From the Nep Fork Spectator.

MATTERS AND THINGS AT WASHINGTON

 Washington, Feb.t 8, 1880.
Washington, Feb. 8, 1880.

 The House of Representatives is the object which most attracts a stranger, and which certainly least answers his expecta- lions. The aspect of the house from the gallery is not striking. The members sit with their hats on, which with the dark curtains drawn over the windows and the upper part of the galleries, spreads dingy hue over the whole. Our honorable rep resentativcs are too thoroughly republican 50 attend to dress. Here and there you see one with brushed hat and new coat, but in general, no town meeting is plainer in that respect. The members are in gen. cral of good stature, but I have looked in vain for any extraordinary size in those from tho West.

 Nothing strikes me moro than the total want of modesty in the orators here. On any subject, and at all times, when one speaker sits down, half dozen members start to their legs and claim the Speakers s eye, and if it sometimes rests on Barbour, or McDuffie, or Storrs, it oflener desig- mates some gentlemen from Tennessee or Kentucky who mercilcssly prates and roars, till the Gallery is emptied, OF the House adjourus. Ample retaliation is ta- ken then on inc Kings English,' for their former attack on the capital asser- tions are beloved out, contrary to the most limited knowledge; but the orator is nothing daunted, and utterly careless of the irattention of his audience. The scene is really Iudcrous. You see man humping tie tables, md catch an ineligible express tion by intervals in the gallery, while the whole Of ;he members are talking and laughing, and reading newspapers, folding letters, and thinking of every thing but the loudast noise which claims their attention.

 Tie life of member of Congress ap- pasrs to ING ,o be one of perfect indolence. 1t is said, and probably with truth, that the charnea ofconmitlees are obliged to work hnrd hut the members at large are most yrfiutdiy lazy. The truth is, the objec, of most of ti,e members is to protract the session. Who will blame them? They live in luxurious boarding houses, and have just enough ofpoliiics and intrigue, to crc- ate gentle excitement, and keep the course of life from stagnating. Congress furnish them with newspapers, and is not she per diem allowance eight dollars7

 The Senate is really superior. There is not more talent in the Senate, but there is less bold and obtrusive dullness. Calhoun, the President, is an interesting man. He is tall and thin, with dark complexion, black hair, and penetrating eye. He looks to be about forty-two years old. There is no doubt that there is a serious schsm in the cabinet. It is working here with ter vibie effect, and from the Presidents house to the Cabinet-the two Houses and the | City, is dividing all into two unequal par lies Vt is a matter of amusing reflection to observe female influence producing, in the democratic government of grea, repun- iic. effects which one woH!d think could only proceed from it in the Courts of Lou is 14,h or l5!h.

 Among the Senators Webster is the first--there is no doubt of this. In the late discussion with Hayne, he, Webster. never appeared more superior. But he is the great man not only here, but in the Supreme Court ;-dspend upon it, what ever the Jackson scribblers may say of him, all here allow his intellectual suprema- cy.

 was much disappointed in Benton. of Missouri, who is altogether feebler spirit than I had anticipated. His avowed uo- litical principles are bold enough to satisfy any degree of apprehension; and he puts them forth in debate with entire explicit- ness; but he is absolutely feeble tn manner, and insipid altogether as speaker.

 The Supreme Court of the U. States is of course great object of interest. The two new judges are very respectable men, and tho Court has gathered strength per- hsua hg fhe infnVioR of new dsmoeratic