The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-07-23
MR.. STEVENS, OPINIONS.

on public men and public measures. We ex
tract the following paragraphs: -...~.
Question-You think, then, that resolution
of impeachment could not now be carried?
Mr. Stevens-I think not 1t would be de
! feated on account Of jealousy on the part of the
opponents of Senator Wade. The contest be
/ tween Wade and Fessenden for the Presidency
| of the Senate was very bitter one, and personal
| feelings and motives will interfere to prevent
Wade from occupying the Presidential chair
| even for single day After Wade's election
! Blame, of Maine, said on the floor of the House,
/ "this Congress will never vote for impeachment
| We don't want any of Ben. Wade's Shelly.
waggers' around the White House" 1t is this
sentiment that will defeat impeachment. Every
| little tricky politician who waots this man for a
postmaster Or that man for a constable, and does
not think Ben. Wade will give him what be
! wants, will oppose it.
| Queston-What do you think, sir, of the
condition of the republican party in New York
| State? o-, -. -<-s D.. '
Mr. Stevens-I think you will be killed by
conservatism in New York Your republicans
are what the Indians would call "mighty un-
| certain" They have 40 boldness or settled
| principle. Your last years platform was one of
the most absurd aud cowardly that could be
adopted in country running rapidly to radi-
casm. Greeley has generally spit upon such
reforms; out suppose he will be for still
more diluted one next year. Your representa-
tves are not reliable. look upon Lafiin as an
entirely demoraized man. Most of the others
| are no better than he. Conkling has hitherto
been true, and hope he will continue so in his
new position. l believe New York will be lost
this year by want of earnestness in the cause,
and by the dishwaer which has been thrown
around by Greeley and Gerrit Smith.
Question-Is the republican party we'll united
in Pennsylvania? ?.
Mr. Stevens-I fear that we shall lose Penn
sylvania this next election. [ do not think we
have earnestness enough in the State to unite
and draw out the Republican strength, while
the Republican portion of our Legislature has
been so openly, VIGOROUSLY and shamefully cor
rupt, that all the honest people in the State are
disheartened and disgusted 81.
Quesion-You GU do not suppose that you can
beat New York in corruption, do you
Mr. Stevens-I think We could Cameron
had his men with their handfulls of greenbacks,
working in the Legislature. He had not four
teen votes in bis favor at the close of the cleo
ton, but soon after he had forty. One man
claims $50 900 for services and they refuse to
pay him. This corruption will certainly beat us
here next election, unless we draw out the Re
publican strength by getting up furor and ex
element impeachment Geary, too, hurts
us very much. He is an unhappy failure, anG
his nomination was an unfortunate thing for the
rarty.
In answer to questions he stated that Ray
moud had been the worst failure be had seen in
Congress. He had pretty style of talking and
certain sort of smartness in debate, but it was
of the school boy, sorhomorical style, and could
NOT Al -
principle. In the midst of his most elaborate
studied and highly perfumed harangues. a few
words of sound common sense would knock him
fat upon his back and leave him helpless. IL
made poor show in Congress among solid,
earnest men. ....
Ben. Butler, according to old Thad. is a
thorough failure Congressman. ''At first,
said Mr. Stevens, 81 had looked upon him as
man with whom it would be dangerous to mea-
sure swords in debate. But soon found that
he had obtained a reputation under false pre-
fences He is at once superficial, weak aud
impracticable" !" --..~ .......
Upon the subject of the next Presidency Old
Thad. is not disposed to be communicative He
regards Gen Grant as great soldier, who has
the best position any man ever occupy in
the United States, and does not believe he would
be foolish enough to look for any other He
thluks a success as General may De failure
as President. Chase he regards negative
man, by no means popular or powerful. Butler
is humbug. Old Ben. Wade has played him
self out In fact, it is very probable that Old
Thad believes in the inmost rccesses of his heart
that if, in the course Of human events, the
country should look to Lancaster for its next
President, and should ind him in two and
half story rcd brick house South Queen
street, the country would do by DO means fool
sh thing, and would be very likely to find
"Barkis willing" ...e..... ..-..
WHAT IS THE BIBLE LIKE ?-It is like large
beautiful tree that bears sweet fruit for those who
are hungry, and affords shelter and shade for
pilgrims on their way to Heaven. 49,. e'..s
1t is like cabinet ofJewels and precious stones,
which are not only TO be looked at and admired,
but used and worn. .... a, - --s.. .s..s~e Z -
II Is like teiescone. wbicj. brinces distant oh