The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1837-12-16

WASHINGTON, December 8, 1897.

Correspondence Of the Baltimore Commercial Transcript
WASHINGTON, December 8, 1887.
Here is one fourth Of old December gone, and
still the luxurious serenity Of the Indian summer
broods over our astonished earth, as though de-
termined that this the closing month Of the year,
shall not go down to the grave wrapped in the ac-
customcd shroud Of snow, and to the wild ,dirges
of the clustering northwest but that all the cheer
ing influences of mild weather shall smooth its
tottering footsteps to the festive time Of Christ
mas, when brave old December rallies his dying
energies, and with the wassail bowl in his hand,
and the Jest on his lip, drinks to the coming new
year and makes his exit! Each bright sunny day
is succeeded by an evening and night, whose
calmness and moonlight keep up the delicious
sense of repose which the genial nature of the day
diffuses through the mind and body, giving light
ness to the heart bouyancy to the step, and elias
ITCHY to our mental exertions! Who can wonder
that in such state df the heavens, the occurren
ces in the political arenas of the Capitol shoult
be rather void Of excitement; for let but Glu
ply his northwestern bellows, and we would sool
see the feelings of our statesmen reused witt
|commotion and strife.
have been led into the above rhapsody By
the charming atmosphere we have had to-day, act
ing upon a mind unemployed with distractine
to communicate to you. It is astonishing to every
one, the extreme stagnation that exists in this
generally uproarious community-that is during
the session Of Congress.
Most of the members have taken advantage OF
the day to pay their respects to the President,
some have gone on trips into the adjacent coun-
try, and some haze gone home! For myself,
generally spend my spare hours in the Congress
sonal Library, which is made doubly attractive
at present by the arrival of aquantty of new books
from Europe. 1t is much to be regretted that
there is not more liberality displayed in the ex.
tension of this important depot of learning. The
collection, though very select, is far too limited
for Library connected with the General Govern
ment, and though several of our eminent scholars
have recommended Congress to purchase cele.
brated Library in Europe, (the name of which
forget at presen our wise Legislators have felt toe
much shocked at the idea Of paying largely for ;
quantity of books merely. There is some hope
Of this mistaken economy being overruled soon
The editions now coming in are to the amount O.
SIS, 900, and it is rather queer to see the motley
heaps of works that form them. In my opinion,
the quantity of works of fiction, extensively
bound are too many in proportion to that Of
works of higher character. There are many
productions (of great value, certainly, but almost
indispensable in an extensive Library which
have in vain sought for in this collection, and
which are probably too costly for our rigid econo-
mists; while in the new arrival of works, one OF
the first saw, was magnificent London copy Of
Boz's works, illustrated by Cruikshank, and SUI
perbly bound. These, perhaps, cost twice OF
thrice as much as some of the more important
works objected to on the score of expense. There
is great want Of proper method in many such
matters connected with our Institutions which q
very little attention might rectify.
have been frequently struck with the small
number of our National Legislators who frequent
this part of the Capitol-and Of them, the greater
part, | must allow. is from the North. Johr
Quincy Adams is celebrated for his visits, an6
frequently can you see his polished, bald-pate
shining in, and illuminating the twilight of thu
more retired alcoves. ] often amuse myself il
studying the appearance of those members tina
consult the contents Of this noble room. Herr
may be seen some victim to consumption from
the East, porting over the various works on health
and regimen; the hale, ford, Pennsylvania yeo
man snatching an hour from his duties, to get
hint or two on the science of husbandry ana ther'
you may see some young member VINO Is Prepaf
ing for mighty maiden speech, STOPPING over
| nile of mustv tones on Commerce, hlching, cup
pring and cribbing most industriously.
i .To FIJI m the scene, imagine half dozen lite
rarv lounoing, leering loafers, staring at the la
dies. who are looking at the prints; and anothe
half dozen naoustachedforei attaches with whit