Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1865-12-06
THE OPENING SCENES IN CONGRESS-.

The following interesting and graphic description
of the connected with the assembling of the
House of Representatives and the election of Speaker
is reproduced from the Washington correspondence
Of the New York Tribune:
The floor is covered with busy and merry throng,
as becomes the first Congress after the As the
clerk quietly trips up the side aisle buzz of curiosity
runs through the multitude, for this middle
SmoOth-faced young man. with blue eyes, high fore
head, and light, sunny hair, has responsibility that
may change the destinies of America. It seems to
rest easily he rolls his paper in busnesslike
way and quickly raps on the desk as the minute hand
touches r. The busy audience separates, and as we
have the opinion of Mr.. CoaX for believing il to be
the ablest House in many years. We look at it with
some interest.
Thaddeus Stevens, VINO bears his 6Oyears as though
they were 20: looks stern, grim and impassive.-
Schenck OF Ohio bends over him, and conSide ing he
was Il Yankee monitor in Baltimore looks quite ami
cable and harmless to-day. As John Sherman COM
petitor for the Senate he eXcites attention.
John Sherman seems quite easy, however, as he
stands near by returning the salutations of Senator
Harris who looks as though he were low on a wool
sack, grave earnest, maestical, and Henry S. Lane.
of Indiana, who carries his never-absent cane, and
seems like Methodist eXhorter, anxious to improve
the occasion. Banks quietly takes back seat, look
than when he led the struggling party of freedom to
b Ystory n94Ey St ten years ago Mr.
face, ridged forehead, and generally keen Boston
manner, enters into conversation with him;
Of group, and seems pleasant and hopeful while
Mr.. Washburne. the father the House. they call
MN. Smiles grlInty upon ms chlluren bingham, OF
OHIO, who looks like a fanatic is conversing with
Kelley, of Pennsylvania, who does not. while Ros-
coe Conkling with a crowd of New Workers, is dis
cussing the late election in that State.
The Clerk quietly begins to call the roll and as he
passes Tennessee, MAYNARD crises and endeavors TO
request makes a hum. but nothing more, for The
Clerk declines to hear him. The call finished and
again Maynard strives 10 gain hearing. but Mr..
to the election Of Speaker. Again Maynard be-
seeches but the majority under the head of the res
oiute Stevens, insist upon order rather sternly.
Brooks arises to his feet and in speech that reads
like editorial of the Enpress, informs the House
that unless 1t changes its course and throws open the
doors to the ninety painting unreeonsructed brethren
in gray, we might as well not have country which
the crowd listened to rather mpatiently, although
Brooks becomes wild and decamatory., After till
with Stevens which creates shout of laughter. and
remonstrance that makes Long John Wentworth Sc
angry that he continues his Indignation to Mr.. Orth
caustc, hafsardonic wav, quietly forces his motion
assisted by the snappy, persistent nervous Mr. Farms
worth. Mr., Johnson, Pennsylvania Dutchman
tries to stop the tide, but it rolls over him.
Maynard takes his hat and dissolves in the crowd
and Mr.. Morrill, nominates Mr.. Cofax. Mr.. Winfield
nominates james Brooks, amid much good humor
not malicious but rather commiserating the New
Workers. immense minority. All this has lust taker
thirty three minutes. The Gail begins, and John B
resoute ma ority, calmly. without anger. with rar
good hgmor indeed. quietly presents the dsintegra
tons Of the Republican party and informs the unre-
| gress is not to kick open the doors.
AS Mr.. Alley begins the roll the scene is historical
The galleries are crowded. The vacant spaces aroun!
| the members seats crammed with Senators, and
Judges and Generals, and all manner of people, 81
lent and dense. The spell does not last long. for thu
| yeas roll up rapidly that Mr.. Colfax gets tiret
marking his roll, and leans to converse witt
| Mr.. Garfield. We improve the time to glance owe
the scene and feel that if there can be ANYTHING
phrenology the present house is remarkable bod!
| Of men. How the types of nationality mingle AM
| blend.
| The Eastern delegations represent mentality; tn
| Western strength the Middle, discipline. Mr.. Ste
vens has most obedient majority, and it votes anc
acts as one man. The spirit of anxiety slowly passe
away, and by the time MIR. Cofax takes the oath ant
makes his Brief earnest speech, and proceeds to III
practical business of presiding, business that sug
| gests in its monotony and gh0ness the profession
an auctioneer che is over: the correspondent
hustle away; the galleries become hungry; the lade
| take wing, and the House goes with the slowly
| moving gahby business, called legislation.