[113] Erskine to Canning, Oct. 5, 1807; MSS. British Archives.
[114] Gallatin to Jefferson, Oct. 21, 1807; Gallatin’s Writings, i. 853.
[115] Adams’s Gallatin, p. 363.
[116] Diary of J. Q. Adams, Nov. 17, 1807; i. 476.
CHAPTER VII.
Such was the situation October 26, when Congress assembled in obedience to the President’s call. An unusually large number of members attended on the opening day, when for the first time the House was installed in a chamber of its own. After seven years of residence at Washington, the government had so far completed the south wing of the Capitol as to open it for use. A covered way of rough boards still connected the Senate Chamber in the north wing with the Chamber of Representatives in the southern extension of the building, and no one could foresee the time when the central structure, with its intended dome, would be finished; but the new chamber gave proof that the task was not hopeless. With extraordinary agreement every one admitted that Jefferson’s and Latrobe’s combined genius had resulted in the construction of a room equal to any in the world for beauty and size. The oval hall, with its girdle of fluted sandstone columns draped with crimson curtains, its painted ceiling, with alternate squares of glass, produced an effect of magnificence which was long remembered. Unfortunately, this splendor had drawbacks. Many and bitter were Randolph’s complaints of the echoes and acoustic defects which marred the usefulness of the chamber.
That Randolph should feel no love for it was natural. The first scene it witnessed was that of his overthrow. Macon, who for six years had filled the chair, retired without a contest, dragged down by Randolph’s weight; and of the one hundred and seventeen members present, fifty-nine, a bare majority, elected Joseph Bradley Varnum of Massachusetts their Speaker; while the minority of fifty-eight scattered their votes among half-a-dozen candidates. Varnum, ignoring Randolph, appointed George Washington Campbell of Tennessee chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. Troublesome as the Virginia leader had been, he was still the only member competent to control the House, and his fall was greatly regretted by at least one member of the Cabinet. “Varnum has, much against my wishes, removed Randolph from the Ways and Means, and appointed Campbell of Tennessee,” wrote Gallatin.[117] “It was improper as related to the public business, and will give me additional labor.”
October 27 the President’s Message was read.
“The love of peace,” it began, “so much cherished in the bosoms of our citizens, which has so long guided the proceedings of their public councils and induced forbearance under so many wrongs, may not insure our continuance in the quiet pursuits of industry.”
An account of Monroe’s negotiation and treaty followed this threatening preamble; and the warmest friends of Monroe and Pinkney could hardly find fault with the President’s gentle comments on their conduct.