The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-03-22

Horace Greeley and was using
all his influence in favor of the
irregular bourbon" Democratic candidate,
Charles O'ConDor, OF New York. In vain
did Democratic leaders reason with and APP
peal to him. He declared the nomination
of Mr.. Greeley an abandonment of Demo-
cratic principles, and boldly declared he
would be as well satisfied with General
Grant as with Mr.. Greeley in the White
House. On the night ! refer to Mr.. Ste
phens had several guests-seversl distin-
guished-and among them Robert Toombs.
We had a game of whist, which. being CON-
cluded, the party gathered around the log
fire of his sitting room Perhaps coaversa.
ton had been general far a half hour, whea
our host incidentally spoke of some occur
renee of the Presidential campaign OF 1910.
The incidental mention of men engaged in
that canvass lead up to their participation
in the succeeding one of 1S44. 1t
seemed then as If door had opened
and be had Involuntary stepped into tenn
pie Of memory which must be explored. We
we're treated TO interesting episodes of the
cen est between James K. Polk and Henry
Clay, and the causes lesdir to the lstter's
defest. Next followed a narrative of Con.
gressionsl legislation during the four sue
ceeoing years, and personal reminiscenc e of
the great man of that period Clay, Benton,
Webster. Calhoan aud others-whom he had
outiived. The odd man eloquent had by
this time become enwrapped in his own mar
rative. His pipe going out, one OF the party,
without the interruption Of q word, tskes it
from him, refills it and returns it with
lighted taper. Even the restless Toombs has
settled quietly into rocker, and is listening
IS il to an oracle. Through the campaign
of 1852 goes the historian. only depressing
to give incidents connected with the death
of Calhoun, Clay and Webster. We could
see that he was not merely reciting bat ly-
ing over that political past among its giants,
and no one disturbs his glowing dream.
Even bis old blind dog. upon whose shaggy
coat his feet are cushions d. continues his
placid sleep without moving. Now comes
the story Of the agitation OF the slavery
question in Congress and lis criticism upon
the agitation, the w0ful blunder of the
Democratic party at the Charleston Conven-
tion-the cause leading to Mr.. Lincoln's
success. He has told, though modestly, OF
his participation in each OF the six Presi-
dental comprehensive 40 and go inclusive
and that he had foreseen and predicted
the result of each. Nov" he said, turning
to me, 81 want you to open your
note book and set down as ! call them out
how the States will vote in the coming cleo
tion."
the different States in the Grant and Greeley
column as directed. When the last was con-
cluded he said:
"Put the book in your pocket and show
my predictions 10 no one until The election
returns are all in. And say to you gentle.
men that if | have misca,led one State,
state here that never again will open my
mouth on National politics"
At o'clock in the morning when the re.
turns in full were laid on my desk. COM
pared the vote with Mr.. Stephens predic.
ton. He had not mistaken single State.
What was an usually healthy day for Mr..
Stephens at any time within twelve years
before his death would be considered an ex-
ceedingly uncomfortable one to the average
man. Yet despite weakness aud intense
suffering he did more work during these
twelve years than did very many men in
full vigor. When his hand was useless from
rheumatism his book went on from die
tation. In addition to his several books he
made large contributions to various news
papers, for three years did the political ed;-
torial writing Tor daily in which
he was part proprietor. made nu.
merous exhaustive speeches before
the courts in important cases. did
vast amount of personal correspondence,
delivered addresses before colleges and uni
versities and numerous political speeches
served on the floor of Congress and after
ward as Governor of Georgia. How he eyer
found time In the midst of all this work fol
social enioyments it was difficult TO see. The
latter days Of his life were saddened by the
loss OF several who were near and dear to
him. The death of his brother. Judge Lin
ton Stephens, possibly the brightest intelIec
Georgia ever gave birth to, fell severely
upon him. Later a favored nephew. whom
he had raised and educated and who wa
one of his household, died, and Their
Harry" his faithful body-servant anl
nurse through many years. Yet, with thes'
SORROWS weighing upon his heart. he turned
only a cheerful face to his friends and brave
~ pursued the tenor of his duties. So frsi
had been his health and SO great his suffer
ings that o dozen times within as man,
years word went out that his end was q
hand. At length the word was verified, bu
not until he had accomplished great Lii
work and bestowed q vast deal of good upol
his fellowmen. And of all who sleep be
meath the sod of the State he loved 80 well
none have carried to the grave more o
afectionate regret or less of dislike thai
Alexander Hamilton Stephens.
RoB Roy.
CURRENT THOUGHT AND OPINION