The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-06-03
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tion not exceeding 100000; now As American
Commonwealth contain population of about
750GOO0O
MANY questions, foreign and domestic, CON-
fronted Congress during the Administrations Of
Washington. With affection for his memory,
with reverence for his character, and with q
warm appreciation of his advice and counsel,
the Senate pauses in its deliberation to hear and
ponder his Farewall Address to his country
men. and to place it anew upon its records that
millions may again read its patriotic uttsr-
ances and be imbued with his spirit Of intense
devotion to the public veal.
AS We look back at ths records OF our Ma
tional life century ago we find Congress sit
ting in Philadelphia, city then Of less shan
10000 population.
SOME THINGS CONGRESS DID.
ut il interesting to note some OF the pro.
ceedings of Congress near the close of Washing
toms last Administration. Assembling then, a.
now on the first Monday of December, instead
of sending q message President Washington
appeared on Dec. T. 1896, in the Chamber OF the
House of Representatives, where the Senate had
already assembled, and addressed the two
Houses. On the 10Th the Senate transmitted
an address to the President in answer to bis
speech, and on the 10Th the members of the
House in body waited upon tbs President az
his residence, and the Speaker, on their behalf,
delivered an address to the President.
"On Feb. 8, 1877, the two Houses assembled
in the Represen tatives' Chamber and counted
the votes for President and Vice President. On
the 18th John Adams, the President elect adj
dressed the Senate on his retirement from the
body for the remainder of the session, aud on
the 22d the Senate made answer 10 the address.
March President Washington issued sum-
mons to the Senate to meet in their Chamber at
10 o'clock to receive any communication which
the President may lay before them.
THE last hours were occupied in debate
upon q resolution expressing sympathy for the
sufferings of Gen. Lafayette in his long and
rigorous imprisonment, and As to measures that
should be adopted toward effecting his restora-
ton to liberty. Mr.. Livingston reminded the
House that Lafayette came from the pompous
ease Of foreign court; he Voluntarily served
the cause Of America and blsd for her.; that
besides spending princely portion in our
cause, he asked nothing, nor would accept any
compensation for his services For want of time,
no final action was taken upon the resolution,
| and about II o'clock on the evening Of March
the House adjourned sine die.
1.-THE morning Of March had arrived, and
| Congress Hall, on Chestnut street, in which
| Congress held its sessions was the spot to which
| all eyes were turned. Close by stood, anchored
| to the earth. the most sacred temple on Ameri-
| can soil the Runny mede of our Nation old
| Independence Hall, the refuge and the rock OK
| the fathers of the Revolution.
Before noontime the members Of the Sem
ate. conducted by the Vice President, Thomas
Jefferson, who had Just taken the oath of office.
| and accompanied by the officers of the Federal
| and State Governments and vast eoncourse OK
| eminent citizens, repaired to the hall of the
| House OF Representative where large audi
| ence of ladies aud gentlemen had assembled to
| witness the ceremonies.
INDUSTRIOUS MEN ASSEMBLED.
"What an imposing assemblage of ilustrious
men, representatives of the States and of the
people-among them James Madison. Albert
| Gallatin, Fisher Ames, Andrew Jackson, John
Langdon, Richard Stockton, and John Lau-
rence-gathered there in the Nations infancy
to witness the retirement to private life of the
most eminent citizen of the Republic, and to
participate in the ceremonies of clothing with
the power and authority Of the Presidential
Office John Adams, the most distinguished
citizen of the Commonwealth Of Massachu-
sets.
"Near the Speakers chair sat Thomas JEFF
fersop whom Adams had called 20 years before
the man with the mastery pen.' In front OF
the Speakers chair sat Chief Justice Ellsworth,
who was to administer the oath, and with him
three other Judges of the Supreme Court
Cushing, Wilson, and Iredell.
"VerJ soon loud cheering was heard in the
streets and in . few moments Washington
entered the chamber, followed by Adams. The
| whole audience rose and greeted them with
| enthusiastic cheers. The historian tells Us
that when they were seated perfect silence
reignsd and Washington arose, with the most
commanding dignity and selfcontrol, and pro.
ceeded to read, in . firm. clear voice, q brisi
valedictory. He wore full suit Of black. Mr.
Adams wore q full suit of bright drab, with
lash or loose cuffs to his coat, and wrst-ruffies
"Ths audience listened to Washington In
breathIess silence, as if they desired to hear
him breathe and catch his breath in homage
of their hearts, While Washington was speak.
ing Adams covered his face with both hands
tho sleeves of his coat being moistened with
tears. Washington was composed until the
close of the address, but when nervous sob'
broke loose and tears covered the faces OF tho
audience the great man was shaken"