The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-03-13
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.

WAsHINGToN, d. c., March Sth, 1875.
DEAR WHIG:-The Forty third Cong ress
has passed into history, and most of its
members having "strutted their brief hour
upon the stage" have disappeared from
public life. They have had their oppor-
tunity in an arena which gave them the
world for an audience, with unlimited free
advertising from the press. and if they have
failed to make their mark, they will find
opportunity in the repose of the rest of
their lives to reflect upon the reason why
Some of these who retire, have done credit
able service in the Forty-third, as well as
in previous Congresses, and filled the meas
ure of fair reputation for ability, while
one at least, the redoubtable member from
Essex, Massachusetts,, -Benj. f. Butler
has left a name which his enemies will not
willingly let die.
There has never been such complete
breaking up of Congress since the history
of the Government began, as on Thursday
last. No less than one hundred and thirty
of private life. 1t has been bad year for
caucuscs and conventions, for not only the
people but even the Leg islatures seem to
have asserted very generally what Horace
Greeley called "the divine right of bolt
ing"
THE ADJOURNMENT.
The scenes incident to the final adjourn
ment drew large crowd to the Capitol.
AS the day was pleasant, a continuous
stream of people of all grades and classes
poured into the building early in the morn
ing, filling all the available space in the
galleries. At last the pressure became so
great the privilege of the floor was accorded
the friends of members, and then could be
seen fair sprnkling of ladies at the desks
of the weary legislators. Probably no time
occurs when the opportunities are more
Jealous for the successful issue of meas
ures in which individuals are pecuniarly
interested than the closing hours of the
session. 1t is not necessary to individual
ize any person, but suffice it to say that the
pressure brought to bear upon members of
Congress was never greater than was wit
messed early on the day of adjournment.
The members endeavored to secure all leg
islation possible which was not of ques-
tionable character, and they worked zeal
ously to this end. OF course many meri-
torious bills were necessarily sacrificed.
There was, however, an unusual amount Of
business transacted in the few remaining
hours. In consonance with the usual Gus
tom, Speaker Blaine delivered an eloquent
and dignified speech, which the House
loudly applaudea, tie enthusiasm continu-
ing for many minutes after the conclusion
of the Speakers address. The members
then commenced general clearing of their
desks preparatory to departure for home,
and after hearty "good bye" they grad
ualy left the chamber. In the Senate,
nearly identical proceedings were witness
ed, the only noticeable difference being the
more dignified and orderly manner in which
business was conducted. Even there, how,
ever, the Senators failed to sustain the
usual decorum of the body, and occasional
jests could be heard.
All parties unite in giving praise to the
ability of Speaker Blaine, and regret the
necessity of his retirement from the high
position he has occupied SO long, and with
such distinguished ability-the Speaker
ship of the American Congress. The scene
in the House on the occasion of his valedic-
tory address and leave of his fellow men,
bers was an exhibition of the good side OF
humanity, seldom brought out in such
large assemblages, and did honor to the
gentleman who shared in it. The same
feeling was manifested in the Senate be-
tween some Of the older members of that
body, who, after many years of long ser
vice and close intimacies, retired with the
close Of the session.
CIVIL RIGHTS.