The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-02-24
s,i73,s6l

Inc Bangor Daily Union, one OF the most
coItemptible papers published in'the State Of
Maine, has been much exercised Of late in re-
gard to the doings of the Treasury Inyestiga-
ting Committee, and for number Of weeks has
taken peculiar pleasure in requesting them to
"hurry up their cakes" and "let us have the
report" In the course OF q recent character
istically wild and course editorial, the editor
threatened to make report himself, unless the
long expected one of the committee was forth
coming Immediately, saying at the same time
that there were some things which he knew Of
his own personal knowlcdge-all Of which
would be divulged if any attempt should be
made at whitewashing. The Committee think
ing il to be their duty to have before them a
witness, who voluntarily confessed TO so much
knowledge, Immediately summoned him. He
came with fear and trembling. No amount of
squeezing would suffice to extract any informa-
ton relative to the defalcaton. lie was dry
lemon. Rumor has it that he went home sad
der If not wiser man.
Messrs. Somes' and Perry, NJ. C.'s from the
LIST and 4th districts were before the committee
last week. What they told will be known when
the committee report.
As few readers of the Union and Journal
will have occasion to visit the capital during
the present session of the Legislature, have
concluded to take lin imagination) each one of
them by the arm for the purposes of having a
lesurely stroll about the State House; so pass
ing in at the front door, and through the ro-
tunda, we will ascend the stairs leading to the
Senate Chamber and look in for u single mo-
ment upon this proycrbially dull and prosy
ASSEMBLY,. don't know how or why it is, but
il always seems to me that this branch Of the
Legislature regards it as solemn duty and q
large part of their constitutional obligations, to
appear grave and dignifed. The spirit of mel
ancholy broods continually about this place,
and like Poe's Raven, promises to leave It
Nayermore." If subject to ennui keep clear
of this room, and II prcdisposed to make your
self miserable give 1t wide birth; few visits
would make you confirmed misanthrope and
occasion state of mind peculiarly adapted to
the appreciation of Watts Select Hymns"
and that style of sacred poetry which teaches
the vanity o sublimary affairs.
Like its immediate predecessor this body is
not distinguished for its "much speaking" al
though there is a decided Improvement on last
year.
The members are seated at semi-crcular Ia
bles two deep, in front Of the President. That
functionary is very comfortably located in n
luxurousarm chair, situated in niche made for
the purpose and covered with gorgeous cam
opy of damask curtains.
Considering that the average ngc Of the Sem
ators is oyeI so years, and that they are with
al, quite patriarchal set of gentlemen, II seems
little singular that they shoud accord to next
to the youngest member, the highest place in
the synagogue. But such is the fact, and
"Young America" receives high compliment
in the selection of Hon. T. II. Marshall as Pres
ident of the Senate. Mr.. VI. has served two
years in the House, and this is his second term
in the Senate. His experience renders him
quite familiar with the routine Of Legislative
business, and he perform the duties of his office
with AGILITY and dispatch. His countenance is
extremely pale, which, taken in connection with
his slight figure, light hair and eyes, contrasts
strangely with the huge proportions, and sun
Drowned countenanccs of the farmers and me-
chanics, by whom he is surrounded. Mr.. Nj.
is largely engaged in trade, and is said to be o
good business man His colleague, Hon
orable Allen Davis, Is one of the most
valuable members at the board; farmer, by
occupation, he is quiet and unostentatious in
his manners, but possessed Of those quick and
generous sympathies, so characteristic OF those
who spend their lives among the people and
know by observation and experience, their
wants and needs, their hopes and fears. As n
politician, he may be classed in the do some
thing school-one who prefers agitation to
quiet action to unrest. lie thinks that those
engaged in good cause should be aggressive,
not defensive, and regards almost any position
preferable to that apologize situation, in which
men wound of the sharp corners to suit the
changing notions ofthe times. Mr.. ID. seldom
makes a speech, but when he does, 1t is listened
to with attention. and read with interest.
But this letter is long enough, and our visit
to the State House, like the story in the n. Y.
Ledger, will be CONTINUED in our next
Yours, &C.,
OBSERVER.