Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-01-14
WAsafISGEON LETTER.

Correspondence of the Alexandria Gaz2tte.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. l3 The galleries
Of the House were, to-day, cralDmed and pack
ed, and hundreds we're unable to gain admit
lance. Mrs. Grant, Fred, and sister were
ir the Diplomatic gallery, which was occupied
nearly entirely by ladies'.
Mr. Blaine, by the courtesy of the Demo.
cratic sidc having been allowed one hour to
reply to Messrs Cox and Hi made a most
violent partizan effort his deadliest shafts be.
ing aimed at Gen Hill, while his animosity
towards Mr.. Jefferson Davis found vent in
calling tha! gentleman an 'arch hend pot
original. 10 strengthen his point as to the
lenency towards Confederate prisoners at the
North, he called upon Messrs Caul6eld and
Harrison, OF Illinois, both of whom not only
refused to bear out the speaker assertions, but
admitted that acts Of cruelty had been commit
ted; aod when ne called upon the cx-Contede-
rate soldiers upon the floor to attest that they
bad never suffered. the responses to the co.,
trary we're so numerous that Mr.. Blaine, utter
~ discouftted refused to permit reply, though
be mad so pontedly demanded it.
At the conclusion Of Mr.. BIS TRADE, for
SUCH it was, Mr.. Banks, of Massachusetts,,
was allowed half an hour, during which time
he made speech that recalled recollectons of
other aud better days; Of days when men, ac-
tuatel by higher aud boiler motives than po-
iticai pretermcut, could talk and act for the
good Of all, aud throwing aside sclhshDess rise
to the elniuenca OF statesmen. Mr.. Banks
assumed that role to-day, and acted we'll his
part. His speech was that OF q statesman; he
ignored all personalities, spoke of MIR. Davis
as one gentleman speaks of another, turn ed
his back upon the petty issues that had been
raised during the progress OF the debate. and
consgnlng t. future generations, or perhaps to
foreigners, the task OF giving correct history
Of the war, he Looked t, the future; 10 the
peace, prosperity and happiness OF the people
as the task Imposed upou Congress, rather than
the discussion OF d question upon which neither
side could now pass an unbiased opinion. He
referred to the late reunions at Boston Of the
soldiers Of Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina
and Massachusetts, as typical Of the sentiment
of the people Of the sectluos, aud drew from it
ed at Boston was the sentimert that pervaded
the whole State of Massachusetts, whose people,
be was con6d ut, waoted a general amnesty
a wipiug out of all that could eugender bad
feeling, and an era of genuine good feeling.
The speech was admitted Oh all sides to have
becu the ablest that mas been made, possessing
the tru; essence Of patriotism, and having for
It's Jet tie aIlaying OF sectional strife, and
its effect was rDod
Mr. Tarbox, of Massachusetts,, and Mr..
Moray, of Louisiana, also spoke in favor of
amocsty, aud Mr. Randall closed the debate,
accepting MIR. Banks amendment, imposing
what is known as the modified oath upon these
who will accept the amnesty, said oath TO be
taken before any Court and which will affect,
III 40 wise, any one, or prevent any from hold
iog cfice.
The bill and amendment having been refer
red TO the Judiciary Committee, the House ad-
jOurncd
Macy and various are the opinions expressed
10 reference to the effect of the debate, which
has been made by toe Radicals the basis of
their Presidential cam palgn, and they will enter
The fight having for their banner "boody
shirt, Inscribed with 'AndersonviIIe horrors.
O.
~ Al