The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1866-04-26
Washington Correspondence of the
Courier.

Washington, d. c.. Apr. 70. 1865.
This has been day of unusual interest
and excitement to the portion of our
friends, tho are termed colored. The cell
ebration of the abolition Of Slavery in the
District, which was to have taken place on
Monday last, was deferred until to-day on
account ofthe rain and horrible condition
of the roads on the day that had been or
iginally app tinted for the anniversary.
But to-day the elements were very propi-
tious for outdoor turnouts and displays OF
every description, and well was the occa-
sion improved by the colored people.
The procession was composed Of the vari-
Gus colored regiments stationed in the forts
near the city, and Of the numerous colored
lodges and religious organizations which
exist in the District. The number that
was ainassed into line of march was inn
mense, and the fact that there would be
collected from this vicinity so many thou
sand of the reconstructed is one of marvel
and astonishment. About the space OF
two hours was consumed in passing by a
ingle point. The procession marched
from Franklin Square, where it was form
ed, through Seventeenth st. to Pennsyiva-
mia Avenue; thence down the Avenue n
the Western Entrance ofthe grounds OF
| the Executive Mansion, filing up the road
| leading To the Presidents domicile. IL halt
! ed in front of the House. A national arr
WAS finely executed by one of the brass
| L. tlat
close of which the President appeared up
on the steps and made few remarks. tic
assured then, he WAS not only their friend,
but appealed TO time to prove that he was
their hest friend. He said that he
had never ridden the colored man for the
sake of gaining power. and that they wo' d
soon ascertain for themselves "who had
selected them as hobby and a pretence
| by which they might be successful in OBJ
tanning and maintaining power"
Attic close of the address, the President
shook hands with many who could force
their way near enough to do so. The pro-
cession again took up its line Of march
down the Avenue to the Capitol and hence
through the principal streets to the place
/
there was organized a mass meeting
which was addressed by Senators Wilson,
Sumner and others, in strong and eloquent
| terms. .a.. tag n"H
The President again took occasion las
evening in response to call made upor
him by what was enormously stated to be
"the Soldiers and Sailors Union,' bu
which in reality was mere gathering o
Copperheads intersperced with a few sol
diers here and there, who were ignoran
f of the use and of the real character OF thu
|, gathering until they had been drawn
. thther. There was little contained in TIT
speech at all new; but the same spirit O
! vindictiveness toward the ''disunionists il
. Congress- and those who oppose I'm,
} policy" was manifestered, that has beef
vented forth in previous speeches.
notwithstanding the Presidents contin
ued course of interrupting those to whom
: he now owes his present position on ever.
) convenient occasion, the people continu
4 to hope as it were against nope, that, from
: John Tyler Andrew Johnson will tax
warming. .rr. g
: vote Of thanks to General Hancocl
= was passed in the Senate to-day. "Betts
e late than never" ....
e Congress remains steadfast in its deter
: mination TO exclude traitors and blood
Y stained rebels from seats in its halls an
from participation in the control of the i'm
ton Committee on the condition and pop
/ nj, 90
important that has yet been received. II
thinks that the Southern people would b
unwilling TO adopt any other changes il
their State Constitutions, or to give any
further guarantees as TO their conduct il
the future, until they are allowed represen.
tation in Congress, and Representations
Mir. Stephens not only asks, but claim!
this as a just prerogative Of the South. H.
also states that few, if any, woulc
be able TO take the test oath. That re-
mains yet to be ascertained. -" -
The Senate has performeda worthy deed
prohibiting the sale or storing of Iqu-
ors within the Capitol building, and the
House has even transcribed the action OF
the Senate. by excluding from all the Gov
eminent buildings. The ludicrous as veil
as disgracetul results occurring from the
4 traffic OF liquors in the Capitol should have
been the means of hurrying forward long
ago such resolution as that recently
! passed. .' r.. ..-... ~ ...' F..
There has been another change in the
weather within the last week here-a
change from period of much rain to one
OF warmth and sunshine. Is Iowa favored
with such a change? fear not Just vet.
Col. George Pomutz, late Of the 18th
Iowa Vols, is in the city. He intends 10
sail in few days for Europe having re-
ce.ved the appointment OFF,. S. Consul TO
ST. Petersburg. The Colonel possesses a
high order Of executive ability and will no
doubt in his new position reflect honor
upon himself aud his country.
SCRIPToR.
CoNdREss.-In the House, yesterday, the
I'D, the Committee on the District Of Co.
iumbia were instructed to enquire into
'extediency of adopting the eight hour
system, in the District. An evening ses-
sion Iaci1a1 TO