ze or
architectural effect. Still it dominated the lesser structures, as it
stared down the street with quite a Roman rigor. The staff upon its
dome bore the flag of the new nation, run up there shortly after the
Congress met by the hands of a noted daughter of Virginia. Miss Letitia
Tyler was not only a representative of proud Old Dominion blood, but
was also granddaughter of the ex-President of the United States, whose
eldest son, Robert, lived in the new Capital. All Montgomery had
flocked to Capitol Hill in holiday attire; bells rang and cannon
boomed, and the throng--including all members of the government--stood
bareheaded as the fair Virginian threw that flag to the breeze. Then a
poet-priest--who later added the sword to the quill--spoke a solemn
benediction on the people, their flag and their cause; and a shout went
up from every throat that told they meant to honor and strive for it;
if need be, to die for it. What was the meaning of the pact, then and
there made, had been told by a hundred battle-fields, from Texas to
Gettysburg, from Santa Rosa to Belmont, ere the star of the South set
forever, and her remnant of warriors sadly draped that "conquered
banner."

On the whole, the effect of Montgomery upon the newly arrived was
rather pleasing, with a something rather provincial, quite in keeping
with its location inland. Streets, various in length, uncertain in
direction and impractical as to pavement, ran into Main street at many
points; and most of them were closely built with pretty houses, all of
them surrounded by gardens and many by handsome grounds. Equidistant
from the end of Main street and from each other, stood, in these cradle
days, the two hotels of which the Capital could boast. Montgomery Hall,
of bitter memory--like the much-sung "Raven of Zurich," for
uncleanliness of nest and length of bill--had been the resort of
country merchants, horse and cattle-men; but now the Solon of the hour
dwelt therein, with the possible hero of many a field. The Exchange--of
rather more pretensions and vastly more comfort--was at that time in
the hands of a northern firm, who "could keep a hotel." The latter was
political headquarters--the President, the Cabinet and a swarm of the
possible great residing there.

Montgomery was Washington over again; only on a smaller scale, and with
the avidity and agility in pursuit of the spoils somewhat enhanced by
the freshness of scent.

"The President is at this house?"