. Robert Gordon. OF Ohio.
was named doorkeeper and William
n. Dunbar OF Georgia, was named
postmaster.
The converting OF Congress to-day
was suspicious in Democratic his
tory. 1t marked the first time in
nearly a score Of years that Demo-
Gratis have succeeded to complete con-
troll Of the Senate. the House Of Rep
resentatives and the Presidency.
Long before the hour set for throw
ing open the doors Of the House and
Senate galleries the Capitol was be-
sieged by sightseers, seeking admit
tance.
Among them were hundreds Of
prettily gowned women-the wives of
Senators and Representatives with
fair sprinkling of suffragists. These
rubbed shoulders with hunters
from all parts of the United States
close friends OF the legislators and
just plain citizens. who later Joined
their voices with those Of the law
makers in cheering the heroes Of par
liamentary debate, Irrespective Of DO
litical creed.
Carolinian Desturbs Senate.
The Senate at 1917 recessed until
? o'clock following the reading Of the
Presidents proclamation, calling the
extraordinary session.
After the recess a young man in the
gallery about 80 years old. holding
what appeared to be a Bible in his
hand, sought to address the chamber.
He called several times, Mr. Chair
man, Mr.. Chairman" and then was
hustled out.
He gave his name as George r.
Clemmer, Of Monroe. ". c. He said
he had a message to deliver from
Jesus Christ.