Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-12-18

Impressive POliticO. X cIiGiOus Ceremony
Three Defeated Candidates Taking the
YniI.
A correspondent of the New York Mercury
thus relates an impressive ceremony, lately
participated in by several defunctionaries:
A most impressive and solemn scene was
presented recently, at the Cathedral of the
Bleeding Confe6eracy, on the occasion of the
taking of the vail by three young gentlemen:
John G. Breckinridge, of Kentucky; John
Bel, of Tennessee; and Stephen A. Douglas,
of Illinois.
These had been the gayest of the gay; but
having learned, by bitter experience, that
this world is all O fectiug show, and that
even the White House is only a whited sepul-
cher, they appealed very earnestly to their
mammas TO be allowed the pleasure of retir-
ing forever from the fleeting show, and re-
uouneing all claims to the whited sepulcher
aforesaid.
Which they were permitted to do.
The cathedral was hung with black and
white, just now two very significant colorS,
and when all was in readiness the novices
entered, preceded by Mother St. Fusion,
Superior Of the Order ofDecayed Politicians.
The young gentlemen " ere dressed in blue
diess-ccats, gilt-buttoned, and lined with
white satin throughout, black trOwseTs, white
waistcoAts, white neck ties, embroidered
linen, and white kid gloves, each bearing
beautiful bouquet, principally composed ofthe
Last Roses OF Summer. The attire-a COM
pete Wedding cOstume-was greatly ad-
mired, and set off the personal attractions of
the young devotees most charmingly.
They took seats within the chancel in COM
psuy with several clergymen among whom
were observed the Rev. Father Tammany,
Right Rev. Father Charles Ton, Rev. Father
Richmond, and others. flames Buchanan,
Archbishop of Lancaster-W Wheatlands, Of
ticisted as Master of Ceremonies.
This venerable public functionary de-
liVered an excellent discourse from the fol-
lowing text;
"I am Abraham's servant. "a Genesis, "A,
4REIY
The sermon, which was rather long, did
not attract any very earnest attention from
the audience. The ceremony over, the young
gentlemen Frustrated themselves before the
Archbishop for several minutes, and on
rising, read aloud the formula used by the
Order on taking the vail.
The Archbishop then interrogated them
as 20 their voluntary renunciation of the
fleetirg show and the whited sepulcher. 1t
was Observed that they answered him very
hesttatiEgly, and made some sour faces ut
the next ceremony, which consisted in clip
ping a small lock of h air from the forehead
of each, 20 typify their formal retirement
trom the VanltleS OF the world, and their
acceptance of their position in the order.
This concluded, the postulants retired to
sn a2te.rOom for a short time, during which
the choir sang very impressive medley of
campaign songs.
The young gentlemen now entered, hab-
ted in ihe costume OF the order-a long
robe Of sackcloth, well sprinkled with ashes,
aud trimmed with dry crusts and fsh-scales;
and On the head, vail Of tears.
j. b. then gave him his blessing, remark
ing TO each in turn, "Youre one Of us now,
AIT you2 How do you feel?"
Master John Bell assuming the name of
Brother Ancient Fishlike( said, 81 am con-
tent. The order is highly respectable"
Master John G.. Breckinridge (assuming
the name Of Brother Used Up Early, said,
81 want 20 be an Angel"
Master Stephen Douglas 1.-THE least of the
three, assuming the name Of Brother Squatter
SoYereignh said 81 want to go to my ma p
ard burst into tears.
The ceremonies being now concluded the
three young gentlemen who had entered the
church apparently so full of life and hope,
arrayed In the richest wedding costumes,
6eparted in the humble habit of their order.
"Sueh is Lifew