Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-07-16

The Rev. Dr. Dixon, of the English Methodist
Church. gives the following description Of his visit in
company win four other cIesymen, t. the Presidential
ManSInn
From examining the Capitol .conversing with the SEN
aiors. and listening 10 the Members of the House Of Re
personalities, fastened to the Presidents House, 10
see If we could gain and be favored with inter
view with the first magistrate of The Republic.
''Ou our arrival we met with black man. the only
servant of the President that we saw; and on asking
whelher would be possible t, obtain interview, he
said he say difficulty in The case but Would inquire
lfewent with Mr.. Steers compliments, aud soon re
turned with message that the President would be very
happy to see Us. We were ushered, not into drawing
room. state apartment but iul business office, with
desks, tables pens, and INK bundles of state ppers and
books On business. And there stood receive u.s. to
shake US by the hand TO bid welcome, the Chief Of
The greatest Republic. if not the greatest State in the
world. lie accosted very kindly, and babe US be
seated, at the same time Iesuinng his own chair
"Aly embarrassment left me in nent. had felt
little reputation The idea of being brought into
contact with so high in station. lis deneanor,
however, soon dsslpatea this feeling. There
state etiquette observed, no ceremonies but such
mon courtesy demanded and might be performed by the
planest person. DRESS cooked hat. sword
and SASH no bowling the knee, kissing the hands, and
moreover, no peer OF The realm. officer OF the court
necessary tn gain an nlroducon-ab black boy TO obtain
his masters assent and to show The way seemed all
that was expected. With our European notions, this
ulu really like an HlFOuuc ION 10 lle mead
mighty nation. Truly this American repubcanism must
neither be considered great retrogresson into he
ages OF social simplicity when shepherds and farmers
lett their cks and ploughs to command armies and gov
efn States and then returned to their avoeans; else
must be considered a vast stretch into The future-the
anticipation OF something to.come the model of perfect
y new order of things. 1t is most assuredy identical
with what has been, and continues TO be- in the Old
No,li. Is Inns simplicity agreeable to nature,
mon SENSE 10 tie truth Of things mftss, these qnes
lions puzzled az The time, and continue still 10 puzzle
me. There is fascination, charm, about royalty,
greatness courts presentations and all the embroidery
connected with these things, which make it difficult for
one TO think that there reality in hem that they
be done without So much of power, of inf renee, Of
government, have stood connected with the old names
and Insignia If hOnes and courts that many of Us can
not dspOsseSs minds Of the idea that there great
use, shnsh may know how in these eX, nal &C
com4anlments Of States.
Here then, we were, four Methodist preachers. and
one merchant, snuey ensconced in Government office,
slrl Of counting house, with President P, one of the
greatest men, by position, in the world W no could for
get some ofthe documents which had issued from this
centre Of power-ths heart Of American Diplomacy p
DEGREES had been framed here which hid thrilled throuo
the body polite in every part of the world, producing
mighty adaptations Of heart and convusve throes Who
could forget some of President Folks own messages
directed from this very desk, and carried probably, by
the black boy to their destinations ? The policy and
messages of this very President have produced strange
emotions They once filled Great Britain, if not with
CONSERVATION. yet, at any rate, with indignation they
put the Parliament Of England into rment. and called
forth the impassloned el qncnce of men Of all parties
lhey made it expedent to employ the diplomatic skill of
Lord Ashburon esteemed at The time one of the most sa
gacons peers IF the realm; they led to treaties but little
and much condemned by of the best Of
the British Empire; and they resulted in the political
exaItali"n strength and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of America.
Some of these messages, moreover moved the military
of the Rpnufic nv land T., einvaS
Mexico t, the victories of Taylor and Scott; and led
to the annexation to the States Of ,errit ny but lte
at all inferior TO the whole of Europe These are some
Of the effects produced by the DEGREES forth from
this place, with The signature Of this plain little nam
Things not, them to be estimated by the appearance
The room is commons but ii is the of the mighty
forces the President appears destitute Of the forms OF
majesty but possesses its reality the missiles lying abou
are not arery, swords and helmets, but they move
| they shake the word.7'