Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-12-17

WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
TO TIE EDITOR OF TIE ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. Is, 1884.


TO TIE EDITOR OF TIE ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE.
WAsHlNaroN, Dec. Is, 1884
Never did session of Congress commence,
and proceed for three weeks, more pedcedoiy
than this has done. There is dead oalm upon
the surface Of the deep. and Mr. Clayton's reso-
luton about our affairs with France, was Out
pebble thrown in, which hardly ruffied the wa
ters If the legislative temper and spirit which
now appear to exist, continue, there will be
great amount of business done; but lew WINDY
harrangues permitted; and much heart burning
and bad feeling avoided. Of this, however,
have not much hope. Probably the same dis
positon which is now manifested, may be exhl-
bited until after the bolydays; but cannot think
there will be much longer pause in the poilti-
cal strife. There are too many matters OF en-
crossing interest and importance-too many
high and exciting considerations connected with
public affairs and too much warmth and pas
sion in mems minds, to permit things to go on
quietly and smoothly. And should not be sur
prised if this present cessation from hostlltles
were but the prelude to even fiercer party con-
flicts than we have yet witnessed.
tees are, for the most part, admirably arranged.
Owing to the scandalous abuse of the Senate
by Mr. Hill, that gentleman was properly lett
off from the whole Of them. He is personally
disliked by political friends as well as foes; ana
the whole Senate would feel relieved at his en-
tire exclusion from their Hall. AS regards the
Committees Of the House, not much alteration
has been made from the last session, and that
little has been done to suit the views and wishes
of the party. For aught, therefore, that can be
seen by this the new Speaker is as deep In the
mud as his predecessor was in the mre. Mr..
Bell however, presides over the House, thus tar,
with promptitude and efficiency; and, without
that ridiculous pomposty that distinguished MI.
Stevenson, yet maintains the utmost dignity, and
is generally respected and esteemed. He has it
in his power, by course OF independence ana
impartaty, to elevate himself much in the OPT
Mon ofthe intelligent portion of nation.
Persico's statues of War and Peace, which
have been opened for exhibition in The Rotunda
the Capitol are the subjects of much remark
and criticism. The artist, however, is himself
pleased with the work Of his hands, and salts
fed, he says, with the opinion of competent
judges. 1t is not yet decided, believe, where
these statues are to be placed. The nitches on
each side Of the great entrance were originally
designed for them but the location would not
permit them to be seen to the best advantage,
and the artist is very anxious that they should
have place in the hall ofthe House of Repre-
sentatives. The Committee on the Public
Buildings WILL presume, recommend the pro-
per place for them permanently to be fixed
There has been much laugh and scandal ex-
cited at the recent election for Chaplain to the
House. The candidates are said to have run
the race in true jockey style. Ifthe course just
pursued be continued at another Session, there
will be serious effort made to abolish the office
altogether, and many of the best men in the
House will unite in the effort.
] believe that more pacific disposition with
regard to our French affairs now prevails than
was the case at first The more the matter is
looked into, the more unnecessary will a rup-
ture with France appear The President talks
a great deal on the subject, reiterating in his
own language, what was put in the message
My hope is that all things will come right, about
this business yet. A. B.