Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-03-03
gOtai aNO AfrsOnal.
Congressional vent.-During the prssen,

| Congressional Vent.--During the present
week, the House has held evening sessions, with
a view of affording members an opportunity for
general debate, on such subjects as they might
| fancy, 10 place themselves right before their
respective constituencies, or TO advocate measures
which The public interests seemed 10 demand; a
resolution having been previously adopted, strictly
combining discussion TO the subjects pending at
times other than during evening sessions.
Among the topics Of general debate, Know
nothingsm and Abolitionism were prominent;
and, occasionally, the tedium would be disturbed,
aud The listeners entertained, with sharp orators
cal encounters. Questions asked would be an.
swered, sometimes with commendable camness
and irankness, and at others with an earnestness
which approached almost TO that point where zeal
terminates and personal ofense commences. For
tunately, no gladiatorial encounters ensusd, nor
is il expected that any will; and this we state as
respectful suggestion that if any persons visit the
Hall of Representatives to see handto-hand con-
test they may be disappointed.
The attendance OF members, however, al those
evening sessions, was not large. On several &C.
casions, fifteen or twenty only Of them were in
their seats !; and all of them, probably, wished TO
make speeches; but, of course, all could not be
Immediately grati6ed
The galleries, as usual, toward the close of a
session, were well filed with both ladies and gen.
temen. We suspect, however, that the speeches
were for that respectable class known as the Bun
combe family for the reason, that Congressional
speeches do not convince members OF the I'M
soundness of long-cherished political views, and
that they had no relation 10 questions pending or
awaiting legislative action.
Musical.-The Philharmonic Society are TO
give another delightful concert, at Carusi's Sa-
loon, next Tuesday evening, and will be aided by
Mrs. Franklin, Of this city, and Mrs Burns OF
New York. on that occasion.
This society, few weeks ago, gave a concert
at Carusis Saloon, and applied the receipts for
the benefit of the roor.
The National Iateihgeneer of yesterday morn
ing says
"This society is laborng diligently and success
fully to elevate the standard Of musical taste in
our city, and we trust the whole community may
be led to appreciate the value Of this important
service, and to encourage the effort IN progress.
Vocal music should be universal accom-
plishment. Whoever has voice should sing, and
sing correctly. The impulse of song is sponia-
neous in every breast, and every savage gives
expression 10 il !; but, among civilized men, SO
skllful are the instructed few that the untuiored
many suppress the emotion that prompts 10 song
rather than betray their want Of skill and thus
not only is the voice of melody silenced, but the
best emotions of the heart also stihed with II.
"To reform this we would have vocal music an
essential part of the exercises of every school.
Its fundamental principles should be thoroughly
taught, and practice in singing should be constant
and always guided in an improving manner. The
happiness of each individual, the harmony of fami-
lies the social intercourse of friends and neigh
bors, and the zesl of many public occasions, not
to speak OF the most solemn and important OF
all, are wonderfully promoted by the ability OF
every person 10 unite in vocal harmony. II is
reflection upon these topics that has impressed us
with an earnest desire for the creation OF a love
of vocal music in our community, and for the ele-
walton OF the popular taste which such associa-
tons as The Philharmonic adapted 10 produce.
We therefore cordially commend to public patron
age the concert on Tuesday evening, and hope
that the hall may on that occasion be graced by
the presence OF the best and faires Of the people
of Washington"