Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-08
READING Of MESSAGE
DELAYED BY OVATION
TO Chief EXECUTIVE
Many Republicans Join DEM
OCrats in Demonstration
When President Enters
House of Representatives


WASHINGTON, Dec. 5.-When Presi-
dent Wilson appeared before congress 1t
/ o'clock this afternoon TO deliver his
annual address, the Democrats and
many Republicans united in a great
demonstration to feliodtate the president
upon his reelection.
William jennings Bryan and most of
the cabinet, occupying reserved places
on the floor. led IN the demonstration
which was prolonged and noisy In the
galleries Mrs. Wilson and women of the
cabinet joined i'm the hand-clapping. In,
the diplomatic galleries representatives
OF many OF the embassies and legations
were interested spectators.
Galleries were packed when the presi-
dent. escorted by the usual committee,
walked briskly into the chamber and
took his place at the clerks desk. manu-
script in hand. He was forced to wait
while the demonstration went on. Every
body rose while the Democrats and some
OF the Republicans Joined in cheers and
applause.
Wave after wave of shouts swept the
chamber until Speaker Clark pounded
for order. The president smiled and
bowed and as the demonstration sub
sided began reading his message. AS
he began reading a huge yellow banner
bearing in big black letters the words,
mir. President, What viii You DO for
Woman Suffrage?" was unfurled over
the edge of the gallery, by some suf-
frage invaders.
4 page quickly jumped up and pulled
down the banner.
REFERS TO PROGRAM.
The president at the outset referred to
the program OF railroad legislation
which he recommended to congress for
adoption. His reference to the eight
hour day, compulsory arbitration, and
enlargement of the interstate commerce
commission was received in silence.
When the suffrage banner was I'M
folded persons i'm the far galleries, COM
handing a view of the president, say he
looked up and smiled as the suffrage
banner fell to the floor He continued
reading without hesitation.
There was no demonstration, but
sergeant at arms moved down the isle to
near where the suffrage women were
sitting and stood guard there.
The suffragists represented the Con-
gressional Union for Women Suffrage
and were headed by Miss Alice Paul, the
chairman. Members said the flag had
been put up by Mrs. John Rogers, of
New York, Mrs. Florence Bayard Hilles,
of Wilmington, Della, Mrs. William Colt,
OF New York, and Mrs. Anna LowenbeTg,
of Philadelphia. Mrs. Hilles is the
daughter of former United States Am
bassador Bayard to Great Britain.
About simultaneous with the unfurl-
ing of the banner, statement re-
garding the incident was given out by
the Congressional union. 1t said that
officials Of the union decided upon this
method of calling the presidents atten-
ton TO suffrage because they under
stood he had omitted reference to the
issue in his address.
BANNER SMUGGLED IN.
The banner was struggled into the
gallery in a handbag by a suffragist, it
wss said.
Mrs. Abby Scott Baker. of the Con-
gressional union. explained the incident
as expressive of the mitigation that
women feel at the stupid and senseless
opposition to granting the right of self
government to one-half the people of
the United States"
As the president proceeded with rec
concentrations for other legislation the
listening congress remained silent.
When the president concluded. however
applause was renewed, even. the suffra-
gists who had dropped the banner join
ing in the applause. The president fin
lshed speaking at lis p. m. and at once
left the chamber.
No attempt was made to detain the
women when they left the gallery after
the president concluded. Capitol police
and doorkeepers said they were without
orders to take any action except to see
that no further incidents were attempt
ed. After leaving the gallery the wom-
en- were congratulated by Miss Lucy
Burns and other suffrage leaders.