The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1826-01-26
SCENES AT WASHINGTON.
From the Providence American \ Gazette.
WAsmNGroN Cry, Jan. :, 1896.

This day Saturday is the last OF the
Congressional holidays. The House sat
but four hours this week; the Senate but
three. Next Monday may be considered,
go far as the despatch Of business is con.
cerned, almost as the commencement ofthc
session. In the mean time, however, the
committees have not been idle. They have
been actively engaged in maturing the
mass of business which has been thrown
into their hands. Members have also had
an opportunity yof becoming acquainted with
each other, and with the Heads of De.
partment of interchanging civilltics, OF
wearing out their local prcjudices and po-
litical animosities; and, in fine, of laying in
a stock ofgood feeling, harmony, and mu-
tual respect and confidence, which in the
deliberations of either House may be turn
ed to very good account. The present
Congress is said TO embrace an unusually
large proportion ofactivo ondpracticalmen;
but If the business fund has been increased
it is acknowledged that the talking fund
has suffered no dlminuton. During the
first session of each Congress there is al
ways more of idle and unnecessary speak
ing than in the last, new members must be
suffered to erhibit their UocdJlduieS. They
come with premeditated speeches, which,
for the qualification of their friends and
constituents, must, at all hazards, be rcgu-
larly delivered, reported and published.
We nave, us yet, had but two or three set
speeches, and those, as you know, were
made on the Judiciary Bill. The debate
will not be prolonged to any great cXtept
There is strong disposition in the House
TO adopt the Bill as it was reported. Dir.
Webster's speech fully sustained his high
reputation. Col. Drayton's effort is con
sidsred by every body as a failure. Pub
lie expectation was on uptoe and was dis
appointed exhibited none of the gra-
ces or powers which fame had attributed TO
him. lie is, however, q man of real worth,
sterling sense and practical information,
and will, undoubtedly, have weight inthc
House. Mr.. Mercer spoke with his usual
warmth and zeal. The House yielded him
a polite and respectful attention, which was
accorded, however, more to the man than
the orator. His speech made little impress
sion. This gentleman gained considerable
reputation in the Virginia Legislature pri-
or to the year 1917, when he was sent to
Congress, where his friends anticipated for
him very brilliant career. But in Con-
gress he found hinself"a Lesser light" and
soon sank inyoluntarIly, into comparative
obscurity. He laid his failure upon the
architecture of the Hall declaring that he
could take no part in the s'liberations Of q
body, whore it was painful to speak, and
impossible TO hear. His silence and mac
tiyity he still imputes TO the same cause, as
you SEQ by the remarks lately made by him
in support Of Mr.. Nc McDanie's proposition for
altering the Hall and in his speech Oh the
Judiciary, he cut short observing that a" he
could not speak where the echoes con-
founded his voice." The truth Is, that
neither his talents nor eloquence are of an
order that can secure him much weight or
influence. His voice, manner and appear
apce, arc feminine; and go appears 10 be tic
cast of his mind. He'is 'nan of elegant
letters, cultivated taste, omiable manners,
and very pretty colloquial talents. In 60
cial life, no man is more generally beloved
and esteemed. As an attcrpiece TO these
performances came the speech of Mr.
Mitchell (of TeDDossec.) This member
though, (as he said) scarcely warm IN his
seat" soar waxcd hot on the floor. Ileyo-
ciieratcd loudly and earnestly for some
minutes, when, having exhausted his voice
og his materials, he sat down; not, howev-
er, without threatening to renew the sub
iect another time. The published report
will give you some idea Of his rhctcrlck !;
his diction, you will rocoIlect, has gone
through the c.ucible Of very able reporters.
Mr.. Nangum will on Monday take the floor,
in continuation of the debate Of the pro-
gress of which Will give you some inior-
nation.
Winters memorial viii, after wha! pass
ed in relation to it on FRIDAY, rank, in our
Congressional annals, with the famous
Eaqt.Greenyyich memorial &C 1913. No