The constitutional union., 1861-02-22
HON 1LEY4gDER 1T. -sTEPHEvs.
yIon-rREsIDENT OF THE coNFEDERATED STATES
 AMERICA.
We clip the following brief biooranbiea

OF AMERICA - s ...f;4
 We clip the following brief biographical sketch of one of the south's most talented sons from The New York Herald: a
 This gentdman is known throughout the Union as one of the most prominent of South ern politicians and eloquent orators. His father, Andrew B. Stephens, was planter of moderate means, and his mother, Margaret Grier, was a sister to the famous compiler of Griess almanacs, She died when lie was an infant leaving him with four brothers andonc sister, of whom only one survives.
 Mr. Stephens was born in Georgia on the 11th of February, 1872. When in his four teenth year his father died, and the home stead being sold, his share of the entire estate was about five hundred dollars With com mendable Anglo Saxon love of ancestry, Mr, Stephens has since repurchased the original estate, which comprised about two hundred and fifty acres, and has added to 1t about six hundred more.
 Assisted by friends, he entered the Uni versity of Georgia in 1928, and in 1892 he graduated at the head of his class In 1881 he commenced the study of the law, and in less than twelve months was engaged in one of the most important cases in the country. His eloqucnce has ever had a powerful effect upon juries, enforcing, as 1t does, arguments of admirable simplicity and legal weight. From 1887 to l84J he was member of the Georgia Legislature In 1872 lie was elected to Congress. He was member of the Whg party in its palmiest days but since its disso- ntion has acted with the men of the South, and such has been the upright, steadfast and patriotic policy he has pursued that no one in the present era of faction, scIishness or suS- pcion has whispered an accusation of selfish motives or degrading insrigue5 against him. In the House he served prominently on the most Important committees, and effected the passage of the Kansas Nebraska bill through the House at time when its warmcst friends dcspaircl of success. He was subsequently appointed chairman of the committee on ter rltories, and Was also chairman of the special committee to which Was referred the Lccomp- ton Constitution. By his patriotic course on the various measures he has, from time to time, excited the ire of many of the Southern pcJ- pie, but he has always succeeded iii coming out of the contest with flying color5, and his recent elevation Is mark Of the pro45und re- spcct entertained for his qualities IS q man and statesman.
 lIr. Stephens is most dist;nguiahel as an orator, though he does not look like one who can command the attention of the House at any time upon any topic His health from boyhood has been very feeble, being afflicted with four abscesscs and a continue dcrangc- mont of the Hycr,- which gives him con aumpt-ye appearance, though his lungs are sound. He has never Wa. gAcI over ninety s.X pounds, and to see his a,tenuatel figure Len, over h.a desk, the shoulders contracted and thc shape of his slender limbs visible through his garments, q stranger would never select him as the John Randolph of our time. more dreaded as an adversary and moro prizcd as an ally in debate than any other member n the House of Representatives. When speaking he has at first shrll, sharp voice, bat as he warns with the subject the clear tones and vigorous sentences roll out with a sonorousncs5 tha. finds its way to every cor ner of the immense hail. lie is witty, The tJrical and solid. and has keen dash uf Sat- ne that puts an eI5c upon c;C.y speech. lie is a careful student, hut so yc.E r..-.l li that ID trace of study is pcrce2G5ic .9 da-hcs alon. in flow of facts, arguuea3 aud lau- guaee that to common minds is utmost bcwil- ccnng. Possessing hosts of warm friends who are proud Ot' his regard. all enlightened Chris fan virtue and iuheXible integrity, such is Alexander II. Stephens, the Nice-rrcsidont elect of the Southern Confectionery.