The life and times of Hannibal Hamlin; . as Alexander , who was so small and frail in appearance that he seemed ayouth in the last stages of consumption. But he, too, belied hisappearance. An exceedingly eccentric character, the court jester ofthe House, was Felix Grundy McConnell, of Alabama. He was aman of brilliant mental qualities, but his habits were responsible forhis grotesque performances. At a fashionable concert given by OleBull, the Norwegian violinist, who was then the reigning musicalfavorite, McConnell interrupted the violinist in the midst of a deli-cate passage by sho
The life and times of Hannibal Hamlin; . as Alexander , who was so small and frail in appearance that he seemed ayouth in the last stages of consumption. But he, too, belied hisappearance. An exceedingly eccentric character, the court jester ofthe House, was Felix Grundy McConnell, of Alabama. He was aman of brilliant mental qualities, but his habits were responsible forhis grotesque performances. At a fashionable concert given by OleBull, the Norwegian violinist, who was then the reigning musicalfavorite, McConnell interrupted the violinist in the midst of a deli-cate passage by shouting out : None of your highfalutin fiddling ;give us Hail Columbia, and bear hard on the treble. A sensationfollowed. The audience called for the police, and the officers had touse their clubs to eject the unruly congressman from the hall. The new members of Congress rapidly formed their the words of another writer : Naturally enough, in what was thenthe small and contracted political and social circle of Washington, a. REPRliSEMATl\lL Al-T. 56. ELECTED TO CONGRESS 8i man of INIr. Hamlins striking appearance and many attainments wasnot long in making his mark. Tall and graceful in figure, with blackand piercing eyes, a skin almost olive-colored, hair smooth, thick,and jetty, a manner always courteous and affable, the new membersoon found his way into the best society of the capital. His advance-ment to a commanding position in the political world was quite asrapid. ^ Mr. Hamlin was soon associated with Preston King, JacobBrinkerhoff, George Rathbun, and other members of his party whoeventually constituted a notable group of anti-slavery Democrats inthe House. In their councils they both formulated practical andimportant measures and appointed their champions. j\lr. Hamlinmade many pleasant acquaintances outside of his poHtical circle. AUnitarian church had been founded at Washington, and as the newfaith it upheld was not popular, it had to struggle
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