The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-02-27
W-1SHINGTON GOSSIP.
What 4 Gentleman Saw in q Ramblo--
Current News and rTotes.

" Aoo Il 1ciloleHlftll oi" IN q 1CtlmDl0--
Current News and rIotes.
tFnoM AN OCCASIONAL ConnEsroNDENT.1
NAT. DEAF Mute COLLEGE,,
WASHINGTON, d. c., February %.
Thinking that a few items from this
city on this, the natal day Of its found
cr, and whose name it commentaries,
might be of interest to your readers, |
conclude to send you a fcw-gathcrcd
mostly in Il ramblc through IL part of
the city-which, if suitable for your
columns, you can use accordingly, but
II not, you can refer them to that indis-
pcnsablc appcntlagc to every editorial
establishment, known as "thc waste
basket"
70 begin, your correspondent, being
determined to spend his holiday,
about 10 O'Clock, a. m., set out i'm
quest of whatever adventures fate
might have in store. The first thing
that attracted attention was the con-
spicuous display of flags and bunting
on many public and private buildings,
indicating day Of national impor-
tancc. 1t is customary here for flags
to be flung to the breeze on such DAYS
rs Washington's Birthday, Dccora
ton Day, Thanksgiving Day, &c.
vending my way to Seventh street
(Which, by the way, is probably tho
next street in importance to pcnnsvl
yania avenue, rs 4 mart Of trade and q
thoroughlarc Of fashion), found an
unusual crowd, seemingly intent on
going to the Capitol to witness the sit
ting OF Congress, and the procession
Of the fire companies. Joining the
throng, Pennsylvania avenue was
soon reached, where the crowd was
simply immense. Congress had as
scmblcd about II o'clock. In few
minutcsIthc halls were crowded, and
also the cast Capitol steps, in front of
which the companies were to pass at
o'clock. Having ali hour to spare =,
the Senate was visited and found dis
cussing the election laws. After q
tcw other bills were acted upon, the
Army bill was taken mp, and a warm
debate ensucd. Tie writer, having no
special interest in any Of the bills,
Duslcd hlmsclf in comparing the per-
sonal appearance of the Senators.
Bald heads were found to be the rule
rather than the exception, and it was
curious to study the bumps and knobs
OF Senatorial hcads-thosc miniature
hills and valleys which formed a kind
of monumental landscape. With the
aid OF the directory, the seat Of Scna-
tor Butler was soon found, and after
looking. upon him, it may be said with
truth, that none filled his seat with
moro grace, and South Carolina NAV
well DC proud that she has at last
one worthy to represent her in the
United States Senate, after years of
misrepresentation.
The proper time having arrived, the
iircmcn marched past, and, having
come from the Executive Mansion,
returned to their quarters. There were
four or five thousand persons at the
Capitol, including the tircmcn them
selves. SO far as | have bccn able to
ascertain, this was the only public OBJ
scrvance ofthc day, barring cxcllr-
sions to Alexandria and Baltimore.
Passing on to the House, short
time was spent in the same way as in
the Scnatc--counting bald heads. If 81
bare crown makes men wise, it will
take about fifteen years for our Rep
rescntativcs to get even with our
Solons III tho present Senate.
Returning to tho Rotunda collec-
ton Of three objects in glass cases at
tractcd attention. On Inspection they
proved to be huge volumes, and read
ing their titles caused smile. Tho
tirstawas "rhc Presidents Of tho United
States from 1876 to 1876" tho second
"Autographs ofCitizcns," and tho third
"Album." That was smart mind
which originated tho idea of kcc ping
for the next Centennial some traces
of those who rule to-day, but were
not elected, and truly it is meet
that the Great Whitcwashcd- beg par
don--tho Great Father who sits in tho
Executive Wigwam, should stand at
tho head of tho list! But to return to
the Capitol. An artist has bccn en-.
gagged decorating tho rotunda Con tho
inside, Of course) at tho base of the
dome, for over years; and it will
take him about throo Years longer to
COmDlcta fha ioI, pS,si,ons 3 g.