Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-06
HOUSE ORGANIZES FOR WARM
BATTLES OF 64TH CONGRESS-
Old Republican Leaders Back Again
After Enforced Vacation

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6-The House of
Representatives got under way for the
strenuous times of fight and furore that
will characterize the first session of the
Sixty-fourth Congress. A narrow nomi-
nal Democratic majority and an nggres-
sive. vigorous Republican minority that
participated I'm the organization of the
House showed clearly the possibilities for
legislative and political uphcavals in the
mass of disputed legislative business that
will come before the body.
a House membership of 229 Democrats,
l9I Republicans. 6 proEressives, So
cialst, ] Independent, with one vacant
scat, was presented on the roll before
South Trmble. Clerk of the House, when
he called the body to order for organiza-
tion. The Democratic majority had dwin-
died to a point where the detection of IL
members of the majority party would
throw control into the hands of the OPP
position. And on the Republican side
the experienced leaders who carried the
burden of Republican legislation through
lG wears of unbroken power in. the House,
were back in their places after the tenn
porary exile TINT kept them at home
after the 1912 campaign.
CLARK ESCORTED TO CHAIR.
Galleries and floor applauded as vet
Grams and recruits answered to their
names In the first formal rollcall by
States. \ futter of applause greeted
"CnCle Joe" and another welcomed Meyer
London. the only Socialist member of the
House. The call showed the presence of
quorum, and Clerk Trimble called for
nominations for Speaker. The usual for
malities were gone through. the long roll
call was completed and Champ Clark
again chosen AZ the Democratic Candi-
date for Speaker, was escorted to the
chair to thank the House for his re-clec-
~ l. =
the complimentary vote of the minority.
The Speaker was sworn in, Representa-
tive Talbot, of Maryland, the oldest
Democrat in the House, administering the
oath. Cheers from both sides of the
chamber greeted the Speaker as he again
began his duties as the presiding officer
of the body.
State by State the members of the
House were called forward. and as each
State delegation gathered In front of the
Speakers stand the oath of office was
administered, collectively. Meantime the
cloakrooms and corridors were crowded
with members renewing old acquaint-
nnces. making new ones and gossiping
about the prospects for legislation during
the session. hum of conversation swept
the crowded galleries and several times
the Speaker was forced to interrupt the
proceedings to restore order.
The session dragged along, constantly
disturbed by the hum of conversation,
which at times grew to n roar. The Dem
ocratic officials of the House, Clerk South
Trimblu. ScrEeant-at-Arms Robert Cor
don, Duorkeepcr Sinnott and Postmaster
General Dunbar We're reelected by reso-
luton. Chaplain Henry -. Couden, the
blind spiritual director of the House, was
reelected unanimously. The minority
employees were chosen by a resolution
proposed by the Republicans.
USUAL RULES ADOPTED.
Representative Henry, chairman of the
Rules Committee, presented the usual
rules resolution, making the rules of the
last Congress effective as the rules of
the new body. The resolution evoked
considerable discussion. but 1t went
through. with the Democratic strength
behind II. With the large attendance on
the floor and the galleries thronged TO
tho very stairs, Speaker Clark had diff
ficulty In keeping the House quiet enough
to transact business. hut he pounded the
sounding board. and threatened 10 have
the galleries cleared unless order was re-
stored.
After resolutions had been passed. ar
ranging to notify the Senate and the
President that the House was on hand
and organized for business. a motion fix
ing the hour of daily meeting for noon
was adopted. The routine business for
the opening session was thus concluded,
and the way was cleared for business
Majority Leader Kitchin notified the
House that President Wilson would be
ready TO deliver his address in person
tomorrow, and a concurrent resolution
arranging n joint session of the House
and Senate tomorrow to hear the Presi-
dent Immediately was passed.