The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1848-01-27
"rclic Of the olden time.'

The House seemed then ns composed .
the Senate now is when an impressive
speech is in tho net Of delivery. On Wash
ington's entrance, tho most profound and
death-liko stiffness prevailed. House, lob
bios, gallery, all were wrapped in the deep
ost attention; and tho souls Of that entire
assemblagc seemed pouring from their eyes
on tho noble figure which deliberately, and
with an unaffected, but surprising majes-
", advanced upon the broad nisle Of the
Hall, between ranks Of standing Senators
and Members, and slowly assembled tho
steps leading to tho Speakers chair.
well remember, standing ut the head Of the
Senate, the tall, square, somewhat gaunt
form Of Mr.. Jefferson: conspicuous from his
scarlet waistcoat, bright blue cont, with
broad bright buttons, rs well ms by his
quick and penetrating air, and high boncd
Scottish cast Of features. There too, Gen.
Knox, then Secretary Of War, in all the
sleek rotundity Of his low stature, with n
bold and norid face, open, firm. and manly
in its expression. But recollect that my
boyish eye WINS caught by the appearance
Of De Yrujo, the Spanish Ambassador. He
stood in the rear Of the chair, a little on one
side, covered with splendid diplomatic
dress, decorated with orders, aud carrying
under his arm an immense c:apcau bras,
edged with white ostrich feathers. lie
was o man totally different in his mir and
manner from all around him, aud the very
antipodcs especially Of tho man on whom
all oycs but his seemed fixed us by spell.
] saw many other very striking figures
grouped about and behind the Speaker
chair, but did not know their names, and
had no ono 10 ask besides dared not open
my lips.
The President having seated himself, re-
NAMED in silence, sercncly contemplating
the Legislature before him, whose members
now resumed their seats, waiting for the
speech. No house of worship, in the most
solemn pauses Of devotion, was ever more
profoundly still than that large and crowd
ed chamber.
Washington was dressed precisely as
Stuart has painted him in Lord I.andsdown's
full length portrnit-in full suit of tho
richest black velvet, with diamond knee.
buckles and square silver buckles set upon
shoes 'pnncd with the most scrupulous
nsatness, black-silk stockings, his shirt rul.
fed at tho breast and wrist. light dress
sword, his hair profosely powdered, fully
dressed, 80 rs 10 project ut the sides, ana
gathered behind in silk bag ornamcnted
with large rose Of block ribbon. He hold
his cooked hat, which Ind large black
cockadc on one side Of it, in his hard, Us
he advanced towards the chair, and, when
seated, laid it on the tnb!e.
At length, thrusting his hand within tho
side Of his coat, he drew forth roll Of man
uscript, which he opened, md rising, hclt
il in his hand, while in rich, deep, full
sonorous voice, he read his opening address:
10 Congress. Ills cnunciation was delibcr
ate, justly emphasized, very distinct, ant
accompanied with IN mir Of deep solcmnity
No being the uttcrance Of mind profound
ly impressed with the dignity Of the act il
which it was occupied, conscious Of ths
whole responsibility Of its position and &c
tive, but not oppressed by il. There wni
ever about tho man something which i'm
pressed the observer with conviction thai
he was exactly and fully equal to what he
had TO do. lIo was ncycr hurried; never
negligent; but seemed ever prepared foI
the occasion, DO what il might. II coult
express his character in ono word, il would
DO appropriateness. In his study, in hi.
parlor, ut lovec, before Congress, ut tho
head ofthc army, he seemed TO be just what
the situation required him TO DO. lie pos
sesscd, in degree never oquallcd by any
human being ] ever saw, the strongest
most ever. present sense Of propricty. i
never forsook him, and deeply and involun
tarily impressed itself upon every bcholder
Ills address was Of moderate length; thu
topics have, Of course, forgotten; indeed
vas not Of an ngc to appreciate them; bu
the mir, the manner, the tone, have ncvcl
left my mental vision; aud even now seen
to vibratc on my ear.
A scene like this, once bchcld, though
in earliest youth, is never to DO forgotten
Il must be now fifty years ago, but couIt
this moment cit down md sketch the cham
Der, the assembly, and THE MAN.
IIaviag closed tho reading, he laid dowr
the scroll, and utter brief pause, rctiret
as no had entered; when the manuscript
vas handed, for second reading, TO Mr.
Becklcy, then clerk Of tho House, whose
gentlcmanly manner, clear and silvcl
voice, and sharp articulation shall eve
associate with the scene. When shall ",
again behold such Congress and such ,
President?
A punster waited several hours ut thu
door off, Mr.. Snow, in the midst Of henv,
shower, in order TO shy 10 him when h,
came out, Hail, Nj. Snow! if you 60 GU