The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-03-06
NO. 2l8.
For the National Era.
rgTTERS FROM THE CAPITOL.
WASHINGTON, March 3, 1851.

ito coup to the Capitol at an earlier hour than
-. and NY morning has been sadly inter
ruPted' ,....,, - a.u ..
.,ntess My winter in washington has been
- great enjoyment, and have sincere regret
:. r,rtinr from SO many whose society has given
ho,b pleasure and profit During the past
'|.,ontbs we have been having at DR.. B-'s,
:. saturday evenings, social, informal parties
Zee Soil sonfes-gatherings together OF the
.,..t for COUNSEL aid, and comfort" On Satur-
I.v night last, these pleasant reunions came TO
:. and amid general and earnest expressions OF
regret , :.
.,,.o agreeable but rather exclusive, soirees was
NJ Root of Ohio, who will not, am sorry to
s.v return to Washington next session lie has
oIded much to the life and gayety of our circle
A great lover and 'provoker Of laughter-an in
Oorriqible wag he is yet, as you doubtless well
,,now q true fearless, and earnest man. He has
n,,ved his part faithfully since he has been here,
aui under circumstances well calculated to test
his temper and capacity. With all his humor,
mirthfuness, and good nature, he is not an antag-
oo;st to be lightly estimated, nor one with whom
his opponents are particularly anxious to engage
Though not fierce hsnd-to-hand gladiator, he
il skilful maiadOr, shaking his red mantle as II
pspOrt, but giving keen, quick, effective strokes
under it.
Perhaps, the one in our circle most honored
and beloved is Mr.. Giddings Of Ohio. large
and fearless spirit has in him fitting embodl-
ment. He is think, the most powerfully built
man in the House--tall, fullchested, broad-shoul-
dered, sort of political Ajax, full of energy and
endurance, while bis happy, genial countenance
shows that the generous feelings of his early
manhood are yet alive and fresh-he is, thank
Heaven, good for many years more Of noble &C
ton. Mr.. Giddings talks of going to the Worlds
Fair hope he will not fail to forward himself,
for we could hardly send finer specimen CT
American manhood g.
MIR. Durkee of Wisconsin is one of the friends
we most prize fle possesses a most liberal and
benevolent spirit, warm, social feelings and pure,
reformatory principles. He has the m ost abiding,
unfailing happy faith in the speedy triumph of
the right-in the speedy coming of that promised,
prayed-for, long-tarrying "good time" Why,
he actually believes in the Millennium that the
final redemption Of the human mind from err
ror, the human heart from crime Of human lives
from wrong and suffering, Is not lying hope,
divine mOckery that liberty and justice are not
cold distractions beautiful ideals, but Gods own
realities, the priceless heritage of his children,
whose rights He himself shall vindcate at last
Mr. Mann and MIR. Allen of Massachusetts,
Mr. Julian of Indiana, Mr.. Doty of Wisconsin,
Mr. Wilmot Of Pennsylvania, Mr.. Colt and
Preston King Of New York, have been among
our most welcome visiters-and fine set of hon.
est, earnest, and sensible men they are, with clear
heads and kindly hearts, quick impulses, but
firm principles.
Governor Cleveland of Connecticut frequently
looked in upon US. He is a very agreeable, but
an ambitious man, | fear for not content, as
many legislator would be, with the reputation
of being one of the handsomest men in Congress
he aspires to win still higher fame by the ad-
vOcacy of sentiments just and noble, to-day. I'M
popular, but having within themselves the germs
of future honor. This nurturing young CEN
fury plant is not such egregious folly after all.
True, you may never see its blossoming, but eyes
which caught their brightness from yours may
grow brighter as they gaze on it in the days to
come
March 4, 1851.
left my letter rather abruptly yesterday,
AMI went up to the Capitol l was so fortunate
as to be present in the House at the passage Of
the resolution for the aid of Kossuth 1t was
really beautiful and cheering to witness the
ready and almost unanimous action Of our Rep
resentatives upon this question. On the last day
of the session, when overwhelmed with business
Of the most pressing importance, they yet turned
aside in the spirit Of chivarous fraternity, to
give countenance and assistance to Hungary's
unfortunate patriot and his brave associates. All
honor to them for their generous impulses--their
magnanmity-for their sympathy with the fall
en-for their recognition of the universal brother.
hood of freemen. never felt 90 proud of my
country as at the moment when that resolution
passed turned an exulting look upon the face
OF an English friend who stood at my side and
he, by his sympathy, added not little to the pa
triotlc glorying which swelled my heart.
But pride must have a falln is an old saving.
ana II soon proved itself in most melancholy
and notifying manner.
10 the early part Of the evening session. in the
House, there was, as you win have seen personal
rencounter between Mr.. Stanly and Mr.. Cling
man, the wrong and disgrace Of which would seem
to rest upon the shoulders of the latter gentle
man ~ He began an alteration with Mr.. STAN
", calling him opprobrious names, and followed
them with bow. Though of passionate nature,
ana OF keen, sarcastic temper, Mr. Stanly is said
70 nave been wonderfully calm and forbearine in
his language toward his bitter and violent anta0.
On'st' of course, there will be meeting Per.
maps as Mr.. Clingman threatened, not 80 blood.
less an one as the late affair between Messrs
otaniy and lnge. Well, must say that hone
II one or the other must fall it will not be he who
mas suffered the insult and the wrong Mr.. Stan.
-, 70 one OF the most fearless, Independent, and
noeral OF the Southern members, beside being an
'0'o anu spirited speaker, and finished gentle
nun Ihe country could sooner spare the en-.
N,e squad OF reckless and belligerent legislators.
O SOCK 10 make Of the floor of Congress an
,.' "a '0r The bully who wanting equally the con.
~Ol.,ng force of high intellect and the weight Of
moral principle would settle the ag.;rs % the
On " the pistol, the ie-knife, or chival-
rous resort to fisticufs
1'ePy regretted that Mr. StanIy should &C.
Sep' a cnaiense-i shall the more deep,v regret
wa,0 ',auing one He should never more give the
ign. OF his example to the horrible barbaritv
~. infernaity Of duelling. lie cannot himself
MS own deepest heart, approve OF the practice
49,. Oeiie'e that he is mistaken, If he thinks
mat public opinion, even in the South ,eou;,..