Wyoming democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Wyoming Co., Pa.) 1867-1940, 1869-01-06

circulation, but did not secure the adop-
ton OF his views. He had more confidence
than most men in paper money, and de-
MED always the liability of the Govern
ment to pay its obligations in coin except
where expressly stipulated by contract.
| He was sincere and earnest in pursuing
his objects and not scrupulous in the use
| of means for their accomplishment. Party
was with him but means to an end, and
he never hesitated to unite with political
opponents to secure his purpose There
were many notable instances of this con-
duct during his service in the House His
impatience with political associates when
they differed from him was often strongly
manifested in private discourse without
restraint, and in public without emphasis,
though with more of decorum. Nor did
he withhold himself upon occasion from
directing his shafts of satire against partic-
ular members of this body
| Upon the conclusion of the war Mr. Ste
vens announced his theory of conquest and
the policy to be predicated thereon. There
was doctrine of forfeiture involved in the
former, which, being written in no code
nor illustrated by any American example
was slowly accepted in the counsels of his
party and in the debates Of Congress. 1t
was that the southern States had forfeited
all right to -self-government and to their
civil institutions by rebellion against Fed
eral authority. Assuming, next, that this
Government as conqueror Of those States
had by virtue of the laws of war complete
power over them, the way was open for
propositions of policy concerning them.
Gradually his theory prevailed, and many
measures founded upon it have been passed
and executed
He lived longed enough to see his theory
accepted and his policy triumphant. In
his own party doubters had become
resolved, the 'timid cmboldened, the
refractory subdued, all opposition intimi-
dated or silenced. His passions and his
will had their complete qualification, ex-
cept in the two important particulars of
coniscation and impeachment From all
this it will appear that he died at fit time
to be canonized us great and successful
leader of party.
| Mr.. President, for what will men care to
remember Mr. Stevens ? He will be re-
membered for his wit and humor, which
were genuine and constant ; suited to en-
| hven q dull debate or tedious trial to
charm a social circle or an occasional
companion.
He will be remembered as a lawyer, able,
eloquent, and careful fit for the rough
work of niSi priuS trial or for grave de-
bate in court of error. Men of the legal
profession will hold in memory one who
adorned that profession and won its tri-
umphs.
He will be remembered for some gener-
GUS acts to persons in misfortune acts
magnanimous and noble, which he did not
publish abroad, but have transpired through
the gratitude and admiration of others.
He will be remembered as parliamenta-
ry leader as the man who, beyond any ex-
ample since Randolph and Clay, gained
the ear Of the House and held it for many
years against all competitors all the
years of the war and since the war-and
resigned his influence only with his life
| Lastly, he will be remembered for his
support of emancipation and colored suf-
frage, great questions which, whatever
may be their merits, will be of enduring
interest. He projected some and support
ed al. the the measures by which they were
established and upheld during his life, and
left his name to be associated with debate
and discourse upon them hereafter.
Sir, men will be apt to forget his imper-
fections of temper, his defective moral or
ganization, his disregard of proprieties in
speech and conduct his occasional def
ance of public opinion, and generally the
errors and faults of lifetime of contest, in
contemplating his true and undoubted IT,
tie to future fame. If in examining his
character have spoken with freedom and
have not withheld the truth which told
against him. it has been done in all LOYALTY
| to our common manhood and in view of
those purposes of instruction with which
my task was begun. And thus I leave the
subject and the man.