The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-12-06
GATH CONGRESS BEGAN
ITS SESSION TODAY
Problems of Chief Import
ance Are Those Arising
from the European War
President Wilson Will De-
liver His Message To-mor-
row in Joint Session

Washington, d. C., Dec 6.--Congress
is in session again after a nine months
recess. Both houses reassembled to-day,
marking the beginning of the oath Com
gress.
Much important business faces the
members. Since the gavels last fell in
the two houses, many momentous ques-
tions have arisen. 0yershadowing all
Others are those caused by the European
war, but they do not compose the entire
program. In addition to the questions
of national defense and revenues, which
fell naturally under the general head of
preparedness, the merchant marine and
rural credits legislation promise to COM
mand much attention. Many investiga-
tions, centering mainly about war prob
lens, are to be inaugurated.
The first business before the House to-
day was the election of a speaker. South
Trimble, the clerk, called the body TO or
der. Members then proceeded to the cleo
tion of the speaker The Democratic ma
jority made the reelection of Champ
Clark of Missouri foregone conclusion.
Representative Mann OF Illinois, the Re-
publican candidate for speaker, was the
choice OF the Republicans for their lead
er.
Two hundred and twenty-nine Demo-
Gratis, l97 Republicans. six Progressiyes,
one Socialist, and one independent COM
pose the new House. The dozen or more
Republicans OF the "old guard" who went
down in defeat three years ago only TO
be returned TO the lower house over
Democratic opponents last fall, formed.
an interesting group. Joseph G.. Cannon,
former speaker of the House, and now
well on toward so years Of age, stood
out prominently. II he finishes his pres
ent term he will have served 40 years
IN Congress, eight years as speaker. /
Other Republicans who remained al home 1
during the last Congress 20 reappear 10.
day were Nicholas Longworth OF Ohio,
William b. Mckinley, W. A. Rodenberg
William w. Wilson. George 4. Foss. John
A. Sterling and Charles r.. Fuller Of H.
inois. Ebenezcr Hill of Connecticut, Cy-
rus y. Sulloway Of New Hampshire and
Benjamin X. Foche Of Pennsylvania.
Meyer London. the first Socialist elected
20 Congress from New York, attracted
much attention.
Senate proceedings always are quieter
han those in the House. As striking A.
he return Of old faces TO the House was
he absence Of familiar countenanccs in L
he senate.
Senators Root Of New York. Burton OF /
Dhio. Bristow Of Kansas. Crawford Of ,
'outh Dakota, Perkins Of California and .
'tephcnsn Of Wisconsin were missing I
rom the Republican side. Democratic I
anks missed Thornton Of Louisiana. I
White OF Alabama and Camden - Ken :
ucky. The fret business was swearing !
h the new senators. Most Of them al !
eady are well known in political circles !
Among the Republicans came James 4
w. Nadsworth of New York successor r
D Root who attracted attention as the +
outhful speaker Of the New York as I
emblys Charles Curtis Of Kansas. who Z
lcceeds Bristow. and Warren q. Harding
] Ohio. who succeeds Burton. Ia
Oscar ". Underwood Of Alabama. for io
icr majority leader Of the House. led the e
~ Democrats. Other Democrats whoi
,ok the oath we're James %. Phelan Of 4
alif0ruia. y. a. w. Beckham of Ken a
icky. Robert ?. Braussard of Louisiana. =
OWN 5. johnson of south Dakota aud =
aul q. Husting 81 Wisconsin. The Scn.
.e now stands Democrats 30 and Re 4
lbiienms A. I'd
To morow shortly after uoon the +
o1se and senate win - IN joint ses- 4
on in tire ball ~ the HOUSE b hear ..
resiieut Wilson deliver Die annual 3D.
-ess.