Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 January 1905 — INDIANA LAWMAKERS [ARTICLE]

INDIANA LAWMAKERS

The Sixty-third session of the Indiana General Assembly was formally opened Thursday morning at the statehouse in Indianapolis, and the slate of officers chosen by the Republican caucuses were elected to office. Organization in both houses Was complete. Both houses were filled with the usual opening crowd of legislators, lobbyists, office seekers and sight sen’s’ that is always present on opening day. Until Sidney Cantwell could be elected Speaker. Secretary of State ' Daniel Hi Storms presided over the House. The Rev. M. L. Haines, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church, Indianapolis, offered prayer, after which Judge l’. Z. Wiley administered the oath of office to the new members. Immediately after the ontli of office was administered the formal organization of the House took place. Sidney Cantwell of Hartford City was elected Speaker; Charles F. Hurst, Indianapolis, chief clerk; George D. Heilman, Evansville, assistant clerk, and Lewis P. Sharpe of Fort Wayne principal doorkeeper. The ceremonies in the Senate weie equally as expeditions and imposing. The upper house was called to order by Lieut. Gov. Gilbert, now Congressmanelect from the Twelfth District. Judge John V. Hadley administered the oath of office to the new Senators. Senator E. E. Hendee of Anderson was elected president pro tern; Julian Hogate of Danville, secretary; Charles P. Gray, South Bend, assistant secretary, and Sol Pennington, sergeant-at-arms. The sessions in both branches wert short, adjournment being taken shortly before noon. The custom of having the message of the Governor read on the opening day was abandoned. This session of the General Assembly will elect two United States Senators.