Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-12-14
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

Ed MONITOR: To-day, at ? NJ, the
Congress of the United States commence
ed its winters work at the Capitol, and
like all the town, went to see and hear
what was DONE [ surely thought not
only all Washington, but large delega-
tions from all over the Union, had found
their way there, for the acres of build
Jugs were full: but crowded on. push
ing my way as best could until gain
ed a seat which commanded full view
of the floor of the House. Members were
coming in, aud hand -shakings and how
do dos were in order The greatest con-
fusion reigned everywhere. and | could
think of nothing but the days of Lang
Syne, P" when. on the first day of school,
we children gathered in the school room,
each trying to out talk the other and
Just as we were silenced by the entrance
of our teacher. so was this school of old
er children quoted when Speaker Blaine
brought down the gavil with an empha-
sis which said "order." The members
quietly assumed their places, and stood
with bowed heads while Chaplain But
Ter offered praper.- Then came roll
call-something l disliked as a pupil,
detested as teacher, and grew restless
under, to-day. Nearly every member
was present to respond to his name, and
it is to be hoped they will be on hand
as promptly, and be as ready to work
this winter, as they always have been to
draw their pay. For the next two years,
at least, the democrats will hold the bal
ance cf power in the House, and it re-
mains to be seen whether the outgoing
congress will dare to do its duty, which
it shirked so shamefully last winter
Then committee was appointed to
wait upon the President. to receive any
message he might desire to transmit to
the House. and a recess taken. when the
confusion began again. and | fell into
l my old habit of studying faces. The
: democratic side of the House wore very
short face, much given to smiles, as il
there were visions of future power before
the sight. Fernando Wood has grown
young in appearance, while the digniiec
Poland wears weary, care-worn look
! as if the cares Of public life press heavi
+ " upon him. He has aged very mucl
n in two years, think, and | fancy h
II will gladly accept the rest Vermont ha
u seen fit to give him; but whether OF no
q Vermont will gain by the change, is
1t question not soon answered. Many time
5, it has seemed to me that Poland was to
Of conservative in his ideas, and too slo'
e. in speaking out for the right; but hi
as ability and integrity must go unque'
In toned. The fight in Poland's distrit
Id has often reminded ME of the one in you
s. own district in 1866, when Baxter Wa
he set aside; and what was gained by TIL
IN change Has any one of Baxters SUI
IS cessors done more honor to the Sta
a. than Baxter did? Has either been tn
g. er to the principles of the party whic
elected him ? But | have not time e
all Their to discuss this matter, or speak
list the other faces so long familiar to Fl
lg- quenters of the Capitol; they must BIZ
cl- their turn, while 60 across to take
od look at the Senate, where Henry Wills
Ire is presiding with dignity and more era
ad than | ever thought he possessed. He
not | sadly miss the dear face of Charl
ain Sumner-one of the few brave men W
IRE have graced this chamber; one who
to lieved that all things which are rig
md are expedient, and that to hold dalliar
ur- with wrong, for any purpose, oegrad
re- the soul Justice to all, under all C
m. cumstances, at whatever cost, was
ges rule of his life and though he may hi
hat erred in Judgment, his motives were pu
i IN Massachusetts, may we'll do honor at
list shrine of his memory, for she v
'ere scarcely 6ud within her borders one
by can Eli his place. | saw Senator
y, munds, who always wears a dlgnii
out look, though his face breaks into v
oss, pleasant smiles with little provocati
700. am proud of Senator Edmunds for
en- is indeed one of Vermont's crown jew
and Others must go unmentioned. In
OF galleries, which were crowded, saw
was sweeter, more womanly face than tina
age. our Presidents wife Richly, but pl
l-yn- ly attired she looked the very pictur
matronly dignity. By her side sat
wife of Secretary Fish, q queenly won
their who gives elegant receptions, of viii
RED will tell you some other time.
ton But while | was admiring the pr
the faces for l do admire pretty wo
I'M wherever | see them) Gen. Bah
this came in with the Presidents mess
and | hurried back to the House, pr
road. ing to hear it there. Silence rel
road through the entire reading, except
place, moment when the subject of tax on '
kinks XIV was referred to then there W
filing murmur. whether Of assent or disal
road. baton | was unable to say, but it
nired. evident sensitive point had been t.