ndulge in the latter.
He did not enjoy a laugh. When his sharp sallies would set the
entire House in an uproar, he was as impassive, his visage as
solemn, as if he were pronouncing a funeral oration. His memory
of facts, dates, and figures was exact, and in argument he knew
the book and chapter and page for reference. He was fond of young
men, invited their society, encouraged and generously aided them.
He was easily moved by the distress of others. He was kind,
charitable, lavish of his money in the relief of poverty. He had
characteristics which seemed contradictory, but which combined to
make one of the memorable figures in the Parliamentary history of
the United States,--a man who had the courage to meet any opponent,
and who was never overmatched in intellectual conflict.

Mr. Stevens had efficient colleagues from Pennsylvania. The most
distinguished was John Hickman, who had been a Democrat until 1860,
and who in debate was skillful and acute. William D. Kelley entered
the House at this session for the first time, and was destined to
serve his State for a long series of years, with ability, fidelity,
and usefulness. James K. Moorhead, John Covode, Edward McPherson,
and John W. Killinger were active and influential members.***

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

New York sent Reuben E. Fenton, already prominent, popular, and
strong in the public service; Elbridge G. Spaulding, who became
useful and even eminent as an adviser in financial legislation;
William A. Wheeler, afterwards Vice-President of the United States;
Theodore Pomeroy, the neighbor and confidential friend of Mr.
Seward; Charles B. Sedgwick, of pronounced ability in the law;
Charles H. Van Wyck, who afterwards sought distinction in the West;
and Abraham Olin, subsequently well known in judicial life. The
ablest and most brilliant man of the delegation was Roscoe Conkling.
He had been elected to the preceding Congress when but twenty-nine
years of age, and had exhibited a readiness and eloquence in debate
that placed him at once in the first rank. His command of language
was remarkable. In affluent and exuberant diction Mr. Conkling
was never surpassed in either branch of Congress, unless, perhaps,
by Rufus Choate.

The Ohio delegation was especially strong. John A. Bingham, the
oldest in service on the Republican side, was an effective debater,
well informed, ready, and versatile. A man of h