The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-05-19
C. 0.P, CONTROL
CONGRESS AFTER
FOUR YEARLAPSE
Strong Partisanship Feeling
Prevails as Session Opens.
Gillett Elected House Speaker,
Cummins President Pro Tenn.
DRAMATIC SCENE IS ENACTED
When Clerk Calls "Berger" All
Eyes Turned on Him.
Illinois Representative Pre-
pares Fight on Dry Law.
DRAMATIC SCENE IS ENACTED

Washington, May 19.-The Sixty
day.
Promptly at Il o'clock noon. Vice
President Marshall, in the senate and
South Trimble. clerk of the house. let
fall their respective gavels-and the
first AllRepublican congress in eight
years got Under way.
Prayers were uttered in both
branches at the start off for the sue
cess of its work and the health and
welfare of its members.
In the House the Republicans eff
fected organiza ton by electing Repre-
sentative Frederick H. Gillett of
Massachusetts, speaker over Champ
Clark of Missouri, speaker for the last
eight years.
Control Senate By Votes.
BY a majority of five votes the Re
publicans took control of the senate
electing Senator Cummins president
pro tenn, and defeating Senator Pitt
man of Nevada, Democrat by record
vote of Al to AZ.
The poll showed 227 for Gillett and
172 for Clark. Representative Cares,
Minnesota, Independent, and Randall,
of California, Democrat-Prohibiti
ist. voted for Clark Victor Berger,
of Wisconsin. whose seat is to be con-
tested because he is under conviction
for violation of the espionage law. did
not attempt to vote. The senate ses-
sion tomorrow is expected to release a
flood of speeches on the peace treaty.
the league of nations, and large
number of bills and resolutions which
were withheld today.
After completing its organization
congress adjourned until tomorrow.
Strong Partisanship.
Not even in war times has a con-
gress held such momentous possibili-
=; Il BNr Ia 10
from President Wilson in France-an
unprecedented act-the atmosphere of
strong partisanship pervaded both
branches at the start. 1t is the avowed
intention of the Republican leaders to
legislate that their party can be Swun 6
back into presidential power in 1921.
Charges against the administration
for alleged pitting of politics against
| efficiency in departments and Re
publican stand on the league of ma
pending as congress met today.
Bills covering action on prohibition
and other moot questions were drawn.
Ask Dry Bilrs Repeal
Representative SABBATH, Illinois. had
a resolution calling for repeal of the
wartime prohibition law, which prom
| ised an early fight on this issue.
The senate roll call showed all Re
! publicans present, with four Demo-
Gratis absent-Gerry, Rhode Island; !;
| Harris, Georgia; johnson. South Da-
kota, and Phelan, California.
Upon an adopted resolution by Sen
ator Lodge, committee of himself
| and Senator Martin was named to no.
| tify President Wilson that congress
was ready to receive communications
! from him.
This will be forwarded to the presi-
| dent in Paris by Secretary Tumulty, it
was announced at the White House.
Dramatic Scene in House.
A touch of the dramatic was in
| jected into the house call when Rep
| resentative Berger's name was reach
ed. The newly elected Wisconsin rep
| resentative, under Indictment and SEN
| fenced for violation of the espionage
law. will be challenged as to his right
| to hold his seat.
| When Berger" was called by the
| clerk, there was no answer. All eyes
| turned toward him. On the second
| call of the roll he walked to the
clerks stand and answered, Here" "
Crowds Flock to Capitol.
Great crowds flocked early to the
freshly painted and scrubbed capitol
to see the Republicans take the reins
| which the Democrats have held since
f1911 in the house, and 1913 in the
| senate.
Late arriving members hustled tc
their offices while the cloakrOoms and
OIL the HOuSc anu Scndlc 1l11-
ed early with new and old senators
and representatives, chatting and chat
ing, getting acquainted and discussing
prospects for a long session.
Much interest was shown on the
senate side, particularly among new
/ members. Thirteen new faces ap-
peared there.
Many of these looked embarrassed
and uncomfortable as they were
towed around by some kindly Older
senator and introduced.
| Republicans have a ma jority OF
two in the senate and thirty-nine il
the house.
The reading of the presidents mes
| sage may follow Immediately or i
may be deferred until Tuesday.
The message will be delivered thi:
time by reading clerks to each house
| instead of before joint session. a.
when the president reads it in person
/ Presidents Recommendations.
Republicans have already formu-
| lated their legislative program. Demo
| Gratis are awaiting the presidents mes
CONTINUED on page Two)