The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-01-17
From the Philadelphia Inquirer.]
ALEX. H. STEPHENS OF GEORGIA

Physically, one OF the most feeble, Alex.
II. Stephens, ofGeorgia, is yet, intcllectu-
ally, one ofthe ablest members Of the House
Of Representatives. Short aud slender in
stature, with the face and head Of a young
girl, his appearance at once arrests atten-
ton, from its contrast with the more mas
culine figures around him. His voice, thin
and sharp, and shrIl as the "ear-piercing
fife," cleavcs the dense atmosphere Of the
sombre chamber, startling the House and
the galleries by its clear, penetrating tones.
Every eye instantly turns upon the speak
er, for he is one Of the few members who
always commands attention. At the FIRST
word that falls from his lips, The tumultuous
uproar is stilled as suddenly as Prospero
hushcd the angry winds.
he is introducing bill, he presents a
lucid and logically arranged statement Of
its character and object, which reaches the
dullest comprehension. Having thus laid
il before the House, he calmly awaits the
assaults Of its adversares. Should any
misstatement Of his remarks be made, be
promptly corrects it on the spot. As the
debate approaches to a close, he again takes
the floor, and passing in review all the
weigh,er arguments ofhis opponents--and,
minglng the most biting sarcasm with the
strongest invective that parliamentary de.
corum admits OF, he tears asnnder, with the
keen scimeter OF his logic, The finest webs
Of sophistry, and the most ponderous mass
ofreasoning. Seeking exclusively the sue
cess of his measure, however tempting the
occasion, he avoids mere defamation, and
deals mostly with the facts, that press most
heavily against the case.
When personally assailed, nothing can
exceed the severity Of his reply. Bold and
manly in his bearing, and Of cbivalrlc
temper, he suffers no personalities to pass
by unrebuked; he vindica,es his motives in
an elevated strain Of eloGuence, and turns
the feelings of the House against his an'ag-
onist, by the fearless manner in which he
exposes the meanness and malice ofbis en-
emies. No one can rival him in singing,
caustic satire. When aroused, his tongue
becomes whip Of scorpions. Of all the
men in the House he is the last for new
member to break lance with. With a
better arranged mind than John Randolph,
he is, probably, more like him than any one
who has been in Congress since his time.
Mr.. Stephens personal history is inter.
esting. He was poor orphan boy. and
was educated by society Of ladies for the
pulpit. His ardent nature found more at
traction in The forum, however, where he
has, no doubt, acted more useful and more
appropriate part. than he could have done
at the sacred desk. Mr.. Stephens is get
young, and it would be unjust to progress.
sive mind like his, 10 attempt to estimate its
capabilities. Whether he has the intellect
of great statesman, time alone will deter
mine; but tina. he is one of the most valua-
bic members, and most powerful debaters
ofthe House Of Representatives, there can
not be a doubt. 10 private life, he is one
Of those persons whom it is privilege to
call friend. Sing|c-minded, sincere, and
true in his attachments, he appears to have
escaped the besoiling influences Of politi-
cal career. Z. J. NJ.