New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-02-13
THE SCENE In THE HOUSE.
A LARGE GATHERING-IHE SPEECHES APPLAUDED-
TILE pICTuRE NOT YET LIKED.
TIE PICTURE NUI 1 III LINED.
fYY TELEGRAPH TO THE TR!nUNE.l

| THE PICTURE NOT YET LIKED.
| lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
| WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.-That a dramatic
scene in the House of Representatives this afternoon
during the formal presentation TO Congress of Mr.
Carpenters picture of the Signing of the Enamel
| patton Proclamation"
| The painting itself, covered with an American flag
winch was removed just before the ceremonies be-
gam had beon placed in front of the reporters gal
lery, the chair of the Speaker, where il could
be seen from every part OF the House. Immediately
in front of the Clerks desk sat the artist
who painted it, and Mrs. Thompson the lady who
presented il to the United States, both having en-
tered the chamber escorted by Mr. ). ;. Cox, OF
New-York. The Senate also came over and joined
the House. it only does when electoral votes are
TO be counted and many ladies', members of the
families of Representatives, who could not ma
room in the crowded galleries were also seated
among the members. contributing bright BITS oil
color to the otherwise s0mbre-hued scene. Inc
strict enforcement of the rules of tie House pre-
vented anv crowd in the rear of the seats. and con-
trihutcd greatly to good order
General Garicld's Grafton was written III his very
best STYLE but not delivered with quite rs much
effect as the most of his speeches oil political or
general Subjects His effort not one that could
he spoken ol-hand; and in reading 1t he seemed to
lose some of that fire and magnetism when gene
rally carry his audiences with him. Bat the speech
was one that will be read with the less interest
on this account Indeed II will be found to have
gained finish, and even brlliancy, from the caro- he
bestowed upon It, and will be the more appreciated
by the thousands who viii read it, In some pis'i-
geS, as he delivered them, the eoquence was grand.
General Garield's estimate of the character III
Lincoln and of the event was cminently just one.
1t showed that neither his admiration for the man
nor his appreciation of the great event which the
picture commentaries made him forget that the
great war President only human. and that he
moved more slowly than the great mass OF the peo-
pie OF the North. General Garfield closed win a
very eloquent tribute. that won the applause "f his
listeners especially the Republican side OF the
Chamber.
The most interesting portion of the DAYS proceed
lngs was the speech Of Sir. Alexander II. Stephens.
The old man. as he moves about the open space in
front of the Speakers desk in his rolling chair his
white locks falling by the sides of his cmaciated
i.ce. and ms slight physique seemingly too weak 10
support his vigorous mind, Is one of the most strIl
mn picturcs Of the House during its ordinary
lions When he was recognized to-day, every eye
wa- turned upon him. and though he spoke for hall
m hour, apparently without very careful prepare
ton be was listen to with undivided ATE ltinn
nom beginning 10 end. The most Of what he
sad Sas inaudible in the reporters gallery because
hr 'c"d The House. with his rack to the Speaker.
:,l all except those passages which were mOs; en-
ria.lZrd were lost 90 the newspaper men. But
enough was lizard 10 show how just AMI generous
va. n'l analysis of Mr.. Llncous personal chararer
based ls n was upon aI intimate personal acquan
tauc. a.d how broad aud patriotic were his views
OF the results of the war and of the iuur" oi our
con mon country.
MIR Struhsiis was greeted with universal applause
when he closed and there was lardly Republican
senator who did nOt take him by the hand III CON
grafGlaton Many Representatives, from both sides
OF The chamber dij the same thing.
Nh Carpenters picture has been improved some
.ircr n w,, last exhibited here but II still fails to
please til critics.