The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-04
Local Matters.

The FUsEnAL.-The Capitol was more quiet than
usual yesterday morning. As the Senators and
Representatives entered, they repaired at once to
their respective chambers, and took their seats and
visitors. in like manner proceeded to the galleries
of the House of Representatives. Many of them
ladies, whose desire to witness the impressive
ceremonies of the day induced them to disregard
its freezing rain.
At noon the Speaker Of the House assembled to his
chair. The members were already present in full
numbers, and a Sabbath like stiffness prevailed
The insignia of mourning could everywhere be
seen, and in the space in front of the Clerks desk
two small velvet tresscls placed. The
House was formally called to order, and a brief
prayer offered up by the Chaplain.
General Winfield Scott, with single officer of
his staff, then entered in full uniform, and pro-
ccedcd to sofa assigned them. at the left Of the
Clerks desk. General S.was for time the prom
inent and general mark of observation. Were he
unknown, his form and bearing would insure this ;
but the associations now connected with him ap-
pear. even among people to whom great men are
80 familiar, to rivet attention upon him. A few
members of the House approached him to pay their
respects but the incompatibility of this with the
solemnity of the scene prevented the imitation of
their example by Others
After time the coffin of the deceased was ST.
lently borne in and deposited upon the tressels
have described; and with it came small company
of friends, two ladies in complete mourning, three
other ladies' and some eight or ten gentlemen, be-
sides Senators Houston and Rusk, and Hon. volney
E. Howard, the only remaining Representative
from Texas.
The Senate of the United States was then an
nounced, and, all present arose, its members
A.. - Ar
the Vice President taking his place at the Speakers
left. Mr.. Clay was not in this procession, but had
entered the house alone, and taken his scat imme-
diately in front of the Speaker. He did not
his blue cloth cloak, but remained well wrapped up
and unvaryng in his position. We had never
before seen him look much like an old, old man.
The damp and gloomy day had perhaps conspired
with the passing scene to depress him or it may
be that he was not in health. We do not know; but
sure that, from his appearance, no one
would believe his voice could be audible in the
Senate, much less that, by the power of his elo
quence he could control or influence its deibera-
tons. His face shrunken and shrivelled, his eyes
lustreess and heavy, his mouth in repose only
when open and expressionless, he seemed to have
80 long since passed into the lean and slippered
pantaoon," AZ to be no longer suited to the ardent
encounters of the Senate. And yet, with few
rays of sunshine upon his brow and upon his heart,
how he can be himself again. old only in years!
The Supreme Court of the United States
then announced, and entered in their black robes,
preceded by the Marshal, Mr.. Wallach, and fol-
lowed by the Clerk, Mr. Carroll--a venerable and
digniicd body of men. The tall form of Chief
Justice fancy appears also to be yielding to the
pressure of years on frai form and probably
feeble constitution.
DO, D.. .1l( ~. n al
The members of the Cabinet took their places
within the circle in front Of the Speaker, while the
President asccnded to seat at his right hand. He
had entered the Hall arm in arm with Mr.. Web
ster. What contrast did they present! MIR.
Webster, of darkest bilious temperament, massive
brow, large, dark. penetrating and expressive eye.
and austere men; the President, of round and full
development fiorid complexion, mild and gentle
features, and eye Of blush hue and kind express
sion, appeared, of the whole assembly, to be that
man whom one might approach in familiar terms
with the greatest certainty of receiving pleasant
and we'll considered response. We remember that,
under the anxieties OF the Presidential Office. Mr.
Polk soon grew thin, and careworn, and grny. five
are not mistaken, the reverse is the with Mr..
Fillmore, for we do not think we have seen him
looking better than at present. Buthc has no Mexi
can var hand, political strics nopcrsonal hos
tilics; and, in all the duties before him, he has
but to traverse path as familiar in its every wind
ing that he once pursued to school, with we'll
worn satchcl slung behind him.
The impressive funeral service was read by the
accomplished and truly talented chaplain of the
Senate, but in cadences he should learn TO avoid.
Every kind OF manncrism in reading is offensive to
the ear, but especially so when dignity and solem-
nifty are required.
To the brief sermon, delivered by Mr. Gurley,