The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-01-12
From Washington.
Correspondence of the Hawk Eye

WASHINGTON, Jan 9TH, 1860.
Through Senator Grimes became acquain-
ted with Major Lauman, of Burlington, dur
ing his short stay here, and on one Of our
tramps about town together to see the sights
told him would write aletter toahe Hawk
Eye. now take my pen to redeem my
promise, and, though no: having the pleasure
of personal acquaintance with yourself, |
am well acquainted with many of the read
ers of your valuable paper on the "Slope'
and hope to get acquainted with those of
them who live over toward the "Father Of
Waters and throughout the west generally.
Holiday memories, cold weather, and no
Speaker are the leading topics in Washing
ton. New Years day was extremely cold,
but with this exception passed off pleasantly.
A great many persons called on the Presi-
dent and the heads of Departments. went
with the throng. Mr.. Buchanan don't look
as though he could stand the excitement of
another Presidential race, and if the old gen.
tTeman would prolong his days he had better
decline the Charleston nomination. don't
think, however, his chances are good enough
to make such step necessary. The New
Year was inaugurated here by free con-
sumption of egg-nog, punch and toddv, to
say nothing of the unlimited quantities of the
material slowed away by the poorer classes
A good many got elevated, congressman
among the rest, bnt strange as it may seem
the genial influence of the fluids did not have
the happy effect of uniting the conflicting
elements in such manner as to produce an
organization of the House. and, on Tuesday
evening, after set speeches by Boyce, Of Car
olina, and English Bill" and some extern
pore wrangling, the -House adjourned with
out a ballot. Yesterday they had some mis-
cellancous sparring, in which Cox, of Ohio,
was pitched into by the South Americans
generally for having intimatcd that they en-
tertained kindly feelings towards the Black
Republicans Cox was in box, but he got
ont after fashion by declaring to the indig-
nant gentlemen that they had misrepresentcd
his meaning. Reagan, Of Texas, and Col.
Curtis, of iowa, had war Of words, in which,
Reagan won no laurels. Finally ballot was
taken resulting in 2O7 votes being cast. with
lOl for Sherman; the next on the list was
McClernand, of ILL.,, who got % votes, and
the others were thrown about promiScuously.
Nobody can guess with any probability of
correctness when the House will organize !;
but that John Sherman will be the next
Speaker, is the general impression among all
parties Yesterday Mr.. Harlan made a
speech in the Senate, which will, suppose,
be published. 1t was a fine effort and did
credit to the man and to Iowa. ] am happy
to be able to state that Mr. Harlan's health
continues to improve. He was good deal
worn down by his excessive labors in our
last glorious campaign, but, unlike many
men in his position, he has refused to 90 to
bed and neglect his duty, but has been 'on
hand from the commencement of the session.
Your readers have already heard of the diff
Guilty between Grow and Branch. Grow did
not decline to fight because he was afraid of
powder, but because ne very sensi,ly disbe-
lieves in the absurd custom of man going
out and being shot like dog. If Branch
attacks him he will defend himself like =
brave man, as he undoubtedly Is. Judge
Mason and Mrs. Gov. Grimes were expected
here last night. l don't k.ow whether they
arrived or not The Governor has no fancy
for Senatorial life as it is in Washington, but
Mrs. Grimes will doubtless make it brighter
and pleasanter to him. The Iowa delegation
are all well. w. H. X.