MEMORIAL ADDRESSES

ON THE

LIFE AND CHARACTER

OF

THADDEUS STEVENS,

DELIVERED IN THE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

WASHINGTON, D. C., DECEMBER 17, 1868.

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1869.

ADDRESSES.

Remarks by Mr. Dickey.

Mr. SPEAKER: The painful duty has devolved upon me of announcing to this House the death of my predecessor, Hon. THADDEUS STEVENS, of Pennsylvania.

This distinguished statesman was not merely my predecessor in this body, but in my childhood my father taught me to admire and love him, who was the instructor and guide of my youth and the friend of my mature years. If an intimacy with wise and noble men be one of the greatest blessings that can crown a man, then in no part of my career have I been so fortunate as in my association with Thaddeus Stevens. It was in his office, and in connection with him, that I commenced my professional life; and from that moment, through the turmoil of many legal and political contests, down to the moment when in his last will he selected me to perform the last service one man can ask from his fellow, our friendship suffered neither diminution nor interruption.

Informed that my duty requires of me a sketch of the history of my friend, I hope to be pardoned by the House for any prolixity of statement, promising to leave to others abler and fitter, his associates here who are to follow me, the analysis of his character as a statesman and the story of his struggles and triumphs in this arena, where he was recognized as a great leader and bore the name of "The Old Commoner."

Thaddeus Stevens was born at Danville, Caledonia county, Vermont, on the 4th day of April, 1792, and died at his residence in this city at midnight on the 11th day of August, 1868. His parents were poor, in a community where poverty was the rule and wealth the exception. Of his father