r
inimical thereto. And I do further swear that, to the best
of my knowledge and ability, I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States against all enemies,
foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely,
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and
that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the
office on which I am about to enter. So help me God!"

The subordinate officers were then elected by resolution, and the
House of Representatives being organized, was ready to enter upon its
work.

CHAPTER II.

LOCATIONS OF THE MEMBERS AND CAST OF THE COMMITTEES.

Importance of surroundings -- Members sometimes referred to
by their seats -- Senator Andrew Johnson -- Seating of the
Senators -- Drawing in the House -- The Senate-chamber as
seen from the Gallery -- Distinguished Senators -- The House
of Representatives -- Some prominent characters --
Importance of Committees -- Difficulty in their appointment
-- Important Senate Committees -- Committees of the House.

The localities and surroundings of men have an influence on their
actions and opinions. A matter which, to the casual observer, seems so
unimportant as the selection and arrangement of the seats of Senators
and Representatives, has its influence upon the legislation of the
country. Ever since parties have had an existence, it has been
considered of vital moment that those of one political faith in a
deliberative body should occupy, as nearly as possible, the same
locality.

It is sometimes of service to a reader, in attempting to understand
the reported proceedings of Congress, to know the localities of the
members. Each seat has a sort of history of its own, and becomes in
some way identified with its occupant. Members are frequently alluded
to in connection with the seats they occupy. Sometimes it happens
that, years after a man has gone from Congress, it is convenient and
suggestive to refer to him by his old place in the chamber. As an
illustration, Mr. Trumbull, in his speech on the veto of the Civil
Rights Bill, desiring to quote Andrew Johnson, Senator, against Andrew
Johnson, President, referred to "a speech delivered in this body by a
Senator occupying, I think, the seat now occupied across the chamber
by my friend from Oregon (Mr. Williams)."

A necessary an