Chapter XLIV: Politicians, Authors, and Humorists

Bluff Ben Wade, a Senator from Ohio, was the champion of the North in the upper house during the prolonged debates on the Kansas- Nebraska Bill. Dueling had long been regarded as a lost art in the Northern States, but Mr. Wade determined that he would accept a challenge should one be sent him, or defend himself should he be attacked. But no one either assaulted or challenged him, although he gave his tongue free license.

One day Senator Badger spoke plaintively of slavery from a Southern point of view. In his childhood, he said, he was nursed by an old negro woman, and he grew to manhood under her care. He loved his "old black mammy," and she loved him. But if the opponents of the Kansas-Nebraska bill were triumphant, and he wished to go to either of those Territories, he could not take his "old black mammy" with him. Turning to Mr. Wade, he exclaimed: "Surely, you will not prevent me from taking my old black mammy with me?" "It is not," remarked the Senator from Ohio, dryly, "that he cannot take his old black mammy with him that troubles the mind of the Senator, but that if we make the Territories free, he cannot sell the old black mammy when he gets her there."

The future leader of the Great Rebellion, Senator Jefferson Davis, had then assumed the leadership of the Southern Senators and their Northern allies. His best friends were forced to admit that his bearing, even toward them, had become haughty, and his manners imperious. His thin, spare figure, his almost sorrowful cast of countenance, composed, however, in an invariable expression of dignity, gave the idea of a body worn by the action of the mind, an intellect supporting in its prison of flesh the pains of constitutional disease, and triumphing over physical confinement and affliction. His carriage was erect--there was a soldierly affectation, of which, indeed, the hero of Buena Vista gave evidence through his life, having the singular conceit that his genius was military and fitter for arms than for the council. He had a precise manner, and an austerity that was at first forbidding; but his voice was always clear and firm. Although not a scholar in the pedantic sense of the term, and making no pretensions to the doubtful reputation of the sciolist, his reading was classical and varied, his fund of illustration large, and his resources of imagery plentiful and always apposite.

Senator Robert W. Johnson--"Bob Johnson," every one called him-- had made many friends while a member of the House, and was one of the most popular Senators. He was a man of generous feeling, honorable impulses, and a cheerful humor, which had endeared him to the homely backwoodsmen of his State. He was a fine speaker, pouring forth fact and argument with an earnestness that riveted attention, and lighting up the dull path of logic with the glow of his captivating fancy, while he spiced his remarks with the idiosyncrasies of frontier oratory, familiar and quaint illustrations, and blunt truth. At heart he loved the Union, but he could not stand up against the public sentiment of his State.

Henry Bowen Anthony was the first Republican Senator who had not been identified with the Abolitionists. Before he had been a week in the Senate, he was graciously informed that the Southern Senators recognized him as a gentleman, and proposed to invite him to their houses. "I can enter no door," sturdily replied the man of Quaker ancestry, "which is closed against any Northern Senator." Mr. Anthony was at that time a very handsome man, with jet black hair, blue eyes, and a singularly sweet expression of countenance. His editorial labors on the Providence _Journal_ had given him a rare insight into men and politics, which qualified him for Senatorial life. He was soon a favorite in Washington society, wit and general information embellishing his brilliant conversation, while his social virtues gave to his life a daily beauty.

Ostensibly to negotiate a postal treaty, but really to see what could be done about an international copyright between Great Britain and the United States, came Anthony Trollope, Esq. He was a short, stout old gentleman, with a round, rosy face and snow-white hair, who loved to talk, and who talked well. His mother, Mrs. Frances Trollope, had written a cruelly sarcastic book on the manners and customs of Americans in 1830, and he was somewhat dogmatic in his criticisms of what he saw and heard. He shone especially at gentlemen's evening parties, at which he narrated anecdotes about Macaulay, Dickens, and Thackeray, and of his own exploits in "'unting," which he regarded as the noblest of all pastimes.

Mike Walsh was not only a demagogue, but an incorrigible joker. He used frequently to visit Washington after the expiration of his Congressional term, and was in the city after the close of the summer session of the Thirty-fifth Congress. Judge Douglas was also there, busily engaged in advancing his Presidential prospects. One evening, as Walsh was sitting in front of the Kirkwood House, he remarked that the weather looked threatening, but that he hoped it would prove good on account of the serenade that was to be given to Judge Douglas that night. The thing took at once, and he visited all the hotels, and in casual conversations broached the serenade, and the fact that the Marine Band had been engaged for the occasion. When ten o'clock P. M. came there were not less than six or seven hundred people in front of Judge Douglas's new residence; and as the streets had been newly opened and were still unpaved, the mud was ankle deep. There were also some thirty or forty hacks and a number of private carriages; and as the Judge and his beautiful and accomplished wife had heard of the intended ovation, they had prepared for the emergency by taking up the parlor carpets and setting out a collation for the sovereigns. But, alas! no Marine Band appeared; and as eleven o'clock came and no music, the crowd began slowly to thin out, until at last it got whispered around that Mike Walsh had something to do with the getting up of the serenade, when, amid curses and loud guffaws, there was a general stampede of the crowd.

In the midst of the stormy debates at the Capitol, there was an entertainment where men of both sections fraternized. It was a "wake" at the house of Mr. John Coyle, the cashier of the _National Intelligencer_, whose Milesian blood had prompted him to pay Hibernian honors to the memory of one who had often been his guest. The funereal banquet had been postponed, however, in true Irish style, when it had been ascertained that the deceased was not dead, and in due time the guests were again invited, to honor him whom they had mourned--Albert Pike, of Arkansas. There he was, with stalwart form, noble features, waving hair, and a patriarchal beard --at once the Kit North and the Koerner of America.

After a neat welcome by the host, uprose the erudite dignitary of the State Department, and he read, in deep, full tones, an obituary sketch of the supposed deceased, which he had prepared upon the receipt of the sad news. Pike's remarks, in reply, were touchingly beautiful, especially when he expressed his delight at having read kind notices of himself from those whom he had feared were his enemies, and his hopes that all enmity between him and his fellow- men might remain buried in that tomb to which he had been consigned. Jack Savage then sang a song (to the tune of "Benny Havens, O!"), describing a forced visit of "the fine Arkansas gentleman" to the Stygian shore, where he craved permission of Pluto to return to earth for one night at Coyle's:

"'Are you not dead?' the King then said.
'Well, what of that? said he,
'If I am dead, I've not been waked, and buried dacently.'
'And why,' the monarch cried,
'Desire again to share life's toils?'
'For the sake of one good frolic more,
'Even at Johnny Coyle's.'
One spree at Johnny Coyle's; one spree at Johnny Coyle's;
And who would not be glad to join a spree at Johnny Coyle's?"

Pluto then enumerated the good cheer and good company, and "Horace and Anacreon in vain would have him stay." But the gentleman from Arkansas demonstrated that they were all surpassed at Johnny Coyle's. The recital of the genial qualities of various gentlemen named enlisted Proserpine, who urged Pluto to let him go, that he might return, bringing his friends with him.

"And so the Queen at last prevailed, as women always do,
And thus it comes that once again this gentleman's with you;
He's under promise to return, but that he means to brake,
And many another spree to have besides the present wake.
One spree at Johnny Coyle's, etc."

This song was followed by a story, and that story by a song, and it was nearly daylight in the morning before the guests separated.

The Sons of Malta, a secret order which sprang into existence during Mr. Buchanan's Administration, was a remarkable institution. The original object of the organization was the capture of Cuba, and many prominent military men of the South were the leading spirits in the movement; but the filibustering was soon abandoned, and a newspaper man, who had been initiated, conceived the idea of making "some fun for the boys." The whole business of initiation, etc., was transformed into a series of the most stupendous practical jokes and outrageously comical proceedings ever dreamed of. The Order spread rapidly all over the Union. At Washington the lodge fitted up Marini's Hall in luxurious style, with carpets, cushioned seats, and an expensive paraphernalia. Many Senators and Representatives who had been initiated at their respective homes were regular attendants, and there was no lack of candidates, until a sedate citizen, enraged by the disclosure of his domestic infidelity, denounced the whole affair as a gigantic "sell."

While the Order was on the high tide of prosperity Mr. Buchanan was asked if he would receive a delegation of the Sons of Malta, representing twenty different States. Mr. Buchanan was a zealous Freemason--having gone up into the Royal Arch degree--and thinking that the institution resembled Freemasonry, he named an hour for the visit. The members of the delegation were promptly on hand, and after they had taken their position along one side of the East Room, Mr. Buchanan entered. The spokesman addressed him in a short speech, in which he eulogized the Order as composed of Union-loving citizens, associated for charitable purposes.

Mr. Buchanan listened attentively, and said in reply: "Gentlemen of the Sons of Malta, I feel grateful for the honor you have done me in making this visit. I do not know much about the Order, but I have no doubt of its charitable objects and its patriotism. In your praiseworthy object of charity I would say, God speed you in so noble an enterprise. We are told that Faith, Hope, and Charity are the links that bind us together in social Union. Faith and Hope may pass away, but Charity endures forever. I do not feel that there is any danger of the dissolution of the Union by the oppression of one portion of our country upon another; for should that period unhappily arrive, the people, who made it, will preserve it. Again, allow me cordially to thank you for this visit, and I would be most happy to take each one of you by the hand as representatives of the Sons of Malta from all parts of the Union." So solemn was the scene that several portly delegates were evidently convulsed with emotion (or secret laughter), and the Union was regarded as safe. Owners of ships, stocks, States, and the Order took courage.

[Facsimile] Geo. Bancroft GEORGE BANCROFT was born at Worcester, Mass., October 3d, 1800; graduated at Harvard College, 1817; was Secretary of the Navy under President Polk, 1843-1846; was Minister to Great Britain, 1846- 1849; to Prussia, 1867-1871; to Germany, 1871-1874.

[Frontispiece missing]

PERLEY'S REMINISCENCES OF SIXTY YEARS IN THE NATIONAL METROPOLIS

_Illustrating the Wit, Humor, Genius, Eccentricities, Jealousies, Ambitions and Intrigues of the Brilliant Statesmen, Ladies, Officers, Diplomats, Lobbyists and other noted Celebrities of the World that gather at the Centre of the Nation; describing imposing Inauguration Ceremonies, Gala Day Festivities, Army Reviews, &c., &c., &c._

BY BEN: PERLEY POORE,

_The Veteran Journalist, Clerk of the Senate Printing Records, Editor of the Congressional Directory, and Author of various Works._

Illustrated.

VOL. II. HUBBARD BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, PHILADELPHIA, PA. Boston, Kansas City; W. A. Houghton, New York; A. W. Mills, Tecumseh, Mich.; A. W. Stolp, Chicago, Ill.; A. L. Bancroft & Co., San Francisco, Cal.; E. Holdoway & Co., St. Louis, Mo.; A. P. Foster & Co., Dallas, Texas.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1886, by

BEN: PERLEY POORE, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

NOTICE TO BOOKSELLERS. This book is sold exclusively by subscription, all agents being strictly enjoined by contract from selling in any other way. Any evasion of this plan will be a trespass upon the copyright rights of the author. HUBBARD BROS.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. FOREIGN COMPLICATIONS AND DOMESTIC INTRIGUE. The Central American Imbroglio--The Napier Ball--Washington Society --Fanny Kemble Butler--Democratic Revelers--The Trial of Sickles-- The Key Family--Robert Ould--Edwin M. Stanton--Other Lawyers-- Verdict of Acquittal--Anson Burlingame.

CHAPTER II. VISITS FROM DISTINGUISHED FOREIGNERS. The Japanese Embassy--Its Reception by President Buchanan--Caricatures --Visit of the Prince of Wales--The Heir to the British Throne at Mount Vernon--Effect Produced on Queen Victoria--Life at the White House--How Mr. Buchanan Lived.

CHAPTER III. THE GATHERING TEMPEST. Threatening Aspect of Affairs--John Brown's Raid--Pendleton's Gambling-House Neutral Ground--The Games and the Gamblers--Honors to the Deceased King of Cards--Vice-President Breckinridge--South Carolina Chivalry--The Slave Trade Re-opened--Lady Lobbyists-- Ellsworth's Zouaves--Owen Lovejoy.

CHAPTER IV. LINCOLN'S ELECTION INAUGURATES REBELLION. Election of a Republican President--Northern Willingness to Let the South Secede--Senator Seward as a Partisan Leader--His Great Speech--Farewell of Jefferson Davis to the Senate--Hale's Reply to Clingman--The Peace Commission--Twenty-second of February Parade-- The Electoral Vote--Hostilities Commenced.

CHAPTER V. MR. LINCOLN AT THE HELM. Unexpected Arrival of Mr. Lincoln--Sumner Compared to a Bishop-- Interviews of the President-Elect with Prominent Men--Remarkable Memory--Southern Commissioners--The Inaugural Message Lost and Found--The New Cabinet--The Inauguration.

CHAPTER VI. THE STORM BURSTS. Robert E. Lee Joins the Confederacy--Sumter Fired upon--The Uprising of the Loyal North--The First Troops to Arrive--Nick Biddle, the First Man Wounded--Arrival of the Massachusetts Sixth--The Censorship of the Press--General Butler Re-opens Communication with the North --The Massachusetts Eighth--Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves--Alexandria Occupied--A Confederate Flag Captured--Colonel Ellsworth Killed by its Owner and Promptly Avenged.

CHAPTER VII. "ON TO RICHMOND." Meeting of Congress--March of the Grand Army of the Union--The First Battle of Bull Run--Disgraceful Rout--Appeal of Senator Breckinridge--Patriotic Reply of Colonel Baker--War Preparations-- General McClellan Placed in Command--General Scott's Advice to Him --Surrender of Mason and Slidell--Disastrous Engagement at Ball's Bluff.

CHAPTER VIII. WASHINGTON A VAST GARRISON. Rejection by the President of Anti-Slavery Views--Vacant Seats at Either End of the Capitol--Fessenden, the Financier--Sumner, the Diplomatist--Wilson, the Military Director--Other Prominent Senators --The Rule of Thaddeus Stevens--Notable Representatives--Democratic Opposition to the Administration--Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War.

CHAPTER IX. THE METROPOLIS IN TIME OF WAR. President Lincoln's First New Year's Reception--The Pennsylvania Lancers--Discontent of the Abolitionists--President Lincoln Favoring Colonization--Appointment of E. M. Stanton as Secretary of War-- Espionage--The Secret Service--Female Confederate Spies--Capture by one of them of a Union General.

CHAPTER X. FASHION, LITERATURE AND ART. Washington Society Disgruntled--President Lincoln's First Reception --Who were Present--A Famous Supper--Criticisms of the Discontented --Secret Sadness of President Lincoln and his Wife--Death of Little Willie Lincoln--Camp Followers--Literati in Government Employ-- Lectures at the Smithsonian Institution--Commissioner Newton, of the Agricultural Department.

CHAPTER XI. THE FORTUNES OF WAR. War Correspondents--A Precarious Position--The Washington Press-- Colonel John W. Forney and his Two Daily Papers--Fourth of July Celebration at Washington--Raising Colored Troops Discouraged-- Successful Recruiting of Whites for Union Armies--War on General McClellan, and his Deposition--Defeat of General Pope--Recall of General McClellan to Command--Victory at Antietam--General Burnside in Command--His Failures at Fredericksburg--His Resignation.

CHAPTER XII. SOCIAL LIFE OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. Meeting of Congress--Proclamation of Emancipation--New Year's Day at the White House--Growlings by Count Gurowski--The Army of the Potomac--Christmas at the Hospitals--Henry Wikoff in Trouble-- President Lincoln Ill with the Varioloid--Defeat of General Hooker at Chancellorsville--Victory of General Grant at Vicksburg--Sublime Speech of President Lincoln at Gettysburg.

CHAPTER XIII. CIVIL AND MILITARY INTRIGUES. War Legislators--Medal Voted to General Grant--New Year's Receptions at the White House and at the Residences of Officials--General Grant Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant-General--He Leads the Army of the Potomac Through Terrific Battles to Victory--Resignation of Mr. Chase as Secretary of the Treasury--His Appointment as Chief- Justice--Presidential Scheming.

CHAPTER XIV. EVENTS BOTH SAD AND JOYOUS. Election of Andrew Johnson as Vice-President--Second Inauguration of Lincoln--Disgraceful Intoxication of Vice-President Johnson-- Inauguration Ball at the Interior Department--Successful Military Movements Directed by General Grant--Lincoln's Fondness for Theatricals--The Martyr-President's Last Speech to the People-- Capture of Dixie.

CHAPTER XV. PLUNGED INTO SORROW. Jubilant Over Victory--President Lincoln at the Theatre--His Assassination by Wilkes Booth--A Night of Terror--Death of Abraham Lincoln--The Assassin--Funeral Honors Paid the Dead President-- Ceremonies at the White House--Procession Along Pennsylvania Avenue --The Remains Rest in State in the Rotunda of the Capitol--Their Removal to Illinois.

CHAPTER XVI. THE CONSPIRACY TRIAL--THE GRAND REVIEWS. Andrew Johnson Sworn in as President--Visit of a Massachusetts Delegation--What he Thought About Traitors and Treason--Arrest of Booth and his Accomplices--The Confederates had Supplied the Funds --Mrs. Surratt on Trial--The Male Prisoners--Execution of Some Conspirators and Imprisonment of Others--Grand Review of the Union Armies--General Meade and the Army of the Potomac--The Reviewing Stand--General Sherman and the Division of the Mississippi--Rebuff Given by General Sherman to Secretary Stanton--Sherman's Bummers.

CHAPTER XVII. PRESIDENT JOHNSON SURRENDERS. Concessions to the Confederates--Daily Life of President Johnson-- Jefferson Davis in Prison and Manacled--Exciting Scene in a Casemate --John Pierpont's Eightieth Birthday--The Bread and Butter Convention --Swinging Round the Circle--Marriage of Senator Sumner--His Bright Hopes Soon Disappointed--Female Influence at the White House-- Impeacher Ashley Commences Operations--Important Decision by the Supreme Court.

CHAPTER XVIII. WASHINGTON CELEBRITIES. President Johnson's Wife and Daughters--Representative Roscoe Conkling, of New York--Senator Oliver P. Morton, Indiana's War Governor--Senator George F. Edmunds, of Vermont--Senator Zach. Chandler, of Michigan--Senator Anthony, of Rhode Island--Jovial Senator Nye, of Nevada--Representative Elihu B. Washburne, the Father of the House--Speaker Colfax as a Presiding Officer-- Representative James G. Blaine, of Maine, and his Tilt with Tucker, of Virginia--Representative Fernando Wood, of New York.

CHAPTER XIX. CEREMONIALS AT THE METROPOLIS. New Year's Reception at the White House--Who was There and What was Worn--George Bancroft's Eulogy on Abraham Lincoln--Scene in the House of Representatives--Distinguished Persons Present--The Memorial Address--Great Britain Snubbed and Russia Complimented-- A Penitential Apology by Senator McDougall, of California.

CHAPTER XX. THE GREAT IMPEACHMENT. Widening Gulf Between President Johnson and Congress--Deposition and Restoration of Secretary Stanton--Life and Death of Sir Frederick Bruce--Mrs. Lincoln's Sale of Effects--Thurlow Weed's Criticism-- Impeachment of President Johnson--General Thomas Appointed Secretary of War--The High Court of Impeachment, Chief-Justice Chase Presiding --Elaborate Argument by Mr. Evarts--His Review of Republican Assertions--The Verdict--Close of the Administration.

CHAPTER XXI. A NEW PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST. Four Ohio Presidential Candidates, Grant, Chase, Stanton and Wade --Chief-Justice Chase Before the Democratic Convention--Care Taken by General Grant that all Confederate Officers Should be Paroled-- Extension of the Treasury Department--Senator Ben. Wade and the Restaurant Keeper--Senator Sumner's Great Speech on Alaska--Happy Hours of General Grant at Washington--One of his Evening Receptions --Sam. Ward, the Bon Vivant--Charles Dickens.

CHAPTER XXII. GENERAL GRANT IN THE WHITE HOUSE. The Inauguration Procession--Proceedings at the Capitol--Delivery of the Inaugural Address--Ball in the Treasury Department--Formation of the Cabinet--Secretary of State, Fish--Appointment of A. T. Stewart, Secretary of the Treasury--The Politicians Troubled, but Successful--Other Cabinet Officers--Army Habits in the White House --President Grant's Daily Life.

CHAPTER XXIII. RECONSTRUCTION OF THE METROPOLIS. Alexander R. Shepherd, the "Boss" Regenerator of Washington--Expense of the Improvements, and Who Profited Thereby--Supervising-Architect Mullett--The State, War, and Navy Building--Official Speculators-- The Story of Black Friday--General Grant's Financial Views--The Credit Mobilier Scandal--Honest Oakes Ames Made a Scapegoat.

CHAPTER XXIV. RESTORATION OF THE UNION. Northern Politicians and Southern Brigadiers--The Old Flag and an Appropriation--Outrages by the Ku-Klux Klan--The Joint High Commission --Seizure of Canada--Intrigues of Russian Minister de Catacazy-- Visit of the Grand Duke Alexis--A Female Spy--Charles Sumner's House and his Heart Trouble--Misunderstanding Between General Grant and Senator Sumner on San Domingo--Senator Sumner Forced into Hostility toward General Grant.

CHAPTER XXV. INTRIGUES AND INTRIGUERS. The Solider Not a Statesman--How to Beat Grant--Horace Greeley a Presidential Candidate--Re-nomination of General Grant, with Henry Wilson for Vice-President--Defeat of Colfax--New Year's Reception at the White House--Return of Senator Sumner--Inscription of Union Victories on Regimental Colors--Death of Senator Sumner.

CHAPTER XXVI. A NEW TERM BEGUN. Second Inauguration of General Grant--An Arctic Wave--The Procession --Scene at the Capitol--The Inaugural Address--A Frozen-out Ball-- Death of Chief-Justice Chase--Refusal of the Position by Roscoe Conkling--Appointment of Attorney-General Williams--Nomination of Caleb Cushing--An Unfortunate Letter--Cushing Asserts his Loyalty --Edwin M. Stanton Appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court--Marriage of General Grant's Daughter.

CHAPTER XXVII. CORRUPTION IN OFFICIAL LIFE. Fifty Congressional Drag-nets at Work--Female Jealousy--A Nantucket Story--Impeachment of General Belknap, After his Resignation-- Beautiful Mrs. Belknap--The Whisky Ring--Revenge of Senator Henderson, of Missouri--Trial of General Babcock, and his Acquittal.

CHAPTER XXVIII. THE CENTENNIAL GLORY. Observance of the Centennial at Washington--Entertainment of Dom Pedro, of Brazil, at the British Legation--The National Republican Convention at Cincinnati--Illness of Mr. Blaine at Washington--How Blaine was Defeated and Hayes Nominated--Contest for the Returns in Doubtful States--Cipher Telegrams--Examination of Colonel Pelton --Threats of Revolution--Intimations of Bargains.

CHAPTER XXIX. THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION. The Commission Changed by the Substitution of Judge Bradley for Judge Davis--Debate in the Senate on the Bill--Great Speech by Roscoe Conkling--Counting the Electoral Vote--Decision by the Commission--General Grant's Administration not a Political Success.

CHAPTER XXX. INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT HAYES. Lack of Congressional Notification--Arrival of Governor Hayes at Washington--Political Consultations--The Oath Taken Privately--The Procession--The Inauguration--Safely in the White House--The New Cabinet--Judge Key's Eventful History--Fun at Cabinet Meetings-- Unfortunate Selection of a Private Secretary.

CHAPTER XXXI. A NEW ERA IN SOCIETY. President Hayes and his Wife--The Ohio Idea of Total Abstinence and its Evasion--Social Life at the White House--A New Era in Washington Society--The President's Silver Wedding--Reunion of Old Friends--Petition of ex-Senator Christiancy for a Divorce--Dissolute Young Diplomats.

CHAPTER XXXII. LEADERS AND MEASURES. Overthrow of the Republicans--The Hayes Policy--Thurman, of Ohio-- Bayard, of Delaware--Beck, of Kentucky--Cockrell, of Missouri-- Bruce, of Mississippi--Logan, of Illinois--Anthony, of Rhode Island --Hamlin, of Maine--Edmunds, of Vermont--Conkling, of New York-- Carpenter, of Wisconsin--Ingalls, of Kansas--Dawes, of Massachusetts --Blaine, of Maine--Randall, of Pennsylvania--Republican Representatives --Stopping Supplies--Presidential Vetoes--"Pinafore."

CHAPTER XXXIII. TILTS IN CONGRESS. Celebration of the King of Spain's Marriage--Criminations and Recriminations at the Capitol--Tilt Between Carpenter and Blaine-- Altercation Between Conkling and Gordon--Sharp Words Between Mahone and Voorhees--New Set of China for the White House.

CHAPTER XXXIV. STRUGGLE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION. General Grant's Friends in the Field--The Inter-Oceanic Ship Canal --Personal Popularity of Senator Blaine--John Sherman Supported by General Garfield--Political Double-Dealing--Garfield's Speech at Chicago--Nomination of Garfield and Arthur--Visit of General Grant to Washington--A Cold New Year's Day--Reception at the White House --Official Presentations--Appointment of Mr. Blaine as Secretary of State.

CHAPTER XXXV. THE GARFIELD INAUGURATION. Washington City Crowded--The Weather Inclement--Military and Civic Procession--Crowds in the Senate Chamber--General Garfield's Mother, Wife, and Daughter--Hancock, the Superb--Plucky Phil Sheridan-- Decorated Diplomats--Installation of Vice-President Arthur--Majestic Scene in Front of the Capitol--The Inaugural and the Oath of Office --Grand Review--Inauguration Ball.

CHAPTER XXXVI. CHANGES AND DISSENSIONS. Republicans Deprived of Their Majority in the Senate--Rival New York Factions--Declaration of Hostility Against Senator Conkling-- Contest Over the Confirmation of the Collector of New York-- Resignation of Senators Conkling and Platt--Significant Speech by Senator Mahone--A Defiant Challenge--Inauguration of the Statue of Farragut--President Garfield at the College for Deaf Mutes.

CHAPTER XXXVII. THE ASSASSINATION. Garfield's Domestic Felicity--His Masonic and Literary Relations-- The Garfield Family at the White House--Perplexities Environing the Administration--Mrs. Garfield the First Lady in the Land--Her Illness--The Assassination--The Long Agony--Death of President Garfield--Funeral Ceremonies at Washington--Interment at Cleveland --Trial of Guiteau--His Conviction and Execution.

CHAPTER XXXVIII. VICE PRESIDENT ARTHUR BECOMES PRESIDENT. The Deplorable Calamity--Mental Anguish of Vice-President Arthur-- He Takes the Oath at New York, and Repeats it at Washington-- Individual Preferences Subordinated to Public Welfare--Principles of the New Administration--Executive Vetoes--Changes in the Senate --Leading Senators--Mr. Bayard President _Pro Tempore_ One Day-- Senator David Davis Chosen to Preside _Pro Tempore_.

CHAPTER XXXIX. THE CENTENNIAL OF YORKTOWN. President Arthur's Appearance--Reception of French and German Officers at Washington--Their Presentation to President Arthur at the Capitol--Display of Fireworks--The Yorktown Celebration-- Secretary Blaine's Entertainment to the Nation's Guests--Fete at the French Legation.

CHAPTER XL. PRESIDENT ARTHUR'S ADMINISTRATION. The Republicans Again in Power--A New Cabinet--Mr. Conkling Appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court--The Garfield Memorial Services at the Capitol--Mr. Blaine's Eulogy on the Deceased President--Attacks on the Administration--Daily Life of the President--The Star-Route Trials.

CHAPTER XLI. GAY AND FESTIVE SCENES. President Arthur's New Year's Reception--Dr. Mary Walker--Senator Hoar's Welcome Dinner to Mr. Justice Gray--President Arthur's Dinner in Honor of General and Mrs. Grant--The Guests and what the Ladies Wore--Mr. Blaine's New Home--Marriage of Colonel Coppinger to Miss Blaine.

CHAPTER XLII. THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. Senator Anthony's Fifth Term--His Election as President _Pro Tempore_, and Declination--Officers of the Senate--Democratic Tidal Wave in the House--Speaker John G. Carlisle--A Gay Washington Season --Good Dinners--Improvement of the Metropolis--Procession and Addresses at the Completion of the Washington Monument--An Exciting Presidential Campaign--The Result--Departure of General Arthur from the White House.

CHAPTER XLIII. PRESIDENT CLEVELAND. The Metropolis Crowded--The Procession--Vice-President Hendricks Sworn In--The Inaugural--The President's Oath--Inauguration Ball-- The Cabinet--Secretaries Bayard, Manning, Endicott, Whitney, and Lamar--Postmaster-General Vilas--Attorney-General Garland--The Council Table.

CHAPTER XLIV. OFFICIAL AND SOCIAL LIFE. Executive Work--General Reception--Office-Seekers--Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland--A State Dinner at the White House--The Guests --Toilets of the Ladies--Sad Death of Mrs. and Miss Bayard--Mrs. Secretary Whitney--Death of Vice-President Hendricks.

CHAPTER XLV. THE FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS. John Sherman President _pro tem._--The Fitz John Porter Debate-- Unpleasantness between Kansas and South Carolina--Senator Gorman, of Maryland--Senator Kenna, of West Virginia--General Manderson, of Nebraska--Senator Spooner, of Wisconsin--Wedding Present to Secretary McCook--Mr. Speaker Carlisle--Representative Breckinridge, of Kentucky--Drawing of Seats--Prominent Representatives--The Lobby, Male and Female.

CHAPTER XLVI. THE PRESIDENT'S WEDDING Floral Decorations--The Bride's Attire--The Ceremony--The Marriage Supper--Departure of the Wedded Couple--Receptions at the White House--The Diplomats and their Ladies--Dinner Parties--The Leader of Society--Congress and the President--Vetoes--Office-Seekers-- Summer Recreations.