The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1850-05-22
Gl;mcesat Z; Congress NO. q .--.H lac
House of Representatives 1, I,

AAh~sNSSssS y S~e ~
1t istconanon 10 all toforni some idea Of I
fhc appearance OF the object cr tho locality z
of which they have spoken, OF read; and
IN nearly every case, these portraits ef the +
mind arc either laughabiy unjust or ridcu-
lously flattored During assession Of Con-
gross as sSepentful and exciting as the pres
ent, those whose ayocations prevent them
from going TO Washington, content them
selves Will. picturing, after this fashion, the
public men who are alternately forced into
notice. by the dssensions or disputes ari-
sing out of the absorbing question of the
day. When Col. Bissell, OF Illinois, and
Col. Jefferson Davis, OF Mississippi, were
rsar coniing1to anqissue about a statement
Of tho former, of course every one had his
own idea sof the appearance of these he.
roes--for so they are, in the best sense OF
tho term. Col. Bissell has a stern coun-
terance, with a cold black eye; and q calm
quiet manner. He is very social in his ma
tnre, and has a.heart, as the saying goes.
Sin the right place" He is the ordinary
heights aud looks like n man bred to arms.
His speech on the slave question, was his
first; ms is this his first session. II was
Grafton, and with resolution that showed
he would stand by it. 1t placed him at
once before :he Country'as a man OF mind
age we think; say forty; but he has long
been inpublic life. He.stil walks with his
cane, from the effect Of his wound, and is
quite military in all his tastes. lleRhas
the calm look of very brave man, aud his
sunkeneyc is singularly brilliant. There
is an expression in his countcnance, as if
1,N~
cd in battle. He is one Of the best cduca-
ted men in Congress, and one of the most
classical speakers. Stepping over into the
popniar branch OF Congress, the spectator
disks to see the two great rivals for the
Speakership--Winthrep, Of Massachusetts,
and Cobb, of Georgia. Winthrop has the
fresh complexion and the address of an
English nobcman; is always dressed in
perfect taste; and is tall and graceful. lie
rejoices in gold spectaclcs. His manner
OF speaking is finished; his articulation
distinct and clear; and his voice musical
and cultivated Hc lives in elegant STYLE,
and is fond Of gathering about h;m the in
Washington. His speech against Giddinps
and the Tree soIers, was as fine specimen
ct sarcastic elolucncc as has been heard
90 VIZ 1ANhSS ioi SCLIS. WI. >-puU, UlS
successful competitor, is now in the Chair
Ict'us observe him in that position. lie
IS standing up, with "rcmorsclcss hammer"
IN hand, stating decision to The House,
AHear view will impress you most favora-
bly, with MIR. Cobb. He is the picture of
good health; aud is heavily built; but quick
in his movements. His countcnancc is
open and frank; his eye blue; his thick
rnriy hoir al,hurp In l..
face beams with intelligence His voice
Is isagreeable, and his manners prcposscss-
ing. You will notice how plainly and dis.
tinctly he is heard al! over the House; how
prompt his descisons; how lucid his Ian
guage in stating the question. Mr.. Cobb
is still young man; not quite forty; and
is gentleman Of high character and fault
less habits. He has hosts of personal
friends in both parties, and no cnemies.--
You will notice that the House is now
about going into "Commi,ee OF the WhoIc;"
and, also, that Mr.. Cobb has called up a
member into the Chair, from which he
gracefully rctircs. That is his bosom
friend. Linn Boyd, the Oldest member of
the House, and yet "as straight as an ar
row"--a form OH which health and strength
e.conspcuous. Linn Dnyd is ona of the
finest looking men in Congress. lie is
y over six feet high and well proportionetl.
,st a W..
=ete, but IS one Oi the best and lTiosl
experienced members of the House. II
you Will run your eye along the left Of the
a!s!e dividing the House--the Democrats
sitting on the right, and the wings on The
ieft, fronting the Speaker--you vii! observe
two gentlemen in earnest conversation
Fhe contrast in their appearance is, in all
respects, striking. One is Robert Toombs.
the other Alexander III. Stephens, both of
Gcorgn, and both wings Toombs is n
ieroclous looking man, on account of his
. long black hair, and lis dark complexion,
ana when he speaks his vchcmcnce gives
10 his cotintenance an angry and bitter
cast. Ills voice is harsh and unmusica,:
nut h's ability is far above mcdiocrity lie
Is the idol of the Georgia wings, and has
great influence in the House. We never
VIII forget his appearance and manner
shortly alter the Meade and Ducr Difficult
~, IN December, when he rallied the South
crn members about him, and excited them
almos; to frenzy by his terrific defamation
upon the subject OF slavery Stephens looks
IKE hoy OF fourteen who has grown prc-
maturely old. His face is Of n lyid palor.
ana Is shrlvelcd as if by disease and are,
iiis hand rs small as a chlld's, and he holds
ms slender cane with 4 nervous grasp
HIs voice is shriIl treble, but is not un-
musical wthal. The House always listens
TO nm with profound attention; Tor he is
accounted a capital speaker a few seats
from him sits Alr. Duer of New York, the
wig member who had the difficulty with
h. kdder Meade, Of Virginia. There is
great character in his face. His Roman
nose, and keen eye indicate indom,ahlc
courage. lie is unqnestonably, one of
E t'e leading men Of the House, and made
"a speech few days ago on the Presidents
plan of settling the slave question, quite
ingenious and eloquent. His former foe.
bntyprescnt friend, Meade, is on the other
or democratic aide, and has a fine manly
countcnance, ilorid complexion, and good
fgiTe--hIs, enormous watch cham and
seas worn in the old fashion. and frequent
~ twIrled in his fingers, while ADDRESSING
the Chair. No body doubts his ready cour.
age, and his arden, sympathics for his ma.
tive South are frequently exhibited Vir-