The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-01-22

Holiday Pleasures-Business Of the .Sesion-The Know
Nothing Quesion-7e Minnesota and Northwestern Rail
Road Compdny-Remoual Of J. E. Observation-Disclosures
of the 1driG, dc.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 1855.
I have just returned to the Capitol from
home where have been spending the
Christmas Holidays, amid the merriment
and hearty joyousness of friends and fami-
ly, it is not to be wondered at that l forgot
politics. All was happiness and bright
prospect in the future. The past and its
animosities went into oblivion, and palms
unacquainted for years struck cheerily to-
gether in sincere friendship. Relaxation
from business at such seasons, and a free
joining in all its attendant pleasures, gives
one better heart to continue his struggle in
the battle Of life. At least 1t is so with
me, and here l am again to do my best in
keeping you accurately advised of matters
and things.
There are of the session still eight weeks
remaining, time hardly sufficient for legisla-
ton on subjects urgently demanding imme-
date action. Two days of each week are
set apart by the rules for the consideration
of private business. The calendars of both
houses are now burthened with it, and
therefore it is fair to presume that the Fri
days and Saturdays will be lost to bust
ness of a public nature. This condition of
affairs is bad but it has the good effect Of
at once and earnestly bringing the minds
of members to the consideration of the bill
for the creation of the Board of Claims
Congress onght to fix and legislate on gen.
eral principles and leave the construction of
their laws to the courts and departments
If in individual instances injury be done
individuals let them be looked into and adj
uste d on equitable grounds by board in
stituted for the purpose. This done, pub
lie business will be properly matured and
acted on: and better still, accusations will
not be as they are now, rife through the
country of corruption against Congress-
men. Special Committees will not be raised
to see and report whether members have
received brides for their votes on the ex-
tension of Colts, McCormicks' Wood
worths', or any other patent, or the grant
ing of the Collins steamers large additional
compensation
All of the general appropriation bills
have been reported to the House and most
of them are now in the Senate for it's con-
concurrence. That body will, I have no
doubt, swell the Civil and Diplomatic and
the Army and Navy Appropriation Bill, to
twice their original size by amendments,
and thus postpone their passage until the
last days of the session. Squabbles and
lively debates will ensue in both houses, and
demands may be made for satisfaction
'even at the pistols mouth" They are men
of honor and therefore must in certain
cases indulge in the quiet and edifying
amusement Of seeing who can measure the
others length upon the earth. Congress
sional duels have become by-word and re-
proach among the people "Every bullet
has its billet" but during my service here
no honorable has been entertainer. try
very hard to forget, indeed l sometimes
strain myself on the point, that once on
time, two of our highest legislative dignita-
ries, marched on cold and bracing Febra-
airy day, in military pomp and silent gran
deur, to the renowned battlefield of Blad-
ensburg, and at ten PAGES distance blazed
away three several times with remarkable
nerve and commendable accuracy of aim,
without coming at any shot within yard
of either of their blessed corporosities. Sat-
isfaction was had and they rushed affection
ately into each others arms. Their friend
ship during that day and the succeeding
evening, was elevated, if not by good feel
ing, at least by as good brandy and other
equally good spirit raisers as could be had
in this city Of magnificent distances.
Sharp discussion has lately taken place in
the House on the Know-Nothing question.
Those friendly to the organization and NAV
be members of it, have regalcd that BODY
with some tip-top transccndental eloquence.
They have carried the American Eagle far
beyond human vision, though aided by
Lord Ross telescope, with load too heavy