The Sun.
London, England, 1862-04-10 00:00:00

CELEBRATING A VICTOR Y.

One of the most degrading scenes that ever dis-
graced a Legislative Assembly was enacted at Des
Moines last week, on the reception of the news of
the capture of Fort Donnelson. Both Houses
immediately adjourned upon the announcement of
the glorious intelligence, and made preparations for
a general " drunk." Adjutant-General Baker
mounted a desk in the house, moved the suspension.
of the Liquor Law for a time, put the motion to
vote, which was of course carried, and license was
granted for a grand spree. Headed by the Governor
the Legislature and State officials repaired to the Des
Moines-house, where, in a short time, the rattling
of decanters, the tingling of glasses, the gurgling
of liquors, and the bacchanalian shouts of revelry
told but too plainly that the " upper crust" were
"going in" on their honours. Governor Kirkwood
"spread himself" in fine style before he guzzled
down his fifteenth glass, and was followed by his
pet, Baker, who managed to make a fool of himself,
but the members were too much " overcome" to
notice it. After the gassy element was expended
a minister of the Gospel was " nabbed" while pass-
ing, hauled into the midst of the drunken rabble,
and requested to make a speech, which he refused,
when he was lifted upon the table and compelled
to before he was released. Everyone who came
within hailing distance was dragged into the hall
and made to " drink the health" of our brave sol-
diers at Fort Donnelson. After revelling as long
as liquor held out, the victims of Bacchus, one by
one, slipped off to their rooms to hide their dis-
grace. The leading temperance member of
the house staggered around to the Register-office
and requested the editor not to publish his " preca-
rious situation," as it might injure his fair reputa-
tion as a temperance man among his constituents.
We are happy to state that about one-fourth of the
Legislature refused to participate in this disgrace-
ful proceeding—some Republicans declining from
principle, and a number of Democrats because their
sympathies were enlisted in behalf of the conquered
rebels. What a picture to present to the inteliigent
people of lowa and send forth to sister States, the,
State officials and legislators on a " drunk," law-
makers transformed into law breakers, imitating the
example of the besotted inebriate, and descending
to the level of the reeling toper ! For shame! We
derived these facts from a responsible member of
the Legislature, who denounces is as the most dis-
graceful scene he ever witnessed. He says he was
sober.—Montezuma (Iowa; Republican.

ALARMING OCCbARPNcE TAs 2 L
THEATRE,
A MAN ATTACKED BY AN ELEPHANT.
Last night, during the performance at Astley's Theatre,
Westminster-bridge-road, one of Bell's colossal elephants,
engaged in the spectacle of the " Rajah of Nagpore," be-
came furious, and knocked down and attacked one of
the grooms, named Henry Parker, the poor man narrowly
escaping instant death. It seems that about nine o'clock
the man Henry Parker went into the elephant's den
for the purpose of calling him out to go through
some of his performances, when the beast turned on
him, struck him with his trunk, and having got
him down, commenced butting at him, it is sup-
posed with the intention of driving his tusks into him, at
the same time beating him with his trunk. The poor fel-
low's cries quickly brought Mr. Bell, Mr. Croueste, Mr.
Moffat, and the keepers to the spot, who succeeded in boat-
ing off the infuriated animal, and Parker was placed in a •
cab and taken to Charing-cross Hospital, where it was
found that he was fearfully bruised all over the body, and
mmeowrnha
it is feared several ribs fractured, and he lies in a very pre-
cariouscrossHospital,
esstpatitea,i,houegwhasthsios morning,
bon enquiry at Charing-
etter.