Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1882-02-25
Correspondence Independent.
A GreenhOrn In Washing
tom.

cidents connected with my recent
visit to Washington city, creates
desire within me TO re open my "cof
fee grinder" and say something
more of my trip. | hope your read
ers will temper their criticisms with
mercy, as / write altogether from
memory, as there was too much pres
ure on my uncultivated mind to
keep diary whilst there. | of course
visited many of the modern palaces,
to see in and around the vast struc-
lures and to feast my eyes upon the
architectural beauties of our own
skillful countrymen. The great in
centive which led me to the Capitol,
however, was to see the "bloods"
which to behold is but to admire.
We first visited the "Dead Mans
Gallery mean that room where
dead heroes are chiseled out of mar
ble,and live again in model and
form-live to be seen, not to be heard.
Strange thoughts encountered my
mind, and tears suffused my eyes as
1 gazed upon the living blocks of
peaceful marble, presenting in many
instances fierce antagonistic princi-
pies, both in politics and religion. ]
don't know that my worthless car
cass will ever be chiseled out to oc.
cupy place among this group of an
tiquated and modern heroes, but if
the nation should ever require it, |
should Ike to have something to say
about who should be my neighbor.
Some of the statues reflect credit
upon the sculptor, while some would
almost disgrace a corn field as a
scare-crOw.
Getting tired of studying the var
led expressions of countenance of
the detunct military chieftain or
other great men, we wended our
way into the House of Representa-
tives to witness game of ''clap
hands and run boys" The game
had not become very interesting, as
the pages outnumbered the members.
presume they were out in the lob
by playing seven up but | can not
swear to it, as they would naturally
conceal the cards upon my approach.
Becoming somewhat annoyed by the
unpleasant perfumes Of some of the
OLD cabinet, we betook ourselves TO
the Senate chamber. Silent dignity
warned us to fling our hats under
our arms and tread lightly. We
used every precaution to conceal our
entrance and be seated before We
could be buttonholed by some one
and invited to a seat on he tioor;our
object was to see, not to be seen, so
we comfortably nestled down in
corner to watch the proceedings and
scan the crowd.
The first and most prominent per-
sonage which attracted our atten-
ton was of huge Dimensions, and
one whom we could plainly see with
the naked eye, and hear distinctly
without the aid Of speaking trum-
pet. He occupied the chair and
seemed to exercise considerable au-
thority over the rest of the boys.
His name is David Davis of Ill. l
did not approach him there, as l
thought he might have forgotten
me. The "tall sycamore Of the Wa
bash" could be seen towering above
his comrades, with his usual manly
bearing. There were other Bright
lights and loud guns but we Can
not specify all. Some we did not
see because they were not there
others we could see, Billy Malone
for instance, with the aid of mag
nifying power. We did not meet
with as much courtesy here as we
had a right to expect, but l can only
attribute that to our own sense of
modesty. We were soon satisfied,
and proceeded to the sanctum sane
forum (Supreme Court roOm) but
merely took glance at the great ju-
dicial gods and left, not designing
to infringe upon their sweet repose,
for verify believe every one Of them
were asleep. Having eaten macker-
ell for breakfast begun to feel
thirsty for good draught of my ia
vorite beverage, c. water, and ac
cordingly went in search of "a foun-
tain.
In my wanderings. l determined
to call at the Office of Mr.. Delrees,
as he claims To be West Virginian,
but he either did not know of my
coming or he lodged me. | however
uttered his sanctum (the Govern
ment Printing office to view and in
terview his clerks and clerkesses. 7"
| don't think | ever saw such con-
gregation of v o Den, as were there
collected, of all ages, sizes and col
ors. | am very we'll satisfied that
many of them recognized me, from
the smiles, winks and blinks that
fell in my wake, but | Was to con-
scient Gus TO intrude myself upon
their time, as they were Govern
ment employees. | left that place
4. ell 4