Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-02-24
CONGRRssInNAI
WAsH1NoTOE, Feb. %.

HOUSE.
The House Of Representatives being the
great scene Of attraction, as early as half
past O'Clock, the galleries set apart for
tae public we're densely crowded, while the
doors leading thereto were blocked with
standing occupants. The portions Of the
gallery reserved for the families Of the d.
plomatie corps, and those Of other invited
spectators AMI Of Members Of Congress
were filed.
Immediately over the spesker's chair
there was large painting Of Washington
surmounted by great eagle, and over this
9 golden starred Amerioan Gag, while from
each Of the upper corners Of the painting
hung banners Of smaller pattern.
Crowds continued to penetrate the Cap
ital, and many persons we're unable 10 oh
tain admission.
At II o'clock Speaker Grow called the
House to order, when the Journal Of yes.
terdRy was read.
At request Of the Speaker, the Members
proceeded to occupy seats on the left Of the
Hall, leaving the three front circles for in
Vited guests. .-.-
Mr.. Blair, Of Missouri, made an inefFec.
tual suggestion that the ladies' in the lob.
bies be admitted to the unoccupied spaces
on the floor. ~
The Speaker requested those in the gal
leries to preserve order, saying that if de-
oorum should be violated, Il would become
his disagreeable duty to have them cleared.
Mr.. Crittenden said that the joint reso-
luton relative to the celebration, did not
contemplate the presentation Of flags, he
therefore moved that that this be omitted
IS part Of the ceremonies.
Mr.. LOvejoy supposed from the general
tenor Of Mr.. Crittenden's remarks that he
would not oppose what any military officer
desired, ARd this flag presentation had been
arranged by the Secretary Of War.
Mr.. Dawes inquired how could the flags
be presented if Congress will not take
them. BE did not propose to magnify the
rebel hsg in this way, and hoped they
would respectfully decline to receive them.
Mr.. Campbell said these were trophies
won by our troops and brave soldiers in
hOtly contested battles. he would not
magnify the Gags, but would msgnify the
deeds Of our armies. he trusted these
badges or Asgs would be received with
respect
MF. Roscoe Conkling remarked that these
Gags we're not trophies to be treated either
with respect or consideration by the gov
srnmenE He submitted that they we're
badges OF tokens carried By armed rebels,
men red.handed with the murder Of eiti-
sens Of the country, men who were not en-
titled to possess or carry any hag, and
whom We do not recognise in any national
aspect. Suppose there bad occurred here
a riot Of formidable Dimensions and the
municipal authorities had succeeded in
quellinE it, and that at q meeting Of the
Common Council it should be proposed that
q public Assembly should be called to receive
the fags or tokens Of the cOnspirators, did
any one suppose they could be reserved
Wilh self respect or public deoeney. II not,
Why should Congress aoeept the presenta-
ton Of these fags. They we're nothing
more than tokens coming simply hom the
rebels, and Of no national standing. He
would 20 as far as any other gentleman in
this House or out Of il, in his respect and
admiration Of those who have left their
homes to sustain, on distant battle fields,
the existence Of this Government, but
wished on this occasion to act in q manner
consistent with self respect and official
propriety.