Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-02-24
SKETCHES IN CONGRESS.


beuuusually Interested IN the national debates,
or else they come here to show their ne" bon
nets furs, and Eelvets, and TO get glance or
bow from the handsome young NJ C.s below
Mr.. George Washington WHY'S, who has
Just been compelled TO rise and give up MS
seat to pink silk bonnet, and any quantity OF
fouuces, says he believes firmly IN the latter,
OF course adhere to the former; jIst as though
we ladies' hadn't intellect enough to compre-
hend and appreciate the position held By al
kee land in the political world
The MONDAY light comes pouring through
the vast sky light, softened by the crimson
and amber tints, in which embiazoued the
armOrial crests Of the thirtv-one States ltiu-
mining an immense chamber, which presents
gay and lively scene The furniture and ap-
pointments are regally magnificent, from the
exquisite white marble steps and coIonnaoes
of the Speakers dais, and the luxurious car
pets that soften every football, to the oaken
chairs and desks, carved TO represent the star
~ shield Of American liberty, and the fres-
coed walls, rich in rare devices and emble-
matte faucIes.
Below, all is life and animation Sons Of
the members are talking together in little
knots, and some LurryiHg cut through the
aisles--some bend above their desks, wrapped
in the contents OF ponderous documents, while
the others lounge from place TO place, exchan-
ing word or smile with all who pass.
There are many here whose names are known
LIFE may feel Interested. viii endeavor to
draw slight sketch OF one or two Of the most
noted-uot as they appear through the dister-
ted glass of party or political preludtce, but
as they seen from the Ladies' Gallery OF
the House Representatives,.
Do ycu see that jOyidl-leokinS man, with
portIy figure and ruddy eoGntenance, who
leans 50 careiessiy against the walla That IS
Speaker Orr of South Carolina The House
is in the Committee of the Whole. and he has
temporarily resigned his throne amid the Grim
son velvet Cushions CT the chair. To judge
from his appearance, you would scarcely sus-
pect that an intellect gloved within that heavy
physique, and yet those who accustomed to
| feel the political pulse are we'll aware Of his
uutiring energy and ability
Mr.. BeruhiseI. the delegate from Utah, sits
| al his desk. near the door. He is small and
slender, with keen, frosty eye and high,
/ bald brow, fringed on either side by tall OF
| silyery hair. He is cold and quiet. and gen.
| orally sits with downcast head seeming TO take
| no interest whatever in the social converse OF
| those around
/ .-Oh. do point out the Utah delegate to
me - exclaimed u lady sitting directly behind
/ me, to her attendant cavalier. 81 went 70
visit the Washington Monument yesterday,
and now I want TO see that other marvel oi the
metropolis ="
s.Now isn't it strange returned the gen.
tIeman ssthat the two men in Washing ton who
] -
caauan who has no wife, and Mr.. BeTHhiseI,
who las haIf-a-dUzen ~
1 could not help smiling at this little episode,
/ for had already observed the truth of the
eentlemans assertion Indeed, L begin TO
/ fear that xe Of the fair sex making i very
great mistake in bestOwing so much OF our
attention on the unfortunate old bachelor and
| the Mormon disciple Of 'sBrother Brigham ~
/ Suppose that were uncOnSciously encouraging
( their horrid doctrine-for We don't know which
| is the worse deIusion OF the twoi Wouldn't
that be dreadful Ladies
Prominent among the members this session,
is James B. Clay, son OF -.Harry Of the West
He IS tall slender, and narrow che-ted, with
auburn hair. high cheek-boEes, and brow al
ready slightly furrowed. His profile, when In
repose bears vivid and startling resemblance
to that OF bis ilusiriOus father-the same tow
ering head. firm chin, and expressive lips are
| there, while his smile, winning and persuasive
reminds you irresistibfy Of the noble Ken
tuckian, now in his grave.
As speaker he is distinct, nervous, and
impressive, and possesses ! clear. piercing
voice Lock at him now as he utters few
! brief, yet pertinent remarks See the quick,
flexible motion of the wrist, and the graceful
/ play of the hand aud forednger. That motion
/ was peculiar to the gesture OF Henry Clay.
| and his son has unconsciously inherited II.
! Here comes Parrott, the delegate from
/ ssBleeding Kansas 2" atall, slight man with
/ Is Of glossy black, and his eyes are DARK and
restless, moving constantly from place TO
! place: How calmly he passes along, how
/ quiet and unobtrUsive Is his manner! yet We
/ do not believe that the thHnders of the IaqUI-
/ sitica itself could turn that man from the
] path on which be had determined TO treadi
The member whose is passed thro' MS,
/ and who is talking TO him in such j low, ear
/ nest voice, IS the noted Eli Thayer, of Aassa-
/ chCsetts- People say they look alike, and
/ truly one can trace ! resemblance IN the ex-
/ preston of their faces
Thaver is a noble-l0okiug man /; nature has
/ placed her uRmistakable patent OF royalty on
/ his brow. Observe that high, white forehead
! and those brilliant deep set eyes, the uacon-
/ scTous majesty Of his port, and the quiet Dig
/ nifty which pervades his every motion! His
/ wayy beard, which is very long, and of Je;
/ black, flows luxuriantly down over his breast,
/ presenting a strong contrast to the closely
/ shaven chins and trinity cut whiskers OF many
/ of the honorable members
That pale old gentleman, with parchment
colored skin, and head nearly devoid Of hair,
, is Letcher, Of Virginia, one of the a5fest rep
resentatives of the South. Wo betide the
uniucky Congressman who lays himself open,
by unguardcd assertion or illogical argHm eIt'
to the keen TetOrt of Letcher He SITS Ieah- @
ing forward against his desk, slowly Poisihs
his fingers together. with firmly coihpFesseo
Iips and apparentIy no emotion reiaXes the
.nsfera Gravity OF his immovab.e co1nte-
nance. Yet that man watches every sign that
! Ta4oLnrs IN what direction the current Of de-
bate NAV tnrn and not single word fails un-
headed on his ear
Put IL is growing late, and although there
are many other celebrities present. we must
defer commenting on them until next visit.
We descend innHmerabie stairs and pass thro'
4 srS eo--f6r~S rpsii AZ