Evening star., 1947-01-03
Congress
Continued From First Page.)

Sa1Q. Our SLuQleS nave SHOWN SIOV-
ernment costs can be reduced and
we intend to reduce them"
Today's events in the House came
when Ralph Roberts, retiring door
keeper, raped the gavel signaling
the start of the potentially historic
session. A prayer by the Rev. James
Shera Montgomery was the first or
der of business.
At the same hour the Senate's un-
usually dramatic opening with the
fight over seating Senator Bilbo
started off traditionally with Sec
retary Leslie L. Biff1e banging the
gavel and with prayer said by
Chaplain Frederick Brown Harris.
House Quorum Establizhed.
To establish a quorum, roll call
of the House by States, was started
Immediately. AS soon as this for
mality was concluded nominations
for Speaker we're made and the Sc
lection of Speaker Martin COM
pleted.
The House chamber presented a
new aspect. On the Republican side
the benches were filled completely
and many lined the rail, evidence
of the new Republican. majority.
On the Democratic side, there were
a few vacant seats.
At the desks reserved for party
leaders on the Republican side sat
Mr.. Martin and the newly elected
Republican floor leader, Representa-
tive Halleck of Indiana. On the
opposite side former Speaker Ray
burn, who is now TO be Denlocra-
tic floor leader, was f1anked by
Representative SABBATH Of Illinois,
dean of the House, and Representa-
tive Doughton of North Carolina,
who during Democratic control was
chairman of the Ways and Means
Committee.
Reece on Floor.
Carroll Reece of Tennessee, for
mer Representative, now chairman
of the Republican National Com
mittee, sat on the Republican side
and watched the proceedings with
interest.
The Bilbo fight threatened to de-
lay organization and possibly post
pone President Truman's State OF
the Union message, scheduled Tor
presentation Monday.
officials familiar with Senate rules
said the delay could prevent the
body from adopting the resolution
for the joint session with the House
at which the presidential message
will be heard. Such a result would
halt the legislative machinery cold
on the Senate side, since the cham
ber traditionally does not even re-
ceive bills until it hears from the
Chief Executive.
The White House announced that
the President will deliver his mes
sage in person. Press Secretary
Charles G. Ross said that the read
ing would require about so minutes.
The Presidents economic message
will follow on Wednesday and the
budget message two days later.
The House Republicans, having
ironed out their difficulties over the
office of majority leader-for the
sake of party harmony and be-
cause Mr.. Halleck was so far
out in front in this contest
he could not be overtaken-to-
day were looking to Mr.. Halleck
for leadership. He was elected ma
iority leader without opposition and
by acclamation at Republican cau-
Gus yesterday. His three opponents,
Representatives Brown and jenkins
of Ohio and Dirksen of Illinois, all
withdrew and asked that their
names be not presented.
HalIeck's Smile Broad.
Mr.. Halleck. emerged from the
private meeting with broad smile,
saying the session had proven a
remarkable demonstration of unity
and harmony"
In accepting the nomination for
speaker at the same meeting Mr..
Martin emphasized the great re-
sponsibility" facing the Republicans
in the coming months.
The Republican House conference
chose these other officers: John
Andrews of Massachusetts,, House
clerk, at $4,000 year. William F.
Russell of Pennsylvania, sergeant
at arms, $4,000. Frank Collier of
Wisconsin, postmaster, $500. M. L.
Meletio of Missouri, doorkeeper.
IS. 900.
A last-minute shift in plans casts
Mr.. Rayburn in the role of House
minority leader. He had intended