Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-01-05

to vote upon question they had not dared to
The Chair stated that he should certainly like
to know more Of the facts than was apparent in
the resolution before voting upon it,
The resolution was tabled. Adjourned.
FAST DAY .-Serrices in the Capitol-Yesterday
having been set apart for fasting and prayer, the
Chaplain Of the House Of representatives deliver
ed discourse suitable to the occasion. At an
early hour the floor and galleries Of the Hall were
occupied by dense crowd, and by two O'Clock
the hour for worship the doorways and passages
were completely obstructed. Rev. DR.. Curly
openad the exercises with prayer and reading of
Daniel, upon which the Chaplain based his re
MARKS Before entering upon his discourse he
alluded to an editorial in the Constellation Of that
morning, rejecting upon him, and said that he
was partiZan, neither in Church nor State but
that he regarded the performance of his duty to
God and society of vastly more importance than
the Chaplaincy, or any office on earth. In his dis
Sonn ne alluded , TO our peace prosperity and
present difficulties to those antc hrists who for
genul OF time or eternity, were striving to appro-
propriate to their own use and evil ends, all the
dement's and emoluments Of our Government He
felt thankful that no blood had vet been she'd
and said IL Mr.. Buchanan had no other merit he
should be blessed for delaying, IL not avertinp,
the sPllling OF fraternal blood. The speaker drew
most vivid picture OF our former prosperity, and
future desolation IL the work of treason was con.
| summated, and implorcd the enemies Of our gov
eminent to desist from their traitorous assaults
While all Europe, China, Japan, and even the
savage islands OF the sea would grieve over our
downfall, and many Of them were now earnestly
| striving to restore peace and harmony we who
are most interested are rushing on to inevitable
destruction. Our only hope of perpetuity of our
arts our sciences, our religion or our existence,
as people, was based upon the maintenance of
the Federal Union. He denied the assertion that
the North hated the South, but that the union
meetings held all over the land and the fact that
the whole nation was at that time PRAYING for
peace and brothcrly love, was a most positive
proof OF the affection Of one section for another
He deprecatedjthe madness of men who would
suner the Imaginary interests of four millions to
override ana effect the utter destruction of the
happiness Of this great and glorious nation. He
portrayed In eloquent terms the bloodshed an
archy, and destruction we were bringing down
upon u.s. and closed with an invocation for divine
guidance and assistance.
Rev. DR.. Samson concluded the services with
prayer and benediction.
During the discourse but very few could refrain
from tears, and when the reverend speaker re-
ferred to the supplanting of the ssars and strpes
by the pitful palmetto, the pent up emotions of
the congregation manifested itself in a murmur
OF applause, that would have swelled into per-
feet storm had not recollection of the time and
place checked it. Several times during the dis
course the feeling was so intense that II seemed
almost impossible for the congregation TO restrain
themselves. Ii was matter Of comment that so
few members were present, and MANY though bit
their absence rather significant of indiference.on
their part In regard TO the present state of affairs
The day was more universally observed than
on any similar occasion ever known here and the
services at various churches were OF remarkable
solemnity and lmpressveness
To THE PUBLIc.-Wheseas the militia NJ the
District is not organized, and threats have been
rnA do nat he Dee A.ln- -