The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-02-24
XXXvIlth Congrcss---First Session.

HoUsE.-The House Of Representatives.
being the great scene Of attraction, ~ early
as half past nine o'clock the galleries set
apart for the public were densely crowded
whilo doors leading thereto were bockup
with standing occupants. The portion OF the
gallery reserved for the families OF the diplo-
matte corps and those OF other invited e :
tat rs and Members of Congress, was imme
diaiely over the Speakers chair. There vac
a large painting OF Washin, ton, surmountcd
by a great eagle, and over this golde d
starred American flag, while from each Of the
upper corners of the painting hung banners
of smaller pattern.
and many persons were unaLls to obtain i'd
mission. At Ia O'Clock the Speaker called
the House 10 order, when the Journal Of yes-
terday was read Atrequest Of the Speaker
the members proceeded 10 occupy seats on
the l3ft of the House, leaving the front cir
Giles for invited guests. Mr., Blair, OF Mo j,
made IN Intellectual suggestion that the la
dies in the lobbies be admitted 10 the unoc
cupied space on the door. The Spcakesre-
qursted those in the galleries to preserve or
der. saying that il decorum should be viola-
ted it would become hrs dsagfeeable tiuiy to
have them cleared. Mr. Crittenden said. the
Joint resolution regarding the celebration did
not contemplate the presentation Of flags. --t
He therefore moved that this be omitted 40
. part OF the ceremonies. Mr.. Loyeloy sup
posed. from the general tenor Of Mr.. rritten-
dsn's remarks. that he would not oppose
what any military man desires, and this flag
presentation had been arranged by the Sec.
fetary Of War. Mr.. DaMes inquired bow
could the flags be presented II Congress will
not take them. He did not propose Il. mag
niy the rebel flags in this way, and hoped
they would respectfully decline to accept
them. Mr.. Campbell said these were tro !.
plies won by our loops and brave soldiers in
holly contested battles. He would not mag
Nifty the flags, but would magnify the decds
OF cur armies. He trusted these badges or
flags would be received with respect. Mr..
Roscoe CoLklin remarked that these flags
were not trophies to be treated either with
respect or consideration BY the Govern
ment. He submitted thai they were badoes
Or tokens carried BY srmsd rebel man, red.
handed with the murder OF citizens Of their
country-men who we're not entitled to pos
sess or carry any Gag. and men whom we do
not recognize IN any national aspect. Sup.
pose there had occurred here riot OF for
midable Dimensions. and the municipal au-
thorities had succeeded in queling il, and
that ut meeting OF the Common Council il
shouii De proposed shat puOiio ssssmp.sge
should be called to receive the fags o. to
kens Of tho conspirators. did sny one suppose
that they could be received with salt Prospect
or public dscency! Ifnot, why should Con-
eress accept the presentation Of these faRs!
They we're nothing more than tokens coming
simply from the rebels, and Of no nationsl
standing. He would 20 ~ far a. other Ren-
tlsman. in this House OF out OF il, In his re-
spect and admiration Of those who have LOTT
their homes to sustain, on distant baltic
fields. the sxistsnos 81 this GovsFam6nt;s hui
ls wished, on thie occasion, 10 oct IN mar