Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-12-25
1T MUST BE FOR THE BETTER.

In repubishing the following graphic pencngs
OF the Baltimore American, We cannot refrain from
expressing strong conviction that more order, har-
nony and dignity will characterize the deliberations
10 the new hall of Representatives aud that q state
OF things will be brought about which was utterly
impossible in the Babsllike elements Of the old hail.
Tho acoustic qualities of the new ball have, we be.
ii,ve been fully tested aud hereafter the peoples
representatives. will have no for holding their
de,,berative room liable for confusion aud dis
order; but will be themselves held directly re.
sonn.ible for the unbeoomiug scenes such as
marked the history of the old hall. We truet
,ba, they will return from the halowed associa
lions of th. blessed festive season, filled with a
proper spirit Of their high and resolved
80 discharge their important duties as patriots and
good citizens, with single eye to the peace, har
mony and prosperity Of the confederacy.
Beautiful and gorgeous as may he the new Hail. it
wants the imposing grandeur of the chamber which
they have just left. But it has the pre- eminent adj
vantage of fitness for the great purposes for which it
was designed. and sadly disappointed and mortified
will the great public be, il scenes Of wild disorder shall
cas-: stain upon the representative proceedings Of
/. constitutional government that should be beacon
G,h, 10 the world. Every cttisen of tho Rspnhii"
looks with pride upon the classic splendor and gram
deur Of the extended Captol-he feels an interest in
each glowing picture and speaking marble that msy be
ne-.persed through the gorgeous structure, to CON-
memorate the gores of past history. But, while
thus rejoicing a. the display of elegance and comfort
e the representatives Of the people, each individual
will look anxousy to the future hopefully trusting
that these nuncent arrangements may not be- desc
-.,.a nv the shrek of faction or the hoarse conten
ton OF civil strife:
THE NEW HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Tho removal Of the House of Representatives into
the new hall appointed for their reception in the
South. we., wing Of the Capitol extension, was &C.
complished last week in very nnceremonious and
business like manner. The Speakers hammer the
Clerk. inksand aud stationery, the contents OF the
Members desks and the great piles of undlsriouted
documents were carried over from the old place oil
meeting and after drawing for precedence OF seats
the worthy legislators of the land sat down IN the
b.aursu, arm chairs Of oak, beneath the richly deco
rated ceiliug Of scarlet and gold and stained glass;
and began expectorae tobacco juice and TO elevate
their pedal extremes in air after the old fashion,
There no ceremony OF Inauguration whatever.
no formal dedication Of the room to the purposes OF
patriotic guardianship the interests of the coun-
iry The Hon. Mr. Orr was called upon for no occ..
sionel speech and after usual prayer from clerical
volunteer. and the call of the roll by tbs proper of.
deer the routine OF legislation went usual in
It's own noisy and undigufed way. Perhaps there
Hss no need OF pomP ana display upon the &C.
.ssioo We do observe certain formaNiiies in
ooeuine most public buildings designed for uses
Of a general character. Churches are most ap-
prop.istely dedicated to the worship Of God by
The solemn services Of prayer and praise, &C.
oompanisd by discourse suited to the hour lyceams
and libraries institutes and academies, are opened
with literary festivities theatres and opera houses are
honosed upon the night of opening by poetca! ad.
dresses in which Italia aud Mepomsne, Euterpe and
Poyhymnia figure to great advantage, while works
M ART and structures, reared in homags
TO departed greatness, are inaugursted with all the
cola: that military parade, the charms OF oratory and
the graces OF song eud 10 the suspicious ceieora
tion. But the Hall of the House of Representative
il No longer sacred to any tu;elsry genius supposed
like the ivory Minerva Of the Parthenon, to preside
over The d-s,nies of the country. Congress we ap'
preheni, recognises no sentiment OF loyalty 70 an
Imaginary Goddess Of Union, in the perpetual wrang'
iin:s which absorb its attention. II craven Image
should be erected in the new hail. typical OF the spirit
.bsi cbarscterisss their discussions aud to stand a.