Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1868-07-02
An Interview with Thaddpus stevens.
by MARY +. rnRoI.r.

Cores oudetce of the Delaware County Republican.
Mr.. Stevens sat At the head Of Ills table in
the long, cool committee room, alone, look
Ing pale and wasted, but his own calm, SUI
perlor self. notwithstanding. He welcomed
us with Il kiIioly CLEAN of his clear gray eye,
gave 10 each his feeble hand, and drew seats
for our little party on either side of him.
Turning 10 Mrs, Taylor (motlcr of Bayard
Taylor and most delightful old ludy) lie
sld 9 was at kcnne,t Square once.
twenty years ago or more, one named
Cooper or Hooper and myself spoke TO the
homes Quaker Farmers Of Kennctt on the
abolition question from wood-pilc. Some
years after when was elected to Congress.
| received a letter from one of them written
in this wise; Friend Mepens-Thee and
that other man promised us big things,
years ago, on our wood pile. did not he
| eve thee then, but have watched thee
since, and thou hast spoken truth--hut as
ior that other man with thee, he lied all the
way through"
Mr. Stevens said lie went by Valley Forge
on that occasion, having an engagement
next day TO speak at Norrisiown. We re-
GREETED tine fact. lie said he did too; moth
should take him by til t old, classic ground
of America, il he had to do it again.
Whilst we were enjoying the conversation
OF the old man eloquent, across the hall
Of "fhe Peoples House, in the SENATE, The
impeachment trial was pending, and we
asked him if he was sangnine AS 10 the con
viclion OF the President He shook his head:
"a = lnntr . ii I,npt,ts 4
no poor human nature! No honest office
holder that comes here, ifhc does right can
get one dollar ahead; and yet marvel to
see men, poor when they came here, 20 ont
of that Senate worth hall million"
We had keen shown, the day before, a
threatening letter written TO Mr. Stevens by
the Kuklux Khan, telling him to prepare,
that his days were numbered" &c. On
being asked if he feared them, he said, s'Not
now: II is too late. Said he had received
more than II barrel of threatening letters il,
his time from the South, but they had ceased
to disturb him, long ago. II God willing, he
should like To see the dear old Government
in the right grove once more. and running
smoothly on, but he feared that was impos.
sible now.
Turning TO our sweet sister. with Il look
the solemn beauty of which shall neyr,
forget, he said III my he something toi
our young friend here To remember Thai
when came TO Washington last autumn
scarcely expected to live couple OF DAYS,
felt as calm and tranquil in view of death AZ
do this pleasant morning. True, | liav,
very little property, and no children; am
consequently free from the cares that haiass
most men, il only, (he added with profound
sigh, il only peace were secured 10 our he.
loved country. On being assured that W,
could not spare him yet, that The people
needed him, would pray that his life might
, be prolonged, he seemed touched and lie
piled, iAh /! this WORKOUT body is very wea
risome. The days have come for me 'whcl
there is no pleasure in them
1t is impossible to be with Mr.. Stevens, OF
hear him speak for half an hour, without
having the conviction forced home that The
i man is merged in the patriot. Self-ahncga
ton is the key-notc To bis character, and
may add to his success Who does not know
that Thaddeus stevens has asked of ON
Government no remuneration for the de
, struclion of valuable property, the result o
f his extensive legal practice, by the Rebe
, raiders during the war?
Who dies know-tor Thaddeus Steven!
gives and forgets-that when Mrs. Lydi,
Jane Pearson could not maintain her father
/ less children by her pen, Mr.. Stevens sen
/ her deed of gift for the snug little home
! stead farm? Dear s.Uncle Thad,' sublim,
old man. Well may Anna Dickinson say
" ieel proud as Il crowned Queen, when
think came from the same State that pro
{ duced Thaddeus Stevens"
WASHINGTON, June. 1868.