The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-01-26
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDING
WASHINGTON, ID. c. J
Ian. IL. 1867. /

columns, Congress has been the recipient of
some stormy weather, both over the afmis-
sion Of Nebraska and the reconstruction
question. Mr.. Boutwell,, of Massachusetts,
on Tuesday offered an amendmen, to the
third section of the Nebraska bill granting
the elective franchise 10 all, irrespective of
race or color. Upon its Introduction; up
sprang a bakers dozen of the ''saviors'' Of
orr country, lin their own estimatou), Hale
of New York, lie Blond, of Ohio, &C., de.
nouncng the amendment as arbitrary, false
in principle, and without precedent back
they went TO the timewora question of State
Sovereignty, and argued that Congress had
no power over the internal regulations Of
State. Mr. Boutwell, argued that Congress
had supreme power over the Territories and
the States lately in rebellion, until they make
aud present 70 Congress an acceptable Con-
stitution.
In the course of the debate Messrs Allison
and Griunell stated that they would vote only
for the admission of those rebel States who
will adopt constitutions giving equal rights
to all, black or white. That Stevsns denied
that the United States was ever Republic,
all rgh;ful government emanating from the
governed. The telegraph has informed you
of the result.
In the Senate, Senator Sumner spoke on
the bill 10 regulate the tenure in Office, and
in the course of his speech, which occu.
pied nearly three days, denounced in the
strongest language the past history Of His
Royal Aecidency. During the first day of
his remarks he was subjected to frequent in
terruptions, but his ready and telling replies
have evidently COMPOUNDED his adversaries,
for to-day no questions were asked He
handled 4. j. without gloves, | enclose YOU
the embodiment Of his speech, and trust you
will find a place for II in your columns, if no.
already published.
Thad. Stevens yesterday made an able.and
telling speech in favor of his plan Of recon.
struction.
About eight O'Clock this morning FIRE
broke on, in the spacious conservatory ad.
joining the Executive Mansion; an alarm
was PROMPTLY given by the watchman, but
owing % The GOODNESS Of the weather, the oil
on the striking machinery was frozen, making
1t necessar, Tor messengers to be sent to the
different fire companies. The loss will proba
bly, reach three hundred thousand dollars.
Many Of the plants were very rare, and have
taken Eileen or twenty years to accumulste
they cannot be replaced for any sum-
The conservatory Of the Executive Mansion
Was formerly on the east side of the build.
ing but during the administration of
President Buchanan it was torn down, and
the new one erected on the West side, over
row Of one story buildings used for the sto-
rage Of wood and coal, the roof OF which was
copper. The floor of the conservatory was
erected over this, leaving about two feet be-
tween the floor and the copper roof: in this
space the dues for heating the conservatory
were laid. The fire WAS FIRST discovered Sm-
mediately over the boiler. and il is supposed
originated from defective fine. The fire.
men had 10 tear up the flooring in order to
reach the flames. This, and the coldness Of
the weather, which almost froze the water in
the hose. rendered it difficult task to cub
due the ire. 1t was quenched about two
hours after the alarm.
Last night was the first evening reception
of the President and was a very gay affair.
The White House has been partly refurnished,
and presents quite on acceptable appearance.
A large and distinguished audience were pres.
ent. From = clock, when the doors opened,
until II n continuous S,ro.,, &c
pouring through, attracted, no doubt, by the
wish to examine the features Of His ROYAL
Accidency, it might be for the last time, fper
Impeachment which seems 10 be earnest).
The light from hundreds Of ess Jets on the
beautiful chandeliers, rejecting and multi.
plying in the large mirrors the elegant and
costly dresses of the ladies the ssaid and
almost solemn attire OF the Senators and cit
liens, relieved here and there by the parti-
colored dress of some foreign minister, gaily
decorated with sparkling orders, and the ex.
ouisite music of the Marine Band, made the
occasion brilliant one, and gave rise to q
feeling of pity tnlt j, should be wasted on one
90 utterly unified.
Speaker colfax also held reception last
evening, and, although not quite q brilliant,
WAS better atteaded, both By people and har-
mony than the Presidents. N
Senator Cowan has been appointed Minis.
ter to Austria, which accounts for his cohser.
native course. The Senate will not coI6rm
him.
Ramor says that Dudley Field, bro4hlr Of
Cyss y. Field, be- been appointed ~ ster
! NAaa. Waaunla