The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-02-21
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb, Il, 1860.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Feb, Il, 1860.
One day in Washington is hardly worth talk
ing about. / reached here Yesterday morning, and
have hardly had time to look about, nevertheless,
KEEP. moving, and employed large part OF
the dav, in visiting the Capitol in all its de-
partmen.s Of halls, committee rooms, lobbies,
offices, library, &c, &c. The new portion Of
the capitol 10 magnificent beyond description
splendid in marble, bronze, gilt, frescoes, decor
tons and up hostrv. One room alone-thai in
tended for the Senate reception, cost govern
ment $780, 600 Europe it is said, shows moth
ing ike it in spendor though its just proportions,
and the chastenss of its finish and decorations,
deprive it Of all bizarre effect upon the eye.
The Presidents room, which is as yet unfinished,
is to be equally rich.
There is enough underground, to interest a
person for day. Here is the heating and ven
tila,ing apparatus for both houses, the latter
propelled by two highly finished and powerful
steam engines, driving fans, by which the cold
air is forced up into the halls. The new com
mttee-rOoms are richly furnished, and the walls
and ceiling are decorated in ffesco, appropriately
10 the purposes Of each-that of the committee
on Military Affairs with battle pieces, that Of
the Navy with sea-scenes and engagements, &c,
&c. Ii would seem FROM the appearance of the
whole structure with ia appliances and dscOra-
tons that many ingenious minds had been sue
cessfully at work, TO ascertain how much money
eonld Be spent, in tie least space.
The Senate did not cit yesterday, and the
House might a. well not have done 80, but that
body refused to adjourn over, on the pretext
that the Post Office bill could not wait. The
House went into committee Of the whole, and
deferred the message, to take up the Post Office
bill, but made little progress thereon, except to
non-concur in the Senate amendments.
| Another dsgraceiul scene took place ON Fri
day afternoon, at 3 IL o'clock, on the adjourn
ment of the House, which proves for IA hun
dreth time, the false pretenses of the ultr:
South to the brave and chiyalrous character o
which they boast. Mr. Edmondson, of Virgin
ia, passing down the capitol avenue, and abou
midway between the capitol and the street
in company with Mr.. Breckenridge, Mr.
Keitt, and ten other gentlemen, met Mr.. iick
man going up alone After word or two al
dressed by Mr.. f.. to Mr.. H., the former strucl
the latter, and called him coward. Nr. Hicl
man sprang at Mr. Edmondson, bat was seize,
and held by Kett and Breckenridge The aiiai
will probably be Investigated.
Washington, as usual, during the session, ha
a strong delegation of gentlemen from Michigan
Capt. A. Edmonds is here, Col. Sheldon Nc
knight, Capt. Jack Wilson, Mr.. Avery, of Por
Huron, Col. Babcock, of Grand Rapids, Mr.
Barnes, of the Tribune, and Col. f. II. Thomson
Col. Joshua Howard OF Detroit, has the pos
of Assistant Door Keeper.
Tomorrow, it Is confidently expected tina
Congress will co TO work in good earnest, witt
a view to expedite business, and an early al
IjOurnment. The pressure for office, since III,
election of Speaker, has been very strong. Ap
plicatons have been without number, and tn,
Speaker might well exclaim, "a troop cometh,
aud "call its name Cad
Our Members and Senators are all well, Mr.
Waldron is home for a few DAYS. II.