Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-03-03
VOL. 4.---N0. q.
SKETCHES IN CONGRESS
From Life Illustrated.

FROM bltc lliustrAteu-
or course our readers have all heard OF
Clancy Jones, of Pennsylvania, the leader Of
the House, and the Presidential organ. There
he sits, at his desk, quietly opening letters,
looking over newspapers, and filing docu-
ments He has fine bald head, light-eolored
hair and whiskers, and pleasant expression
of countenance. The looker-on would almost
be tempted to believe that he possesses the
art of ssdoing several things at time" for
even while busted in glancing over his cores
pondence. he keeps up lively conversation
with member at his elbow, and every now
and then jotS down a memorandum of some
point made by the speaker now addressing the
House. @
The gentleman sitting near him, with pro.
fusion of dark curls and restless Southern
eye, is Lawrence II. keitt, of South Carolina.
lie leans carelessly on his desk, sometimes
listening TO the orator, and sometimes gazing
around the galleries, as If to recognize some
| familiar face in the crowds there. He is not
an agreeable speaker. jerking out his phrases
| and sentences in manner that reminds you
| of a pump handle, and using variety of un-
| graceful gestures. Besides all this, he arches
| his brows, corrugates his forehead, and con-
| torts his whole countenance, when absorbed
| in some eager debate. in a manner more ludi-
| crous than imposing. 1t calls to our mind tho
| anecdote reported of him a year or two ago,
| that when engaged in an enthusiastic speech,
| he became SO ssfast and fuIious'' in his grima-
ces, that member on the opposition side
| quietly rose and moved to point of order
| This being admitted, he wagishly inquired
! sswhether it was in order for the gentleman
from South Carolina to make faces at his op-
| ponents ?' This query, and the peais of laugh
| ter with which it was hailed, proved decided
| damper to his enthusiasm!
a sudden hush prevails throughout tho
| House, as Alexander III. Stephens, of Georgia,
| rises to speak. His appearance has often been
| infinitely described yet every time you SEQ
him, you are involuntarily struck by the same
singular sensation. His figure is small, slen-
der, and delicate as that of a boy; it is said
he weighs scarcely hundred pounds. and his
head seems unnaturally large in proportion to
| that slight frame. The face is pallid and
CHASTITY, and bears the distinct impress of
, physical pain and disease, but his eye is keen,
restless, and piercing as that of a falcon. See
how earnestly he gesticulates with those long,
, white fingers, while every word he speaks seems
. to thrill through and through his fraif physique!
His voice is a thrill treble, heard plainly above
the hum and murrnur of the House, which,
, indeed, is somewhat subdued, as his we'll
known eloquence and ability command deep
, interest from all quarters. He sinks back pale
and exhausted into his seat; but this debility
does not long endure, for the giant powers OF
energetic intellect have so completea command
over the diseased body, that in five minutes
he is again busied in debate.
| That portly gentleman whose huge enJoin.
point corresponds well with his good-humored
face, is Humphrey Marshall, OF Kentucky one
of the ablest members and soundest debaters
. of the House. He doesn't believe in the pre-
valent fashion of luxuriant boards, but closely
shaven, and, with pleasant smile on his coun-
teDance, and chestnut hair, slightly sprinkled
. with gray, presents the very embodiment OF
good health good temper, and good fellowship.
, The gentleman who leans back in his seat,
talking to Marshall, is Henry Winter Davis, OF
, Maryland. He has remarkably black eye, a
, profusion of jetty hair, parted his brow,
and closely trimmed moustache on his upper
lip. Our readers will probably remember him
! as having held prominent place in the Cor
,, ruptioA Committee last winter. He is a bril-
liant and witty speaker, and great favorite
with the fairer portion of his auditors, who
|, pronounce him sslove of pretty man. Less
impulsve and partial judges, however, think
, him too showy arsOrator to possess correspond
, ing depth of idea and argument.
We must suspend our crayon for while
: for some cne has moved to adjourn; there i;
, a rush to the doors, both from House and gal
leries, and in a few moments all that is left or
, this scene, sacred to national talent and states
: manship, will be few reporters, and one OF
: two lingering pages and officials.
: Mrs. GEORGE W. WYLLYs.