The New York herald., 1867-11-20

Sh0 Radical Leader.
The great radical leader In Congress, Thad-
deus Stevens, has been In Washington seve-
raj days preparing for work ON she reas-
scmbling Of Congress tomorrow. Ho Il .
hard-working, earnest and positive man, and Is
always up 10 timc 70 strike telling blows This
character, with his ability and parliamentary
experience, really makes him the Hrss and most
powerful man in Congress- The extreme mon,
the tborouy yhgoing radicals, cheeyfully conceae
this position to him The trimming, timid and
would-be conservative republicans fear him
for he has heretofore whipped them along in
party traces without much trouble. Instantly at
the opening Of each session Of Congress he has
been ready with some resolution or measure
to make them stand up to the rack. We have
seen some Of them vince and wriggle atout
under this discipline; yet they dared mot resist.
His whip, party fealty and the dread Of party
osiracism have carried them along in the most
ultra-radical course, even when their souls 90
cretly revoltsd ct what they were doing.
We see the same preparations as wero made
on the eve Of former sessions for similar action.
Though feeble In health, Mr. Stevens has drag
ged his body to Washington for the purpose OF
holding private party caucuses In advance Of
the opening Of the session. He Is mostly con-
members flock TO him as coon as they arrive
Speaker Colfax, Boutwell,, Senator Morrill, and
oilers have been to confer with or take lessons
from the old chief, a. the courtiers and poll
ticians used to crowd round tho coach Of
wolsey or Richelieu.
Looking, then, at the position Mr.. Stevens
occupies, or has occupied, as the leader Of the
party Overwhelmingly powerful In the national
Legislature, Il 10 important to know his views
and purpose. Hence We notice the Washing
ton newspaper correspondents have kept .
sharp eye upon him and an eager ear to hear
his remarkA These busy and ubiquitous fell
lows tell ms he "appears moro determined
ism," that athe voice Of the people, ~ cx.
pressed In tho recent elections, has made no
impression whatever on his determination" !"
and that we may look for, "a more united and
vigorous prosecution Of radical ideas"' These
expressions have broad and general mean
ing and can only be understood specifically
by referring back 70 Mr.. Stevens former
radical measures. We are told, however,
that he will introduce > bill to suspend the
functions Of the. President during trial oi
impeachment for high crimes and misdcmean-
on. This, Of course. would be intended for
Mr.. johnson, and Il looks - II Mr.. Stevens
meant to press the question Of Impeachment
upon Congress Al for ths rest Of his pro-
gramme, We suppose he intends 10 oppose any
modification Of the reconstruction acts, 10 force
through negro supremacy in the South, 10 per
petuate or increase the cotton tax, and, per
haps, to propose measure Of connscation foI
the bcnc6t Of the negroes and those Northern
err like himself who suffered by tho war
Such was Mr. Stevens radicalism, and II hs h
determined, - reported, 70 carry ont hs ideas
we may expect lively times IN Congress and
shroug ghous the country.
Men OF Mr.. Stevcns' stamp seldom take ths
back track. Ho ID essentially revolutionary
lea.ler We can ind his prototypes in The
French Revolution and other great revolutions
Ia tho Robespisrres. Dsntons and Marah 0
history. Such men are slwsys uncompromis
lag ani radical In the cxsrsne. he wouit
| | make Conerow what Ne ConveoCon W Fsanc'