New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-02-07
FROM WASHINGTON.
THE EFFECT OF THE CONTEST-NR
BANKS IN THE CHAIR.
From Our Own Couespondent
WASHINGTON, Monday, Feb. 4, 1856

WASHINGTON, Monday Feb. 4, l556.
The coalition. though sore at the defeat of Gov
Aiken begins 10 submit to the DEGREES Of fate /.
cannot successfully resist The Democrats and the
South Americans equally claim the victory over
each other But the candid OF both factions admit
they were completely outwitted by the practical
effect of the Plurality resolution. They supposed,
from the votes OF Friday, that al the NATIONAL
Gentlemen were to be trusted upon the final and
irving test. In this calculation they seemed to
forget that those who were capable OF betraying
their constituents were not quite equal to the exae
tons of fidelity elsewhere. The force and morthea
ton Of this disappointment are visited most Aeeniy
upon the half dozen " North Anne ricans' VINO de-
serted their Southern allies at the moment u
greatest emergency; and all attempts at extenua'
from have only been followed by the most scorn-
fnl excavations The bonds now efectuaily
broken. and il will be utterly impracticsble 70
nroduce such a reconciliation as VIII unite theso
interests again. Like man and woman who
have once loved each other, and then rrecOnclls'
bly separated their hatred Is now mercer IMAM tne
FIRST passon. Altogether the fate OF these patriotic
walters on Providence is truly melancholy. Des
pised by their late associates; discarded by the
two great parties of the House, and having 10
narty of their own, they know not where to turn
for comfort. or from whom 10 seek liberation. Let
us extend to them the hand Of forbearance'
Mr.. Banks appeared in the Speakers chair THIS
morning. for the first time as presiding ohcsr.
The promptitude, decision and quetness WIN
which he dispatched business al once I a'rac'ea
the good opinion aud confidence OF the House IN
his ability and superior qualifications. Everybody
conceded that the man for the place had been
chosen and none were more ready IN their ac-
knowledg ment than the Members who mad oeen
most Jealous in the eEdeayor to compass MS deieaI
Following the clear line of duty and seeing the
path quickly and plainly, he cannot fan TO impress
himself strongly upon the House, ana TO win over
whatever feelings of prejudice may yet remain.
In a long experience here, have never yet seen
any man ascend the Speakers chair with the same
consciousness of power andtbe same self-possessed
ease in the performance of oil the functions oil the
office.
After the Members were sworn In, aud notice
was given by Mr.. Grow and Mr. Campbell to
scrutinze the credentials of the Delegate from
Kapsas-Mr. Whitfeld-at the proper time,
resolution was offered to proceed forthwith with
the election of Clerk. This failed, but subsequently
a resolution declaring the Hon. VIM. Cullom Of
Tenn Clerk was presented, and, alter the House
refused 10 table it, was carried by the handsome
majority of 80 votes. The compliment was well
deserved; for no man in the last congress mad
been more earnest III tAc -NNOAooho ohh "
of iniouities and none had suffered more severely
from the consequences of that vote. Gen CullOm
was entitled to this mark of respect on another
account; for when the South deserted in the can
yass of lc52, he stood CALAMITY and faithfully BY
Gen. Scott and did not for an instant yield to the
persuasons or intimidations which were then en-
ployed to deter men from the discharge of political
duty. There may be other honors yet In reserve
for him.
AS Lent draws near, the Winter Carnival Of
Washington is crowded into every possible
space, to appropriate the remaining days which
good Christians may enjoy without ofiense to Or
thodoxy. Parties of all kinds are, therefore, hud-
died together and is no unusual thing for three
or four to compete with each other for several
nights of the week. On Thursday last there was
quite an amusing contest: On one side, between
fashionable house on the Went End, and that Of
the chief grocer who entertained every extreme
on the East End. To night fashion will divide
her attractions between the Secretary of the Ise-
ror, Mr.. McLelland, and Gen. Webb Of The Co1r-
Ter and Enquirer INDEX.