The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-02-28
Washington.

SONAL.
From Our Regular Correspondent
WASHINGTON, February 27.-While thou
sands who wanted TO be at the Capitol to-
day remained away because they were I'M
able to procure tickets, still there never
was gathered within the walls OF the House
Of Representatives more distinguished
assembly. Every seat was occupied, and
spectators stood in large numbers in and
around the doors. The foreign Ministers
in full official costume, officers Of our army
and navy in splendid uniforms, the beat
ties now at the national capital in dark
street costume, contrasted strikingly with
the high officers Of the Government and
members of Congress and others in
sombrc apparel. The President OF the
Senate IN introducing Mr.. Blaine was a
happy rs he was brief, and the prayer OF
the Rev. Fred Power was very appropri-
ate. The orator looked serious and pale,
but il was evident that he was in good
voice. From the beginning to the close OF
his address Of an hour and half he kept
the attention OF every one within the sound
OF his voice, and that, too, without hardly
an attempt at oratory. Democrats and Re-
publicans alike, in fact, leaned forward in
stinctiyely as ii eager TO catch every word
of every sentence, and when he conclu-
ded heard no adverse criticism from any
one. A most distinguished southern con-
gresham but expressed the opinion OF all
capable OF an unbiased judgment when he
said the address was complete. Another
remarked in reply: 1t was the most lnge-
NOUS address ever listened to. | was, |
must confess, afraid when Mr.. Blaine
touched upon the memorable difficulty Mr..
Garfield had over the New York nomina-
tions that he had made a mistake, but
when he closed his comments on it, re-
marking that nothing more need be said
and nothing less could be said, felt that
he was right. His hearers seemed
specially interested when he frank
" expressed the opinion that Gar
field was not parliamentary leader,
giving his reasons for his judgment, and
declared that Henry Clay, Stephen \.
Douglas, and Thaddeus Stevens were the
greatest parliamentary leaders this country
has vet had. Many present, however, be-
lieved that he himself deserves TO rank
with either Of those named by him. Messrs.
Tucker, Cabell, Wise. Barbour, and Fulk-
erson occupied seats not very far from me.
and Messrs. Tucker and Wise, who were
very near me, could not have been more
liberal in their praise Of the address than
they were. Senators Johnston and Malone
occupied seats with the Senate. Dem
ocrats and Republicans went forward
with equal alacrity and complimented the
speaker on the great success OF his effort.
OF course little else Is talked OF tonight
except Mr.. Blaine, his Grafton, and the eX-
ercises at the Capitol to-day. His friends
have a right to be just rs much elated as
they are, and my judgment i, after hear
ing the comments and opinions Of many
men Of various positions in life, that no
speech has been made At Washington
during my term as correspondent that
has produced so marked an impression.
Personal, INCIDENTS, &C.
Among those present during the deliv'
cry Of Mr.. Blaine's Grafton were Cyrus W.
Field, General John b. Gordon, Generals
sherman, Sheridan, Hancock, Meigs, and
, Howard; W. W. CorcOran, George Ban
, croft, w. +. Chandler; Governor Foster
of Ohio; Governor Porter, OF Indiana thirty
= Il l,a I orricl
Admirals Porter Worden, G. r. =. Rodg
ers, and John l.. Rodgers. No member
r OF the late Presidents family or OF any ex
! Presidents family were in attendance
The iull-length portrait Of Presiden
Garfield which was placed on the Speaker
r platform was painted by Mr.. Andrews,
: Washington artist. The japanese ant
J. Chinese legations attracted 4 great deal o
!, attention. Ex-Senators Whyte, OF Mary
I land; Mcdonald, Of Indiana; Creswell
e OF Maryland; Bruce, Of Mississippi; ant
= Williams, Of Oregon; DIR. Bliss, and Fred
{ Douglass, occupied seats on the floor o
= the House. The British Minister wa
dressed in full suit Of black. The pape
: from which Mr.. Blaine read his Grafton wa
y deeply bordered with black. There wer
! no mourning decorations in the hal
The Government Offices were all close
at IL O'Clock, and neither house Of Con
gress transacted any business to-day. Penn
= sylyania avenue was crowded with prone
N naders this evening and wore holiday al
% pearance. The weather could not hay
Il been more pleasant.
- BRIEF NEWS ITEMS.
A prominent ex-senator says he think
:: Mr.. Conkling will permit the Senate
2 confirm him and then decline the appoin
1. ment.
r. There were l01,49S silver dollars issue
D. last week., 900 less than the week befor
IL. Mr.. Scoyille will be here on Thursda
ru and remain several days.
Judge III. W. Thomas, Major X. "
. Hunter, and Captain Phi. Wexford Wei
here to-day.
= The Nations Dead.
THE GARFIELD MEMORIAL. SERVICES YEsTE
"a, DAY-Ex-sECRETARY BLAINE's AAsTERl
'es GRAFTON.