National Affairs: Brisk Business

Compared with the Senate, the House was little more than a minor sideshow. Nobody bothered to watch it organize, except members' families and a few sightseers turned away from the big top at the other end of the Capitol. For the first time, the routine was televised (see RADIO); Harry Truman saw it on a ten-inch screen beside his desk.

There was a little clowning before the opening. Ohio's George H. Bender gave each of his G.O.P. colleagues a new broom tagged: "Here's yours—let's do the job." But when the gavel fell, the House put on its best party manners.

As planned long...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!