The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1859-01-26
srNArnRIAL "REMINISCENCES.

hereafter to occupy, says the wilmington,
IN, c. Journal, was the occasion OF eyoklng
MANY historical "reminiscences connected
with the location Of the seat OF government ;
n the present district of Columbia, the dlt-
6culties originally encountered, and when
hadagain to be met and overcome after the
yandal act Of the British army IN 1914 when
the public buildings were laid IN ruins.
senator Crittenden made brief but eio-
ouent speech, referring in most feeling Lam
guare to the illustrious dead whose words OF
wisdom and patriotism had resounded through
the old Hall, with which their memories
would continue to be allied in the hearts Of
their grateful countrymen.
Vice President Breckenridge, on behalf OF
the committee Of arrangements, spoke at
Great length, glancing briefly over the SHIFT,
inc locations Of the seat of government, or,
rather, the meeting places of Congress, during
the Revolutionary struggle and under the
Confederation, until its location at Phlladel-
mia. after the adoption of the Constitution,
and its subsequent removal to the present
Federal District, the selection ct which,
with the carving out Of the necessary ar
rangements, was largely due TO the influence
and exertions Of President Washington.
The C;oyernment Of the United States re-
moved to the District OF Columbia on the
I1th of November 1900. the Senate occupy
inc one wing and the House the other wing
of the Capitol. On the cath OF August,
1914. the British Army entered the City and
burned the public buildings. This was 10
4he recess, When Congress next met, us
sessions we're held in brick building, known
a. Blodgcts Hotel, which stood on part OF
fbe square now occupied by the General Post
Once. Some public spirited citizens erect.
ed more commodious building on Capitol
Hill. and rendered il to Congress: the offer
was accented, and Congress continued to
occuny il until the wings of the new capitol
we're COMPLETED. The Senate occupied Tor
tho FIRST time the chamber they have just va
cated ON the 9th December, 1919, and 1t
b.s been the theatre of their deliberations
for more than thirty-nine years.
After referring to the history Of the Sen
ats--its greater participation now than al
the becinning, in the legislation, conees-
s;ou 40 the importance and individuality ol
the states-its growth in numbers, &C., Mt
Rreckenridge concludes with the following
eloouent tribute to those great men who have
occupied seats in that body, but who have
since gone to their account:
The Senate is assembled for the last tins
:, +his chamber. Henceforth it will be con
vprted TO other uses; yet il must remain Tor
ever connected with great events, and sacre'
10 the memories Of the departed orators an
statesmen, who have engaged in high debate;
and shaped the policy Of their country
Hereafter the American and stranger as the
wander through the Capitol, will turn wit
Instructive reverence to view the spot
which q MANY and great materials has
accumulated Tor history. They will r
calI the images of the great and II
Good whose renown il the common properi
a sf,he Union and chiefly, perhaps, they "
iinger around the seats occupied by II
mi9hty three, whose names and fame-ass
Gated in life-death has not yet been able
sever: Industrious men who in their gener
.;on sometimes divided, sometimes led. al
sometimes resisted public opinion-for tn,
were Of that higher class OF statesmen W
sect the right and follow their conviction
There AT G lhoan, The Senator-infexibi
austere. oppressed, but not overwhelmed,
bis deem sense Of the importance OF hIs pu
lie functions-seeking the truth, then iei
lessly following It; man whose unsPari
intellect compelled all his emotions 70 ~
monte with the deductions OF his rigorl
looic. and whose noble countenanee habit
ally wore the expression Of one engaged
the performance Of high public duties.
This was Webster's seat. lie, TOO, Y
every inch a Senator. Conscious OF his o
vast powers, he reposed with confidence
himself. and scorning the cOntrIyanee
smaller men, he stood among his peers
the greater for the simple dignity OF hrs Sc
torial ,demeanor. Type Of his north'
home, he rises before the Imagination IN
Grand and granite outline Of his form
Intellect, like a grand New England 70
repelling a New England wave. a awri
his productions will be cherished by stat
men and scholars, while the English ton
i spoken. Asa Senatorial! orator, has q
efforts are historically associated win
chamber. whose very air seems veto Nlb
beneath the strokes Of bis deep tones anu
weighty words.
IN tke other circle, sat Henry Clay, !
bis impetanus and arden. nature unta
by age, and exhibiting in the Senate
same vehement patriotism and passlc
.lo1uenre that. VI yore, electrified the u
~ Renresrrtaliyes aud the country.
extraordinary personal ENDORSEMENTS,
eourare-al HE noble qualities, inNe
him With an individuality and char
character which, iii any age, would
made I'm fayorite of history. lie
L;.ronntry above all earthly objects. lie
.d liberty In al countries. Illusirlous ma
nratpr. uatriot and philanthropist--w
I,yht. Ill III meridian, was seen and We
liz renp;est parts 81 The civilized "
and whose declining sun, as ithasiened
liz West. threw back is lovely bean
bae. ~ mellow splend0r, 70 illuminate
~ thser the land III loved and serve
well.
An the States may point with go
pride 70 the services ~ ihe senate p
rs,rio,ie som. Croading tie memory,
lie names d Adams, lIaynf, Mason,
Macon, Pinckney, aud the rest 8
number them--whu, in the record OF