The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-03
Legislative Scramble to Give
Way to Wit and Song.
102 Members Close Legislative
Careers Tomorrow.
NEW CONTROL IN DISPUTE
Near Tie Apparent Between
Two Major Parties.
Democratic Wet and Dry Spit
Causes Much Concern.

Washington. March 3.-Hilarious
scenes probably will mark the maj
hours of tonights congressional ses-
ST particularly in the house, where
a chorus of representatives usually
send the dying session on its way
with old time songs. One of the sing
ing leaders of past years will be miss
ing, for Representative COnry of n. Y.
who died here last night. was one OF
the best tenor voices in the assembly.
Speeches of wit and felicitation
usually form the impromptu program
of the sessions end in the senate.
10 Senator'S Terms End.
one hundred and two members of
congress will close their legislative
careers tomorrow noon when the
Sixty-fourth session ends by constitu-
t.onaI limitation. OF this number fiji
teen are senators. They are:
Bryan. of Florida; Catron, New
Mexico: Chiffon, West Virginia; Clapp.
Minnesota; Clark, Wyoming; Dupont,
Delaware; johnson, Maine Kern,
indiana; Lea. Tennessee; Lippitt.
Rhode Island; MARITIME New Jersey;
O'Gorman. New York; Oliver, Penh-
sylvania; Sutherland, Utah; ana
Works OF California. The NUMBER
who Will return 10 pIlNdto nv
tomorrow is unusually large IN both
house and senate.
Among the more picturesque Oh
tn .se figures In the house are;
Served - Years.
Sparkman of Florida. VINO mas
served 22 years successfully; REPRE-
sentative Bennett of New York, VINO
enjoys the unique distinction or nav
ing been in and out of congress three
,t.,fi AIrrT Y nf =
hcma familiarly known as Alfal1a
Bile" Representative David of Texas
and Representative McCorhle of South
Carolina. who enjoys the distinction
of serving one of the shortest terms
on record. He was a member for
only eight days. Representative
Rucker of Georgia served eight weeks.
Both filled vacancies caused by death.
Adjournment Tomorrow.
Congress adjourns tomorrow with
the control of the next house still
in dispute. As a result of the death
of Representative Conry of New York,
the Republicans appear to have the
lead. They now have 215 votes. as
sured, it is conceded, while the Dem
ocrats have only PA.
Reports also have reached here
that three newly elected Democrats
are seriously ill. No successor to Mr..
Conry will be elected before next No
of the incoming congress are clasSed
as independents hence, if a special
session Of congress is called before
next December it would appear that
the Republicans will have the advan-
tage. As majority of the member
ship of the house, 21S members, are
necessary to the selection of a speak
er however. the Democrats are not
without hope.
Democrat Split Serious.
How serious a DETECTION in the
Democratic ranks over prohibition
legislation will affect the proposed
organization of the house is causing
Democrats some concern About a
dozen wet northern Democrats have
split with the southern dry" leaders
and yesterday they showed their in
dependence by defeating judiciary
bill greatly desired by southern Demo
Gratis BothAsides are threatening re-
taliation in the way of committee as
slgnments if the Democrats organize
the next house. Democratic leaders
hope however to effect a truce before
vote on the speakership comes