The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-03-02

WASHINGTON, ID. c.. Feb. 2s. Is

WAsHINGToN, ID. O., Feb. 26, 1863
To the Editor cfhe Press:
The main features of the startling events
which have occurred here during the last
few days have already reached you by tele-
graph; and as washington correspondents
never lie"-having inherited that virtue
from the founder OF the city-you have no
doubt received a correct version. The ex-
citement which has prevailed here since the
attempted removal of Secretary Stanton has
in some measure subsidized, but it is still con-
siderably above "fever heat" CHANGED to
be in Washington during the first battle of
Bull Run, and again when it was besieged by
Early in 1854, but throughout both those
perilous periods there was not so general and
deep-seated an apprehension felt by the loyal
men here as there was from Saturday last up
to yesterday. There was no panic or confu-
sion, but knowing the reckless character of
the President and the desperate game he
was attempting to play, everybody was
looking from hour to hour for some
might lead to the most fearful results. The
most alarming rumors prevailed, and the ho-
tells were crowded with anxious inquireis
after the nexs The fact that the rebel mil
itia OF Maryland, numbering some Ten thou
sand, were parading the streets of Balt-
more on Saturday, added to the alarm, and
visions OF bloodshed and promscuous
slaughter filled the imagnations of many.
1t was also well known that regiment of
regulars had been ordered into the city and
placed in camp on Fourteenth street, near
Wizards hotel, and the nerves of large
number suffered in consequence 1t turned
out, however, that they had been ordered in
for the purpose Of acting as escort at the
funeral OF Major Kelley who recently died
here; but owing to the excitement prevail
ing at the time and which the appearance of
the military on the streets would have great
ly augmented, General Grant wisely con-
cluded not to allow them to parade the
streets. The House adjourned from Satur-
day night over to ten o'clock Monday morn
ing, and before eight o'clock in the morning
OF that day the capitol was absolutely throng-
ed with visitors 1t was almost impossible
to move from one point to another on ac-
count of the immense crowds. The chief of
police detailed fifty men of his force to aid
the capitol police, which numbers nearly for
ty, to preserve order and provide against
liot. Matters however passed off quietly,
and the various speeches were listened to by
the crowded galleries without the least ex-
preston OF applause or disapprobation.
When the old war horse, Thaddeus Stevens.
arose to close the debate, there was the most
breathless silence in the House, but before
finishing his fist sentence his voice failed
him and the Clerk OF the House was allowed to
read his spaec... 1t was two years almost to a
day since the President in his famous speech
to the rebel rabble in front of the White
House had declared Mr.. Stevens a traitor,
and now the veteran stood in his place in the
House of Representatives to say the last words
on resolution that was to initiate his i'm
peachment.
WILL THE SENATE CONVICT?
There is great deal of speculation just
now as to the propable result OF the trial.
1t is even asserted that some fifteen Republi-
can Senators will favor the accused, in which
case he cannot be convicted This was bold
ly claimed yesterday and bets"to any amount"
freely offered; but it is hardly to be supposed
that Senators have sufficiently made up their
minds even before the commencement of the
trial to have formed an opinion, much less
ayowed their intended action. The country
\ 81
ly nor do any foolish thing, but viii proceed
as men having the welfare and destinies of
the nation in their hands, should.
WAR DEPARTMENT..
A lively running fire is still kept up on the
skirmish line at the War Department MI
Stanton Is still "incarcerated" there and Is oe
termined to "stick," at all hazards. DE Is
hourly visited by Congressman ana otner ciS-
tin.uished gentlemen, and yesterday trans