The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-03-12

WAsHIssfos, Feb. q. Is!

washinsten CsssesPeodeses.
WAsHIssfox, Feb. a, 1862.
DKAR EDIroR Gould the mighty and honor.
ed dead come forth from their graves and gaze
upon the conflicting scenes OF our afflicted land,
would they not stand appalled, at the sad specta-
Gle this day presenseds While the great major.
ity Of the people. moved BY generous, patriotic
impulses, are properly respecting the sacred DAY
which gave birth TO The immortal Wsshnsscn; I
renewing their holy vows OF devotion to the
great cause Of human liberty; reasserting their |
firm determination TO maintain the Constitution
and Laws; molly offering their hearts blood TO
secure the perpetuation OF free and enlightened
government, the minority, base minious OF
delusion and Disgrace, goaded on BY che
foul demagogues who have deceived them,
are attempting to inaugurate q despotism whose
CALLING chains already lacsrase their recreant
limbs, whose upas poison already fassens upon
their vitals.
While, mid the booming Of cannon and peal
ing of bells the loyal people everywhere are re-
counting the worthy deeds Of their noble ances'
cors, only $50 miles from the Capital of the
Republic, JEFF Davis, traitor despos, his heel
grinding the necks Of fooled millions in the dust,
ascends the detssted throne of vile oligarchy
TO WELD the red scspter Of tyranny and spprss-
sion. Did the great Washington, when he ad-
dressed his last Farewell to the people on the
18th of September, 1896, dream that in two
thirds of e century, his sound maxine. cage
counsels, far sighted conclusions and impressive
warnings would be ignored and forgotten; that
the wild wave Of contention and fratricidal strife
sweeping over his grave would lash the continent
| from shore to Shores Did no euPPose that IN
so short time the people of bis own native State
| would become the plant tools Of INSCRIPTIONS
politicians that treason and rebellion would stalk
boldly through the land carrying woe, degrade
ton and ruin 10 every hamlet, village and city ?
Did he believe that the people would become so
given to mad selfshness and base corruption,
that they would utterly lose sight Of their great
est interests and hurl their country, govern
ment and all, into the seething vortex OF destruc-
ton:
| No, the Father OF his country did not believe
that his remains, crrmbling back to mother
earth would be disturbed by the heavy tramp OF
coptending armies, or drenched with the blood
of Americans; did not believe that party strife
and prejudice would rage 40 fesrfully that an
ambitions villainOus minority would dare raise
the standard of treason and revolt; would
a,temtp the subjugation of the majority, the fms
4 IS .h~ ba b,1 A.
his life to establish, and the carryi,g out OF 6
- r -rr----:~- ""a wrong unpsrsilelsd ir
the history of the world.
Peculiarly strange ard mysterious is the check
cred career Of nations but with nations as with
individuals, the same causes which prscptate
the downfall Of the latter. also secure the de-
| structon of the former
The cursed. contemplate lust for power, the
unholy willingness to sacrifice every noble prin
cpIe in order to ensure the vilsst self aggrandize
ment, and the insane disposition to insult and
deride other governments are the great causes
which produce the utter humiliation and even
obliteration Of all nationsities.
But as my object in penning this communities
ton is to briefly notice the manner in which the
birth day Of Washington has been celebrated at
the National Capital. idle speculstioDs my part
| are uncalled tor.
The day has been a dark and dismal one in
the morning the heavens were enshrouded in
| heavy clouds, and rom their dark recesses, upon
the muddy streets OF Washington drpped the
dreary monotinous raip Towards twelve O clock
the rain ceased, but the gloom of the morning
prevailed throughout the whole day.
BxERcIsEs or The DAT.
AT 8 A. II. a National salute was fired at the
Navy Yard; at 3 A. NJ all the church bells were
ringing, and for 20 miles along the Potomac
from dark frownipg fortrasses pealed forth the
thunder Of a hundred heavy cannon. At1OA.
H., from windows, balconies, housstops ard pub.
lie buildings foated freely the glorious Stars and
Stripes At this time Psnnsy lvaDa Avenue was
literally crowded With human beings all surging
ike an immense wave towards the Capitol. Be.
for ii O'Clock all the galleries in the House OF
Representatives, except that portion reserved
for the accommodation of the families of Dipio.
matte Corps, of Congressman and other invited
celebrities, we're absolutely packed to their ut
most capacity; thousands aud thousands block
ing up the walks leading 10 the Capitol, finding
it impossible to gain admittance to the Hall,
vended their way home again with every indica-
ton OF sad disappointment resting upon their
heightened countenances. Tho interval between
III and O'Clock was relieved by iaughable
scenes in the galleries; those occupying back
seats would vocferously implore those crowdns
behind not to plunge them headlong into the
heads of those closely and comfortably seated
below. Now and then small boy borne on tie
heads Of anxious spectators would tumble down
on the beautiful bonnets Of frightened ladies,
creating ridiculous CONSERVATION. Now and
then cries of Police from the lusty lungs OF
some unfortunate fellow who had been jammed |
into the occupancy Of a place less than foot
square, would ring out through the Hall
Oa the floor of the House additional seats for |
about 600 had been provided Immediately to |
the rear and over the Speakers chair was large
magnificent painting of Washington, surmounted
BY gilt eagle. and suspended over the eagle |
beautiful golden starred banner other ban,,ers
we're suspended at different points from the gal
cries.
At IL O'Clock the House was called to order.
md the Journal Of the previous day read and
approved. The Speaker now requested the
members to compactly occupy the seats on the