New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-04-18
Thaddeus SfeveDs-A Visit to His
Late Residence at Lancaster,
Pennsylvania.

:" Burleigh," the well known correspond
ent of the Boston Journal, writes:
Spending little time in Lascaster, sought
out and visited the homestead in which Mr..
stevens passed the greater part of his life.
1t is of humble pretensions, brick, two stories
and attic, and might serve for any well-to-do
mechanic. Attached to the dwelling is a
plain brick building, two stories high, which
was peculiarly Mr.. Stevens home. The two
lower rooms were his law offices. They re-
main as he left them. The rooms are divided
by folding doors. The sides of both rooms
are lined with oak book shelves, and are
crowded. The carpet, frayed and sOiled,
shows the wear of years. A wooden Boston
rocking char was his favorite seat. The
lounge, covered with green leather, wooden
arm chairs, and huge table have been in use
over quarter of century. The hallway
OF the dwelling is large and ornamented with
an arch. The dining-room in the rear of the
hall, has not been refurnished for quarter
of century. The broad stairway leads to
Mr.. Stevens private apartments, which were
over the law offices. A parlor and bedroom
comprise the suite. They are just as he left
them to make his last visit to Washington.
The dust of years covers everything, and has
never been disturbed. A few portraits hang
around the room. His favorte books line
the walls, and an air of comfort and homeli-
ness pervades the place.
HIS POLITICAL START.
Mr.. Stevens was one of the earliest Aboli-
tlonists, and was consistent through all his
life. He was the avOwed friend of the col
ored race everywhere. They fled to him for
counsel and help, and never fed in vain.
Unmarried, his house-keeper was a colored
woman of the most intelligent class, and he
endured calumny on her account to the last
hours of his last sickness. He earned his
position as leader of the opponents of the
Democracy by his industry, talent, integrity,
and tact. He was always true. He divided
with Buchanan, who lived in the same town,
the leader of the bar of his county. Both
were unmarried, both headed their political
parties, and were generally pitted against
each other in all great cases. But in most
things they were unlike. Buchanan was
aristOcratic, selfish, and misery. Stevens
was plainly republican, homely in his style
OF life, Open-handed, and gave away all he
earned to everybody who wanted-churches,
theatres, friends, and foes. Buchanan was
exacting in his fees, very saving, and died
worth 100000, the larger portion of which
was in cash securities. Stevens was always
embarrassed, laid up nothing, and what his
has been sold, and his books and furniture
will soon be put under the hammer.
REPARTEE.
Mr.. Stevens was rarely excelled. He was
ever ready, and his satire sharper than bayo-
nets. The people of Lancaster never tire of
repeating his sayings. He tried a case before
judge not celebrated for his great wisdom.
The judge gave a ruling that disguised Mr..
Stevens, as his face plainly indicated. "Does
the court understand the counsel to express
contempt for its ruling?" said the Judge.
No, may it please your honor, 1 was trying
to suppress contempt" When the rebels
burnt his iron foundry and property at Get
tysburg-which they did with a relish--Mr.
Stevens remarked: Had Lee burnt up my
liabilities at the same time, 1 would have been
much obliged to him." When Keitt, of South
Carolina, attacked Mr.. Stevens and told him
about pious deacon he had on his planta-
ton, Mr.. Stevens asked what the price of
deacons were in his district, and how much
more a negro would bring for being deacon.
A Lutheran minister of Lancaster left the
pulpit and became a Democratic politician.
He met Mr.. Stevens soon after, and, in-
quiring about his health, received as an an
swer: 81 am very well; l take care of my
system, and, above all things, keep my con-
science pure. l suppose you have heard that
| have abandoned politics and am studying
for the ministry" In his last sickness the
doctor said to him one day: "Mr. Stevens,
think your appearance is better to-day"
-" 1t is not my appearance that troubles me-"
he said, "but my disappearance"