The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1882-06-07
eEoRGIA's VETERAN STATESMAN.

aEORGIAs VETERAN STATESMAN.
Mr.. stephens was born IN Taliaferro county,
Georgia, February IL, 1872. He was graduated
from Franklin College. Athens. Ca, when twenty
wears of age, and admitted to the Bar when
twenty-five. lie practiced in Charlottesville and
soon was numbered among the most thriving men
in his profession. His felow-citizens fastened to
place him public life. In 1886 he was elected to
State Legislature, and consecutively five times
afterward In 1872. he took his seat in the Senate
OF Georgia, and year later was sent to Congress
Wing, and continued to represent his District
In that august body until 1859. At the close OF
the Thirty fifth Congress he declined to be again
a candidate, and on July 2. 1859. made speech at
Augusta Ca, in which he announced his retire
ment from public life.
During the eventful years OF his first terms in
Congress, years in which the terrible struggle be-
tween the Northern and Southern States
ticipated in fierce party warfare Mr.. stephens was
distinguished by wise conservatism and mooer-
alton. In February, 1917, he snbm itted a series
of resolutions as TO the Mexican War; which after
ward formed plank in the platform OF the Wing
pe.rty. The compromise of 1850, which tempora-
rily abeted the threatening intensity of party
differences. received his earnest advocacy. In
1854. he strongly supported the Kansas aud Ne
braska act, which organized those two territories
and left the question OF slavery 10 the decision
of their inh8 DiIants The breaking up OF the
Wing party in 1885, resulted in his adherence to
the Democratic party. When, in 1850, his party
split, he supported the Donglass-JOhnsOn cleo
tOral ticket ana deprecated threatened seces-
sion in the event of SIR. Lincoln's success. In
NOYem Der of the same year he corresDonded
with Mr.. Lincoln Oh the subject, and made
speech before the Legislature of Georgia
against secession. Notwithstanding the gen
eTal unpOpularity OF his views his native State
he was elected q member OF the pro Secession
COnventiC which nee at Milledgevtlle, fearleSSly
and elOQusnty stated his views and voted with
the minority sgainst the resolution which tenn
pOrarily surrendered Georgia from the Federal
Union. This was on the l6tn Of January, 1861,
in nf
gia- He was elected a member OF the Confederate
Congress which met 1t Montgomery, Ala and
was made Vice President of the newly organized
Government On the DIST OF March, 1861. he made
that celebrated speech in which he declared slav-
cry TO be the corner stone OF the Confectionery.
Acting as Special Commissioner TO the Legislature
of NiTginis, ne Influential in deciding that
State s5cede. When General Bragg made
James 81. Calhoun Civil Governor OF Atlantis, Er.
Stephens characterized his act a palpable
usurDatiOn," true under the COnfederacy as
under the Union to HIS view of
civil rights In February 1867 he was
one OF three Representatives OF the
ID Contederacy who met President Lincoln and
Secretary OF State Seward on the steamer in
when the War had developed, in a manner which
proved Ruthless. however well intenuOned on
both Sides After the surrender OF General Lee,
Mr. stephens retired 10 Crawfordsyille where ne
was arrested. May H. 1861 and conveyed to Fort
Warren Boston HarDOr. On the llth of October
in the same ye6r, he was released or parole. he
favored President JOhnsOn's policy OF reeonStruc-
ton. In 1866 he elected to the Senate Of the
united states, out was prevented IRON liking MS
seat because Georgia was considered not to have
complied with the conditions of reconstruction.
He was elected TO Congress in 1872, and has
tanned his seat there ever since, but has avowed
mis- intention TO retire On the 18th OF February,
1878, when Congress received painting which
represents the signing of the Proclamation of
Emancipation by President Lincoln. Mt. stephens
made q speech avOwing his admiration for Mr..
Lincoln his expectation. in 1862, that the
ConfedeTacy would not prove permanent that
the Union would be restored.
Mr. Stephens is the author Of two important
works on the events of the war and the political
questions involved in the struggle. While believ
ing that the States each have the right 70 secede
from the Union, he condemned secession as i'm
polite. The cardinal doctrine OF his political
faith is to give the largest liberty to the citizen
compatible with the protection of property and
the preservation of order.
Physically, Mr. Stephens is exceedingly frail
and small, but his mental clearness and vigOr
unimpaired. He is unable 10 walk and is wheeled
into the Capitol on q chair which he occupies
while engaged in public business. While man
of great determination aud force Of character as
is indicated by the lines of his face and the ex-
preston OF his large and searching black eyes ne
Is gentle aud sympathetic. He stands in the front
ranks as an orator. The great speech delivered at
M1lledgeville, in which he deprecated secession,
is q masterpiece of argument and passionate eiO-
quenca. In society he is easy. genial and fascIat
ing, full of matter" and regarded with the ven
Grafton due to his abilities, learning, public ser
vices and spoGless Character.