Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 16.pdf/496

 Rh

VOL. XVI.

No. 7.

BOSTON.

JULY, 1904.

REMINISCENCES OF THADDEUS STEVENS. BY THOMAS W. LLOYD. THE first case ever tried in the courts by Thaddeus Stevens, the "Grand Old Commoner" of Pennsylvania, was one aris ing under the Fugitive Slave Law, and strangely enough, Stevens was against the fugitive slave. How much this may have had to do with shaping his future career as an uncompromising abolitionist and friend of the negro, it would be interesting to know. Certain it is, that next to Abraham Lincoln, he was the best friend the negro ever had, both in public and private life. With all his unbending rigor and apparent sternness he was possessed of the kindest of hearts, as the following incident well illus trates. He was very fond of the game of draw poker, and frequently sat down to the enjoyment of a "little game" with a few con genial friends. One morning, as he was on his way to the Capitol, after an all night sitting, at which he had come out winner to the extent of one hundred dollars and which he had rolled up in bills in his trousers pock et, he was accosted by an old colored woman, who asked for alms. Without a moment's hesitation, Stevens pulled out the roll of bills and handed it all to her, remarking to his at tendant, "God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform." In the House of Representatives he was the unquestioned leader and he ruled it with a rod of iron. It was very dangerous to arouse him, as many a member learned to his cost, and any attempt to cross swords with him in debate, savored of rashness. His wit was as keen as a rapier, and few of his colleagues ever had the temerity to provoke

it. Upon one occasion, however, a new mem ber referred to Stevens in a rather sarcastic manner, and when he had finished the latter arose and drawled out : "Mr. Speaker, I did not know the gentleman had so much wit, but he has—just so much/' Upon another occasion, wrhen a bill was under consideration prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors in the Capitol building, an amendment was offered, making it apply to all public buildings. "Ah, Mr. Speaker," said Stevens, "I know what the gentleman is after. He wants to put the bill in such shape as to be certain of having it vetoed." When it is remembered that Andrew John son then occupied the White House, whose fondness for the "cup that cheers'' is well known, the point of the remark will be ap preciated. During his last illness, a number of Penn sylvania politicians called upon Mr. Stevens to pay their respects and in the course of the conversation, one of them remarked upon his appearance. "Ah, gentlemen," he said, "it is not my appearance that I am concerned about just now but my dis-appearance." When they were about to take their leave, Stevens said to the gentlemen, "My friends, I am much obliged to you for this visit. I wish you could stay longer. I would like to talk to you about the political situation and the state of the country, but you may be assured that things are all right now, and when I am dead and buried and forty million worms have been poisoned by the medicine that Dr. Young has been stuffing into me, this Government will be standing as strong