Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1864-01-22
correspondence OF INC UaZett'
LETTER FROM DIES MONIES.

r. p SPEER.
Correspondence of the Gazette.
LETTER FROM DIES MONIES.
EDITORS GAZETTE Il promised you some
notes from the Capital. On arriving at Des
Moines we found the candidates hard at work
presenting their claims for the different offices
within the gift of our wise and grave Legis-
lators. "Old Black Hawk" was received
with open arms by his many warm friends
and, by the way, there is no man in the
State better known than Mr.. streetcr. He
was the wag 'of the House when he was a
Member, which position he filled for two
terms. If any member had knetty ques-
ton to put through, it was put in the hands
of Old Black Hawk" when it was sure to
60 through. At the instance of some of his
friends in Cedar Falls Mr.. Streeter consented
to accept the position Of Sergeant alarms Of
the House, if offered him, and as soon as it
became known that he would take the place
his old friends rallied around him, and elected
him by unanimous vote,-the other candi-
dates being withdrawn.
Our good friend Rich was elected Chief
Clerk without any opposition, and be will
make popular and efficient officer.
Both Houses met in:joint Convention yes
tsrday at P. NJ, in the Representatives
Hall, when the Inauguration Of Gov. Stone
took place. The room was crowded to over
flowing, and the ceremonies were very impo-
sing and interesting. The Governor and
Lieutenant Governor elect were sworn into
office by Chief Justice Wright of the Supreme
Court, after which Mr.. Able, of Dubuque,
Assistant Clerk in the House, sang song
in which nearly the entire audience Joined in
the chorus. The music was the Battle
Hymn of the Republic" set to the words
"John Browns Soul is Marching On" 1t
was grand. AS above stated the audience
joined in the chorus, and never before did
that old hall contain as many true, warm
hearts that could respond to the sentiments
of those words.
After the singing Gov. Stone delivered his
Inaugural Address. 1t was an able docu-
meat, prepared with great care, and he most
agreeably disappointed even his friends in
this his first effort in this line. He is going
to make popular Governor. fl
After the speech the Battle Cry Of Free
dom," was sung, and as before the audience
joined in the chorus. never saw crowd
that entered into the spirit of the occasion as
did this one. Everybody sthat could sing,
and good many that couldn't, put in their
best ticks. 1t put me in mind of a Methodist
camp meeting. The patriotic heart was full,
and the words "Down with the traitors and
up with the Stars" meant something in that
crowd. 1t was noble sight to see that
large audience pledging anewsits faith to the
Old Flag. believe, at home, "Old Black
Hawk" is not noted for musical talent, but
on this occasion he astonished US with his
vocal strains. .--r.,.. r---..
The few copperheads there are in this Leg
isature acted as though they though. the day
of judgment had come sure. They were to
be found in the extreme corners of the hall,
looking very much as men are apt to look
when they know that they are not wanted
Poor follows! they have hard lot, and
doubt not they will pray for the very stones
to fall upon them before the session closes.
NJ.
THE above is but portion of long and
interesting letter, received last evening, after
the matter for this issue was all in type. We
give all that we can possibly find room for,
and regret that We cannot publish tho letter
cntire.-Els. 7
We have news of horrid catastrophe at
Santiago, Chill. A Cathedral was destroyed
by fire, whereby tuo thousand persons, most
ly women and children, were burned to
death.
The Church contained 1000 lights, from
some Of which fire was communicated to the
drapery Of the gigantic image Of the Virgin,
and the pasteboard devices In an instant a
sheet Of fame rushed along the festoon Of
lights to the roof and directly spread to all
parts Of the building. Ths people rushed to
the principal door and it was soon blocked.
Most of the men escaped by the Sacristy and
side doors.
But few minutes elapsed ere the lights sus-
pended so plentifully from the roof that there
poured a rain of liquid fire on the people be-
low, and in less than fifteen minutes ever Q,
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