The Portland daily press., 1863-03-07
Letter from the National Capital.
WASHINGTON, March 2, Is


To the Editors Of the Press:
As the session draws near its inevitable
close, the course of legislation, never very
smooth or tranquil becomes more troubled
than ever. Bills of all sorts are pushing and
elbowing their way to the front, like eager
politicians at a mass meeting. 1t has often
happened that matters which could never have
obtained a favorable decision or even pa
tient hearing in time of calm deliberstion,
have been carried triumphantly through upon
the stormy excitement of the last lew hours,
clinging closely to bills, which, though foreign
to them, have been induced to spread over
them wing Of protection in the smooth title
phrase, and for other purposes. or holding
fast to the skirts Of some appropriation. A
knowledge of this fact is very apt to cause a
general descent, and grand onslaught of all
who have ends to compass and "axes to grind"
upon Congress in its expiring moments.
This rush will not in the present instance
however, interfere much with important leg
islation, as the most important measures are
pretty well out of the way. The Conscrip-
ton Bill, after meeting with severe opposi-
ton in the House during the day and night
sessions of Monday and Tuesday last, passed
Wednesday afternoon with some amendments,
which were concurred in by the Senate after
sharp, not to say factious opposition, at late
hour on Saturday night Thus all hopes of
its defeat have failed. All the appropriation
bills, but the civil, have passed both branches.
I Ia xxthat h. Il
Emancipation Bill, or that for raising negro
regiments, can become laws. II is very posi-
Bile however, that Missouri will become free
and negro regiments are already raising with
out this legislation. The Supply Bill has An
ally passed, in form satisfactory to the friends
of the Government, the report of the Commit
tee of Conference having been adopted by
both houses on Saturday last. The bill amend
atory Of the Internal Revenue law, which
came from the House on Saturday last, is per-
haps the most important measure now pend
ing.
the education of colored youths-a bill grant
ing no assistance but merely giving permits
sion for such an institution to be founded
furnished another example of the "barbarism
of slavery" could but contrast the opposi-
ton of Mr.. Carlisle on Friday to this act, so
humane, so Christian so wholly right, replied
to with an outburst of honest indignation by
Mr.. Morrill,, with the conduct of the French
Emperor, who, when two Haytien youths, in
competition with the flower of France, had
taken the highest prizes in the University of
Paris, sent band Of music, his own, believe,
to serensde them. Per contra, on the same
afternoon the Senate seasoned the bill TO ex-
tend the charter of the Alexandris & Wash
ington II. r., with pinch of salt unsavory to
chivalrous palates, in the shape of provision,
that mo person should be excluded from the
cars on account Of color"
This morning we hear for she thousandth
time, or so, that the Cabinet is to be remod-
eled, but the story finds little, If any credence.
Secretary Seward visited the Senate on Fri
day, and Secretary Chase on Saturday, both
looking in good health. On Saturday Gen.
Hooker, still lame from the Antietam wound
in his foot, and Gen. Mcclellan, still lamer in
his repus alton, were before the Committee on
the Conduct Of the War. Gen. Hooker re-
turned TO Falmouth the next day.
An officer just arrived from the army OF
the Potomac represents the condition of the
troops as excellent. They are bountifully
supplied with good food. and are in excellent
spirits. General Hooker is daily growing in
favor with the soldiers. Whatever demorali-
zation may have at any time existedin the ar
my may be largely attributed 10 factions Off
GERS, and the influence of the New York Her.
aid and World. The Tribune is now at last
admitted into the camp and is doing q good
work.
Generals Burnside and Sumner are now In
the city; the latter was at the Presidents le-
wee on Saturday.
The soldiers here have at last free library
and reading room. This desideratum has
been supplied mainly through the patriotic
and benevolent exertions of young lady
who, being an excellent vocalist, has used her
powers for this worthy end. On Sunday she
was married in the Hall of Representatives
where religious services are held in session
time, and on the evening of the same day,
the Soldiers Library and Reading Room, an
achievement as worthy TO accompany the
above mentioned event, as the founding oil
the bel' or the Launching OF the ship" was
dedicated with proper services. T. S. p.
Tnxru Elocssnn.