The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1866-03-08
The A1leghan1an.
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1866.
Correspondence
Deferred Letter.
WASHINGTON, Feb. "a, 1866.

l
National Capitol, to describe the House of
| Representatives, which in brief we will
now proceed to do. The Hall is in the
south wing of the Capitol. and is surroun-
ded by number of lobbies, corridors and
ante-rooms, some of which are fitted up in
elegant style, 1t is lighted by gas-jets
from the ceiling, which reflect through
plates of ground and ornamented glass,
designed to represent thirty eight States
and Territories, and bearing tho coat of
arms of mauy of the States. The length
of the Hall is l16 feet, and the width 60
feet hight SO feet. 1t will seat about
! 500 persons, and with extra seats and
standing room, 800 more may De crowded
in. The galleries will seat about l 500
| persons. There are two hundred and
| tfty-three seats for Members All the
appurtenances of the Hall are we'll gotten
up, and do credit to the nation.
Having said this much of the Hall
itself, We will say few words respecting
some of the distinguished men who occu-
Ply it as representatives of the people
Almost directly in front of the Speaker
sits the Hon. Thad. Stephens, the reputed
leader Of the House-we say the reputed
leader, because such is his designation by
outsiders. We do not, however, desig-
nate him as such, for in our opinion the
House has no member who can be called
tedder. There are many men of marke
and distinguished ability in the present
House, and it would be folly to call any
! one man leader Still, it will not be
amiss to speak of Mr.. Stevens as man of
ability, with many characteristics worthy
| OF note. He is not the old man eloquent,
but we may truthfully say he is the old
man powerful in the present House
Mere eloquence or oratorical effect is not
| his forte. He is calm, deliberate, senten-
| tious, logical, and understands ehd can
use sarcastic inyective to nicely. Wo
betide the man who is his victim. Ia in
vective power he has no equal in the
present Congress. Mr.. Stevens sits and
walks upright, and manifests none of the
infrnities of age. Though he be three
score years and ten, yet his eye is un-
dimmed, and his natural powers are not
aOated. He seems more anxious to follow
his conviction of truth and duty, than to
! mind the behests Of party. His country,
AND the welfare of future generations, ap-
parently influence his action as a legisla-
tor more than the mere success of any
party. He would build up the super
structure OF a free government in this land
upon the stable foundation of justice aud
| equal rights. So at least it seems to US !;
and We can therefore accord to him the
merit of sincerity, though we in many
respects differ With him in regard to the
! means 60 be used to reach the end
just behind Mr.. Stevens, and immedi-
ateiy on his right, sits Hon. II. j. Ray
mond, Of New York, the former Lieuten-
ant-Governor of the Empire State, and the
principal owner of the New York Times.
Mr.. Raymond is naturally Conservative,
and consequently in times like these does
not meet with particular favor from the
Radicals. Men like Mr.. Raymond are as
necessary as men of Mr.. Stephens char
acteristics, and the services he may render
the country at this time may be equally
| important. Ee is man of large capa-
biliues and liberal culture, and is ready
debater. He is rarely out of his seat,
but watches the proceedings of Congress
with az eagle eye, and comprehensive,
| calm and deliberate judgment which fndi-
| Gates a coming statesman of no mean pow
| ers. This is his first session in Congress,
but his influence will, we trust, be felt for
good.
In front OF Mr.. Raymond sits Hon. E.
B. Washburne, of Illinois. Mr.. Wash
! burne is a native of the State of Maine,
| and halls from the same county as the
| writer. He is member of family the
male members of which are almost all
public men, three of them having been
representatives in Congress at the same
| time, although from different States. Mr.
| Washburne is the oldest member OF Con-
| gress, having been some sixteen consecu-
| tive wears a member Of the House. He
is familiar with all the rules anu orders,
! is an able parliamentarian, good leglsla-
! ,,or and useful man. Many persons con-
| slider him too critical, and allege that nc
often objects to salutary measures which
ought to pass. This may be SO; but
doubtless he thereby prevents much per
nicious legislation. Such men are useful
and cannot well be spared from Congress
Another man of mark in tie House Is
Judge Bingham, Of Ohio. He ID known
as profound and able lawyer, and wa'
the assistant Judge Advocate In the ceie'
brated trial of the eonspirators who asSas-
sinated Abraham Lincoln. The mastery
ability which he then and there manifes
ted will cover his brow wlth undylne
laurels. In the House, he speaks rarely
but always with great power and force
He is radical, and when he addresses tne