Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-10
From the Pennsylvania.
CHANGES Mt Congress.
THE nousr or REPRESENTATIVE

II
It is common to all to form an idea of the appear
ance of the object the locality Of which they have
heard or read and, in nearly every case these por-
traits of the mind either laughabiy unjust or ri
eyentfnl and exciting as the present, those whose
avocations prevent them from going to Washington
content themselves with picturng after this fashion,
the public who are alternately forced into mo- |
tce by the discussions disputes arising out of the
absorbing question of the day. When Col. Bissell.
of Illinois, and Col jefferson Davis, of Mississippi,
were near coming to an issue about statement OF
the former, of course everybody had his OWN idea OF
the appearance of these heroes so they are in
the best sense of the term COL Bissell has stern
countenance, with aeoal-black eye and calm. quiet
manner. He is very social in his nature and has
heart the saying goes, in the right place" He
is the ordinary height, and looks like man bred to
arms. His speech the slave question was his
first as is this his first session 1t delivered with
eminent GOODNESS and deliberation, and with reso
luton that showed he would stand by it. 1t placed
him at once before the country man of mind and
of mark. Col. Davis is about Bissels age we think
say forty; but he has been longer in public life He
still walks with his cane from the effect of his wound
and is quite military in all his tastes. He has the
calm look of very brave man, and his sunken eye
is sirguarly brilliant There is an expression in his
countenance as if he constantly suffered from nju
ries received in battle. He is of the best educa
ted men In Congress, and one of the most classical
speakers. Stepping over into the popular branch of
Congress- the spectator asks to the two great ri
setts and Cobb of Georgia. Winthrop has the fresh
complexion and the address of an English nobleman
is always dressed in perfect taste; and is tall and
graceful He rejoices in gold spectacies His man
ner of speaking is finished his articulation distinct
and clear; and his voice musical and cultivated He
lives in elegant STYLE and is fond of gathering about
him the intellect and fashion constantly centred at
Washington. His speech against Giddings and the
free-soilers fine specimen of sarcastic elo-
quence as has been heard in the House for years
Mr.. Cobb his successful competitor, is now in the
chair. Let us observe him in that position. He is
standing up, with ''remorseless hammer" in hand,
stating a decision to the House. A view will
impress you most favorably of Mr.. Cobb. He is the
picture of good health is heavy built, but quick in
his movements. His countenance is open and frank,
his eve blue, his thick and curly hair auburn. In
conversation his face beams with intelligence. His
voice is agreeable, and his manners progressing
You will notice how plainly and distinctly he Is
heard ali over the House how prompt his decisions
how lucid his language in stating the question -
Mr.. Cobb is still young man, not quite forty and
is gentleman of high character and fautless hab-
it's He has hosts of personal friends in both parties
, and enemies You will notice that the House is
now about going into " Committee of the Whole"
and also, that Mr.. Cobb has called up member IN
to the chair, from which he gracefully retires That
is his bosom, FRIEND Linn Boyd the oldest member of
the House, and yet as straight as an arrow "a
form in which health and strength conspicuous
Linn Boyd is one of the finest looking men in Con-
gress He is feet high, and well proportion
ed About the only evidence of his age is his white
hair He does not often take part in debate but is
of the best and most experienced members of the
House If you will run your eye along the LETT OF
the aisle dividing the House-the democrats sitting
the right, and the wings the left fronting the
Speaker-you will observe two gentlemen in earnest
conversation. The contrast in their appearance is,
in all respects, striking One is Robert Toombs, the
other Alexander H. Stephens, both of Georgia, and
. both wings. Toombs is ferocious-looking man, on
account Of his long black hair and his dark complex
ion, and when he speaks his yebemence gives to his
countenance an angry and bitter cast: His voice is
e harsh and unmuseal but his ability is far above
mediocrity He is the idol of the Georgia whigs and
has great influence in the House. We never will for
get his appearance and manner shortly after the
6 Meade and Duer difficulty in December, when he
rallied the Southern members about him. and excl
ted them almost 10 phrensy by his terrific declama
ton upon the subject of slavery Stephens looks like
u boy of fourteen, who has grown prematurely old
,t disease and age. His hand is small chd's, and
"a he holds mis- slender with nervous grasp His
voice is shrill treble but is not unmusical withal
u The House always listens to him with profound at
l. tention, for he is accounted capital speaker few
it seats from HIM sits Mr. Duer of New York the whg
member who had the difficulty with R. K. Meade, Of
Virginia There is great character in his face. His
" Roman nose and keen eye indicate indomitabe cour
10 age. He is unquestionably of the leading men
r of the House, and made speech few days ago, on
the Presidents plan of settling the slave question
quite ingenious and eloquent. His former foe but
present FRIEND Meade, is the other, democratic
Slue me, manly commentaries, uOTlu COIn-
plexion, and good fgure-his enormous watch chain
~ and seals in the old fashion, and frequently
= twired on his fingers, while addressing the chair.
~ Nobody doubts his ready courage; and his ardent
e sympathies for his native South frequently exhi
bited Virginia sends few better or purer represen
le tatves than Mr. Meade. A few seats from him will
- be seen Hon. Thomas Haynes Bayly, of the same
State his devoted friend and the present industrious
and fearless chairman of the Committee of Ways and
y Means. He was compared to Washington in appear
rs ance, by correspondents and his countenance has
much in it that is dignfed and agreeable. His blue
coat and yellow vest become him exceedingly, and
y his fine head is crowned with luxuriant auburn hair
He quite nearsghted and wears spectaclcs There
a is Preston King trying to catch the Speaker
q eye-a round jolly face and rolling gait, and ia
heavy fgure-a indicating anything but the malic
" which enter so largely into his votes and speeches
e. He, too. wears blue coat. The worst inyestmen
he has made, in many years. in trying to get tn
House to believe MIR. Cobb guilty of forgery. dis
graceful defeat rewarded his enterprise Immediate
" ly back of him is Judge Thompson, of the Erie dis
tn trct in this State whose goodhumored countenanc
and frequent jokes make everybody happy in his vi
re cinity He has the advantage over most men in tn
House in his voice, which is very strong and sono
~ rous, and commands attention His speech, a few
days ago. on the census bill. was one of the best
the session On the whg side there are three mem
ey bers whom you would like to know Edward Stanly
70 of North Carolina Henry Hilliard of Alabama an
Thomas L. Clingman, of North Carolina. Mr.. Stan
40 is of the bodest debaters of his party in tn
House, and has a most penetrating voice. He has
ed youthful face with large nose, and is below tn
nv average size. Mr. Hilliard the member he denoun
ced SO bitterly few days ago, and whose peacefu
character as clergyman prevented him from resor
ing to the code of honor is most prepossessing pei