New-York tribune., 1875-03-04

fHE CAPITOL CROwDED-UNOsuAL CoNfOoioN AMI
DISORDER IN THE HOUSE.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRBUSE.l
WASHINGTON, March S.-The scenes at the Capitol
tonight did not differ materially from the closing
hours of Congress for years back The weather was
had to an extent unknown during the past Winter.
a binding storm Of snow and rain, with
heavy winds from the northeast was bad
enough. but added to streets and sidewalks
of almost solid ice, made travel In any manner
difficult and dangerous. 1t is matter OF surprise
that there was so large attendance in both wings
The galleries of the House are much larger than
those Of the Senate and 1t generally happens, unless
something unusual is expected in the Senate that
large crowd attends the closing scenes OF the House
The galleries were all full, and much better
crowd than might have been expected looked
down upon the confusion in the Hall. The gallery
assigned for the colored people, which has
scarcely been empty during the Winter, was
very full. and the lobbies, corridors. rotun-
das. committee rooms and clerks offices
were so full that locomotiOn was difficult.
The discomfort was very great. The heat was in
tense. and the air was vile with unhealthy odors.
Ventilation in the House Is thing unheard Of and
the effect of the hundreds of gas lights shining
through the glass ceiling Of the hall produced o
most depressing effect. This, however is not unu-
slal, and has been the complaint for years.
The confusion on the 6oor always great at such q
time broke through all bounds tonight. The floor
was crowded with mob, indescribable as to man.
ners and appearance, and when the Doorkeeper was
appeaed to to clear the hall of persons not enti-
tied to the floor, he retured the answer that
the crowd was composed chiefly of members
elect, who had come to see how legislation
was done. This example, it is to be hoped,
nav not be followed. The Speaker, generally COM
petcnt to preserve order when be attempts II,
seemed poweress tonight, although he used his
voice and gavel with uncommon vlgor. How the
official reporters and clerks were able to preserve
any record of what was transpirlng IN such o
tumult must ever remain q mystery. There was a
good sprnking of Cabinet officers on the floor, q
number of Senators in search of bills in which they
were interested and half hundred members scream
ing for recognition. AS many more were rushing
about the hail. and cries of /" / object" demand
the regular .order" Yeas!and Nays" and "OrderP'
"Orderp p prevented comprehensive understanding
of what was occurring.
The Speaker is already becoming hoarse but the
excitement promises to continue. Some Of the men,
bers. weary of the heavy night work of the past
two days are snoring peacefully the sofas in the
rear of the hall and the coak-rooms. Others, with
feet elevated to the desks, and with heads resting
ON the backs Of their chairs. snatch a few moments
of unsatisfactory rest. Others puff their cigars so
close TO the inhibited bounds that the smoke
curls in clouds through the hall. Some are MUNICH
ing apples and cakes from the adjacent restaurant
and some it is feared have visited too frequently
the Committee rooms. where the term consulting
Barclays digest" does not carry local option
meaning. The prospect of an early recess is very
slight and although the business is well In hand, IL
is not improbable that the session will last all night