Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-01-07
Me- Claim Speaks at
Senate's Organization

The Pennsylvania Senate was
called to order promptly at noon
with Lieutenant Governor MeClain
presiding. Chaplain Davis In the
opening prayer, dwelt at length on
the death Of former President Eooss-
velt.
Lieutenant. Governor McClain, In
an address to the members OF the
Senate, called attention to Pennsyl-
vania's part in the war and Of the
thousands of men who have been
given In the service and asked that
every service Of the Commonwealth
be extended in bringing those boys
back to the flag. He said that the
conditions opened by the war would
demand new legislation for the state.
In speaking Of Governor elect Sproul
he said that the Governor elect was
q man with a big heart and that the
state was fortunate in having in its
next Governor O man who was IA
miliar with its needs and lack OF
needs
The Official returns of the Novem-
ber election of new Senators was
presented by Secretary OF the Com
monwealth Cyrus e. Woods and were
read.
The absent Senator's were Con-
gresham Heaton, OF Schuylkill coun-
ty, who will not take his seat at the
present time. Senator Catlin, of Lu-
zerne, and Senator Beales, of the
Adams-Franklin district.
II Senators Present
The forty-seven members present
answered the roll call and the oath
of office was administered by Judge
George Kunkel. of Dauphin county.
On motion of Senator Sproul the
Senate at once went to the election
of officers and presented the name
of Senator Clarence J. Buckman, of
Bucks county, as the Republican
nominee for the office of president
pro tenn. Senator Hackett. of North
ampton county, presented the name
of Senator Asa X. Dewitt, of Luzerne
county. as the Democratic candidate.
Senator Buckman was elected by a
party vote of Al to 6. Senators Sproul
and Dewitt escorted Senator Buck
man to the front to have the oath
administered. Senator Buckman was
escorted to the chair by Senator
Sporul
In his address to the members of
the Senate the new presiding officer
said that upon the opening of new
era OF great improvement for the
Commonwealth and the country, he
asked that consideration be given
for appropriations and that the rev.
enue be provided before it is asked
for. He said he would recognize no
special privilege, no factions and no
parties. The Senate adopted a Joint
resolution providing for the inaug-
ura1 committee and appropriating
$4,000 for inaugural expenses when
Senator Sproul is elevated to the
Governorship on January 81.
The Senate, by resolution, adopted
the rules of the 1917 session. The
officers of the Senate elected were:
Secretary. w. Harry Baker, Dau-
phin county; chief clerk, w. p. Gal
lagher, Luzerne county. Senate Ii
brarian. Herman p. Miller, Dauphin
county.
The Senate at p. m. recessed un-
til 2.30 p. m.
The floral display surpassed all
former sessions, especially those for
Governor-elect Sprour and Lieuten-
ant Governor-elect Beidleman. 1t is
the first time in the history of the
state that two Senators have been
elected to the highest office in the
state.
Senator Sprouts desk was covered
with American Beauty roses and
there were many huge baskets on
Senator Beidleman's desk from his
many admirers.
The hall of the Senate was deco
rated with the flags of all nations and
a Red Cross standard occupied a
space Immediately to the rear of the
presiding officer.