The Portland daily press., 1865-02-24
Glimpses Of the Capitol.
AUGUSTA. Feb. %. Is

by an enthusiastic reception of the anniver-
sary of Washington's birthday. The Legsla-
ture is too near its close, and the members are
too anxious to return to their homes, to allow
day to pass without some progress In Dusi-
ness, so the matter was compromised by
agreeing to devote one hour to the joyful oc-
casion.
At twelve o'clock the Governor and Coun-
ell and Senate met in the hall of the House,
which was densely crowded with ladies
and gentlemen. The guns were booming
forth a salute in front OF the State House
the music of the military band within-the
pealing of the bells without-the crowds of
soldiers and civilians-all gave the scene
splendor and excitement which have not been
equalled at the celebration of this great day,
on any year that have tarried at the Capitol
The proceedings last year, which are quite
fresh in my memory, were heavy and formal;
full of truth and power to be sure, but lack
ing in enthusiasm. Yesterday the enthusi-
asm was unbounded; it was admitted on all
hands to have been a glorious celebration.
1t was agreed by the committee, that one
hour only could be spared for the occa-
sion, but when that hour had expired, you
might with as much hope of success, endea-
vored to stop the rush of Niagara, as to have
stopped the enthusiastic patriotism that was
flowing forth. The one hour reached over to
two, and then the people reluctantly needed
the vote to adjourn.
The proceedings were initiated by the
Governor, who made some stirring remarks,
and closed by stating that he would now make
the best speech of the day, by reading tele-
gram announcing the capture of Fort Ander-:
son. This was received with storm of APP
plause, followed by three cheers.
Mr.. Weston of the Committee, reported a
series of resolutions Illustrative of the char
acter Of the great man whose memory was be-
ing refreshed in our hearts. Among them
was the following, which reaches over the
whole land:
Resolued The we recognize with profound
est satisfaction, the fact that Mount Vrenon
and the Tomb of Washington have been held
sacred from molestation, by both parties in
this war; aud that we hail with delight the
approaching day when descendants of the
Revolutionary Fathers, from the North and
South alike, shall worship together at that
common shrine, the spirit of American Liber-
ty and Union, made henceforth and forever,
"one and inseparable." N,t
The venerable Judge Tenny followed, in
an appropriate speech-succeeded by Messrs.
Holden of the Council, Speaker Dillingham;,
Messrs. Hamilton, Weston, Granger, Crosby
aud Roberts of the House, and Major DeeriDg
of the army. Cheers were interspersed, for
our officers, soldiers and sailors.
The Hall being entirely inadequate to the
crowd, another gathering took place in the
Rotunda, where the assemblage was addressed
by Major Littler, and others. Capt. Goodwin,
commandment at Camp Coburn, held military
parade of the Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieut..
Roberts Company of Coast Guards. and other
detachments, which marched through the
streets, with the music of the Band-and af-
forwards attended the meeting at the State
House. 1t was indeed grand celebration
full of inspiration and hope.
The Senate reached the mixed gauge ques-
ton yesterday. A long debate sprang up.
AAAs nAouoOn3 vi CAOboSOb, VpOuCQ III tuC
forenoon in favor of repeal. In the after
noon Mr.. Woodman, of Cumberland, spoke an
hour and half, with much ability, against
the repeal. Messrs. Barker and Sanborn,
went in favor, and Messrs. Stone and Chase
against. 1t being now the hour of adjourn
ment, Gen. Virgin moved to lay upon the Ia
BILE. Gen. V. has the floor for this morning
and is opposed to and will make good speech
on its repeal. The vote, it is thought, will be
reached to-day. If SO, l will apprise you of
the result by telegraph. 1t is said to be hard
to Judge how it will be decided. 1t is just
about neck and neck, and those who were so
confident on Saturday, that the Senate would
sanction the repeal by as decided vote, as
did the House, have seen. reason to change
their minds. The question has been well dis
cussed, on both sides, and has elected an able
debate.
In the early part of the session, the Legis-
lature fixed on the 21st as the day of adjourn
ment. They hit the mark pretty nearly.
That vote has been reconsidered-and the
oath. friday substituted. 1t depends
good deal, upon the despatch of business to-
day, whether that can be done. 1t seems to
me it cannot. There are. several important
questions yet undisposed of. The opinion is
that Monday or Tuesday, at fartherest, will
see the end of the session. But rush through
to-day, of some important matters-a very
likely thing to happen-would change the
prospect. Bat however that.may be, the SEES
sion is to be a short one, and is rapidly draw
ing to close. There is no mistake upon these
point. Meantime, let the closing business be
done carefully-for 1t is In these hours that
most important matters come up, which are
too frequently dispatched with haste, to the
serious injury of the public interests.
PELHAM.