The second session of the Forty-third Congress of the United States is in its usual holiday recess. It will return to deliberations on January 6, 1875. (By John Osborne)

In Washington, DC, the Forty-third Congress of the United States is sitting its second "lame duck" session. It will begin its usual holiday season break on December 23, 1874. James G. Blaine, Republican of Maine, is in the Speaker's chair in the House. (By John Osborne)

In Washington, DC, the Forty-third Congress of the United States opens its second "lame duck" session. It will sit, with the usual holiday season break, until March 3, 1875. James G. Blaine, Republican of Maine, is in the Speaker's chair in the House. (By John Osborne)

In Washington, DC, Speaker James G. Blaine of Maine brings down the gavel on the first session of the Forty-third Congress of the United States. The House has sat for a total of 204 days. The "lame duck" second session will begin on December 7, 1874. (By John Osborne)

The Forty-third Congress of the United States is sitting in its first session in Washington, DC. It will do so until June 23, 1874. Congressman James G. Blaine, Republican of Maine is in the Speaker's chair. (By John Osborne)

The Forty-third Congress of the United States returns from its holiday recess. It will now sit until June 23, 1874. Congressman James G. Blaine of Maine is in the Speaker's chair. (By John Osborne)

The Forty-third Congress of the United States is in its usual holiday recess. This first session will return to deliberations on January 6, 1874. (By John Osborne)

The Forty-third Congress of the United States is in session in Washington, D.C. It will sit for two weeks until its usual holiday recess which begins on December 20, 1873. James Gillespie Blaine, Republican of Maine, is in the Speaker's chair in the House. (By John Osborne)

The Forty-third Congress of the United States opens in Washington, D.C. Of the 292 representatives who will sit in the House, 199 are Republicans and 88 are Democrats. Four others sit as Liberal Republicans, and one, John James Davis of West Virginia, as an Independent Democrat. On this opening day, James G. Blaine, Republican of Maine, Speaker of the House in the 41st and 42nd Congresses, is re-elected. (By John Osborne)

In Washington, DC, Speaker Samuel J. Crawford brings the term of the Forty-fourth Congress of the United States to an end. The House has sat for a total of 334 days during its two year term. The Forty-fifth Congress will assemble on October 15, 1877. (By John Osborne)