Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-03-24

A GLANCE INTO THE U. S. SENATE.

A GLANCE INTO THE u. s. SENATE.
That short, portly, li:tle gentleman, in the
midst of yonder group of politicians, is Stephen
A. Douglas, we'll known as the ssLittle Giant"
You would hardly imagine, from his diminu-
tive figure, the consummate talent and the
depth of ambition lurking in his brain. His
glossy black hair is brushed smoothly above
his forehead, and his curved jet eyebrows
give an arch, good -humored expression to his
clean-shayen counienance. A great part of
his personal popularity is probably owing to
his cordiality of manner. He has the art-or
nature, we scarce know which-of conveying
an affectionate interest and earnestness into
his bearing toward every one. He glides to
the side of some crusty old Senator, passing
his arm, schoolboy fashion, around his waist,
and speaking in low confidential whisper,
until the wrinkles relax on the elders brow,
and he is gradually s.brought overs by the
winning manners of Douglas. And the next
time your eyes fall on him, he is eagerly con-
versing with knot of gray-haired men at the
other end of the room, with his hand resting
caressingly on the shoulder of his next neigh
Dor. All there is a deal of diplomacy in the
touch of that light hand and we should not
wonder if Stephen A. Douglas rode into the
White House, some day, on the very strength
of that genial manner and fascinating smile.
| Senator Gwin, of California, stands, erect
| and stately, by the Speakers desk, glancing
| over the contents of San Francisco newspa.
per. He is rather tall, with thick gray hair
and finely cut Roman nose, which gives char
| acter to the whole of his grave face.
John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, one of
Americas finest scholars and most polished
| orators, sits yonder, beneath the galleries-a
white haired old man, his form bent, and his
| face furrowed by a thousand wrinkles. The
first glance at him gives stranger the idea of
extreme age. but when you meet the fash of
his dark fiery eyes, you are at once convinced
| that age has not dimmed the lamp of his spirit
and genius.
Senator Seward, of New York, is pacing up
and down the center aisle, in deep thought,
with his hands clasped behind him. He is a
| fine figure, with iron-gray hair, Roman profile,
| and an eye whose eagle-glance seems to pene-
trate like shaft OF lightning into your inmost
soul. He is one of the crowned kings of in
| sed of the keenest sense of honor and of right.
| Mr.. Pugh, of Ohio, is youthful-looking, and
rather handsome, with dark-brown curls, lux
uriant whskers, and pale, thoughtful coun-
| tenance. Jefferson Davis, of Miss, whose
seat is diagonaly opposite, and who has long
been distinguished as valiant soldier, judi
cous statesman, and chivalrous Southern gent
| has brnn IN of
expression, with dark, brilliant eye, and hair
thickly streaked with gray.
John Slidell, of Louisiana, sits near Davis.
His face is enainently of the dristocrdtic type,
| naughty and severe in it's lines, with high brow
and compressed lips. The silver hair hang
| ing over his forehead forms a fine contrast to
his blue eye and ruddy, healthy complexion.
The portly gentleman, of rotund proper
tions, who occupies one of the foremost row
of seats, is Preston King of New York, uni
versal favorite, as well in the senatorial halls
as in the social circles of Washington. The
SHOWS of advancing age that have scattered
their white blossoms on his head, only serve
to give kinder expression to his genial face
and beaming smiles.
The ladies', however, are very much shock
| ed to hear that he is an incorrigible old bach
elor. This reminds US of bon mot of Senator
Hale on the subject. A few days previous to
the meeting of Congress, the St. Nicholas car
riage, crowded with ladies, was just leaving
the hotel in New York for the cars, while one
or two gentlemen on the back seat were nearly
smothered by the tide of travelling dresses
Senator Douglas and his beautiful wife were
among the number. The driver was just
mounting his seat, when the good-humored
countenance of Mr.. King appeared at the
| door.
| ssThere's no use trying, King!' cried Mr..
Hale, from an obscure corner of the vehicle,
s.there's altogether too much crimoline here
for bachelor of your age and dimensions 20