The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-01-27
Letter from the National Capital.
WASHINGTON, Jan. %, 1868.

Washington is not quiet place in these
troubled times. Matters of deep and fresh in
terest are constantly coming up, so that in
due time we come to take our usual allowance
of excitement, much as the topper takes his
dram, without loss of equanimity. The above
comparison must not of course be understood
to contain any hint at the social habits of the
metropolltans; for If there ever was sternly
virtuous city, Washington is probably one
the favored abode, doubtless, of all the virtues
aud graces.
For some days past however, the Capital has
been comparatively quiet. A great coloniza-
ton meeting, addressed by several distinguish
ed gentlemen, Commodore Foote among them,
and Murdoch's readings for the benefit of sick
and wounded soldiers, have been the most
noticeable events transpiring outside Of Com
gress. The readings have been excellent.
yielding from four to five hundred dollars per
evening, which Mr.. Murdoch has generously
and periodically divided among the several
Soldiers Relief Associations here At the last
reading, givenin the Senate chamber on Mon
day evening, the President was present. and
seemed TO relish greatly the manner in
which the great tragedian rendered the plea
of Sergeant Buzfuz, in the famous case Of
Bardell rs. Pickwick. cfG s3sJa
Congress is fairly busy; bnt since the famous
or rather infamous speeehof vallandigham in
the House some time since, aud the scathing
reply Of Mr.. Bingham, and Senator Powelrs
attack upon the Administration, replied to
with manly boldness and vigor by Senator
Wright, lifelong Democrat, nothing OF spe-
cial interest has transpired in either branch,
so far as | am aware.
The intense animosity OF the Democratic
party, or of some men who by virtue chietly.of
sheer audacty have thrust themselves forward
as its chiefs, against the Administration and
its policy becomes daily more manifest. Con-
duct SO violent, so fractions, so fanatical, as
has been displayed of late in Congress and out
oft, might be borne with smile in ordinary
times; but at this terrible crisis, when the fate
of republican institutions seems TO be tremb-
ling in the balance, it becomes cause of alarm
and indignation. When men holding seats in
the House of Representatives make such
speeches as Vallandingham made lately. or
utter such harrangues as Cox delivered in
New York, when Senator Of the United
States utters such sentiments as Mr.. Powell
expressed last Monday in open session, they
seem to my poor understanding to give far
more aid and comfort to the rebels and 10 do
infinitely more to destroy the government they
are sworn TO defend, than they could BY bear
ing arms under JEFF. Davis along with Breck-
enridge and Floyd. II am mistaken, l shall
be glad TO see the error, and still more rejoic-
ed If the Democratic masses shall repudiate
such leadership. If the Democratic party in
its present attitude should come into power. IL
would be inevitably destroyed, and the event
might not seem undesirable, only that occur
ring at this juncture it would just as inevta-
bly, destroy the Republic.
While the true patriot can but profoundly
regret the election to the United States SEN
ate of some violent copperheads, he viii re-
joce at the return to that body of some men
long looked up to by the whole country as
champions in the cause of freedom. The cleo
tion of Charles Sumner for another term, and
the denomination of Mr.. Wade, which will
doubtless have become an election before this
The election of Mr.. Morrill,, though not pre-
coded by so long a term Of service, or oppos-
ed with SO much violence and bitterness as
those just named, has given great satisfaction
to the supporters of the good cause through
out the country; aud his return is most wei
come to our friends here. During his short
term of service, Mr.. Morrill, has established the
reputation of an able and honest public SER
want, faithful laborer for the interests of his
country and State. Few Senators seem to
enjoy more largely the respect and confidence
of their peers, or find their opinions received
with more attention, and treated with more
consideration. In his management of the
District Emancipation bill last session. he dis
played not only ability, but what some OF our
leaders certainly lack, practical judgment and
tact. His self-denial, in waiving the closing
argument in order to bring the bill to vote
earlier than could otherwise be done, was
piece of good sense decidedly refreshing to all
familiar with Congressional debates, and Sc
cured perhaps the life long gratitude of many
apoor wretch, trembling lest he should be
dragged away into hopeless bondage before
the angel of deliverance could come. 1t may
not be improper to add that the uniform eour-
tesy and afiability of Senator Morrill, have
won, as they have deserved, many warm per-
sonal friends.
The confirmation OF the news announcing
the capture Of Arkansas Post was most well
come and grateful. l cannot say that it occa-
stoned any very loud demonstrations of JOY.
We have seen too much of the vicissitudes of
war to be greatly elated, even BY SO complete
a success as that, and so preferred to taste the
sweets oil victory in quiet. All eyes are now
turned toward Fredericksburg, and every ear
Is bent to the ground to catch the trampling
and thunder of battle. All things indicate
that the war storm will soon burst afresh upon
the happahannock. 7. s. p.