Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-01-11
From our Washington Correspondent.

Other matters and things
WE'LL the old year has gone and the new one has
come and perfect carnival has it been at Washing
ton. Talk of Christmas in the South and Thanks
giving at the North but years day at Wash
ington eclpses them both. Every body seemed dis
posed to be happy-all in their HOLIDAY attire, with
smiling looks welcomed each other with " happy
new year." Congress, of course, was adjourned.
The houses of many were thrown open to friends,
and the tables groaned beneath the weight of good
things spread before them. The Maine LIQUOR law
was drowned for the day in oceans of Egg-Nogg,
Apple Teddy and Roman Punch and it would have
joyed the Irish heart of Father Matthew himself
have witnessed the happy occasion. /
The great point of attraction seemed to be the
Waite House, as the mansion of the President is
called. No President since the government was
formed, has ever had such reception. Although
the halls are spacious, and the East room extends
from North to South of the building, yet, so dense
was the crowd that on several occasions the doors
had to be closed until set gave way for another
The company entered the main door, and after pass
through, and paying their respects, they went out
on platform made from a window to the pavement.
From ~ until o'clock, continued stream of v-
ing persons were seem passing pressing through,
While the splendid Marine Band, with its cnliving
music urged their steps The Corps of Foreign Min
listers, in their gorgeous trappings, the Army and
Navy officers in full uniform, the gay attire of the
fair sex with their lovely faces, the grave Senator's
members of the House, and thousands of strangers
all combined, made the scene of much beauty and
;nterest-onc not soon to be forgotten. The rccep-
tions at the Houses of the Cabinet officers though
w
grafed to see the spacious parors of your country
man (Mr. Dobbin,) well garnishcd with the bright
eyes and lovely forms of SO many ladies, who
received with his accustomed urbanity. One of them
in smiling mood, is said to have repeated to a re-
lative who is about to be married. the lines of Sir
Water Scott
And the ide-maidens whispered were better by far
We had matched our fair Cousin with Dung LochiYar.
Many others, as General Armstrong Col Benton,
Mr.. Rives of the Globe, Major liaury had their
houses open to their friends To add to the scene,
the snow in order for fine sleighing and it
as if nature had joined in the universal hoyday, and
dressed herself lovely bride in white for the
casop. The merry sound of the bells, and bright
sunshine all added to the beauty and cnjoyments of
the day.
But now the day of mirth has gone, and that of
the workiI g-day world has commenced. The men,
bers who had gone to enjoy the comforts of home,
have returned, and Congress has commenced to work
in good earnest.
Judge Douglas Chairman of the Committee
Territories, has presented report relative to the
Nebraska Territory This report displays the usual
ability of the Little Giant and proves his devotion
to the true interest of the Union. His report will
be printed in few DAYS and | will forward YOU a
copy, which will please yo1 and your readers by its
sound and statesmanlike character The compro-
mise is recognised as finaty not only as t., the
present, but to all future legislation to territorial
governments. The provisions of the act of 1898 and
of Sept 1850, to persons escaping from their mas
tiers is fully recognised and appeals to the Supreme
Court allowed all questions involving the right
to slaves without regard to the matter controversy
The sincerity of members will now be tested and it
will be shown who are for the Union, and who are
factonists and traitors. Judge Douglas has won for
himself increased fame, by the soundncsS of his
gument and the boldness with which his positions
maintained.
The Senate has before it an interesting question,
to the right of a Senator to seat under the au
thority of the Governor which whom was moot
ed with you. Samuc! S. Phelps appointed by
the Governor to fill the vacancy occasioned by the
death of William upham, Senator from Vermont,
whose term of service will expire 4th March, 1855.
The Constitution o. art, Sd scc) says that the APP
pointment, thus temporary, shall hold until the
next meeting of the Legislature, which shall then
fill such vacancy" The Legislature of Vermont has
! met since, and has failed to make choice, and adj
journe: According to some, the powers of Mr.
Phelps expired with the adjourni ~ of the Legsia
trc for it their duty to have filled the vacancy
This question will be very interesting 1t is said
too, that Governor Footc has appointed D. A. Rus
sci, late Auditor of Accounts Senator from Mis-
sissppi. These questions should be settled now,
when great detriment arise. 1t might so hap
pen, from a close state OF parties, that one vote
would be most important.
The Senate has referred the Pacific Rail Road
question to select committee on motion OF Mr.
Gwinn by decided vote thus evincing their apprc-
citation of the deep Importance of the question: and
the absolute and urgent necessity for this important
work. That it ,ciU be done all wish and believe,
but hO,c it is to be done, none can conjecture
! The Senate has adjourned over to Monday.
! In the House much business has been commenced,
! and the elements have become more settled. 1t has
! been fondly hoped by our Wing friends that some
! outbreak on hand and that our party was in a
most discortant state. But their wish was father
to the thought" One of the Wing meetings in North
! Carolina charged upon the Administration an OIL
cous ntermedng with State politics, and instanccd
| the case of Judge Bronson You will recoliect that
in my first letter the idea ridiculed Of any
rous cause of disaffection towards General Pierce
This instanccd by the prompt and efficient Or
ganizaon of the House, under the old and tried Of
ficers. The Sentinel has in vain groanod over this
removal of the Collector. The New York Herald
with its accustomed audacity has demanded the re-
| movai of the Cabinet and the penny liners OF the
federal hacks have been most anxious to create the
opinion that the administration had not the conf
dence of the country of Congress By the en-
resolution of Mr. Cutting, of New York, this idle
hope has disappeared and the party presents an I'M
divided front in the hour of trial The House. by a
vote of 1O4 to &C. decided to lay the whole question
on the table. The resolution simply one for IN
formation and correspondence between the treasury
and Judge Bronson. While many do not think that
any correspondence polite, yet it was matter
which could lead to any Legislative action in the
House. and of no possible benefit to the country.
i The bill also from the Senate, making the Assls-
tant Secretary of Treasury, Presidential and Sena
tor;al appointment is yet before the House. Ihis
officer is of importance and high salary Every
office of similar grade is conferred by the Pres
dent and Senate and to deny to the President this
right implies want of confidence. 1t IS believed
it will pass although most powerful efforts are made
to prevent it. 1t is urged that it is egslang on IN
dvidua cases. If principles, just and true, should
benefit or iniure that not the question. Is right
is it proper ?-is it constitute onal? IF so no ono
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