unless engaged
in his committee-room on work which requires him to be there
during the sessions,--and he always votes when his name is
called.

I have never seen any indication that he is interested in
anything, or has any special knowledge or accomplishment,
except what is necessary to the line of his duty. I do not
know that he has any interest in history or literature or
science or music. What he does in his time of recreation--
if he ever has any time for recreation--I cannot tell. He
never seems to take any active interest in any of the questions
which determine the action of the party or the destiny of
the State, except those that relate to its finances. I use
the word finances in the largest sense, including means for
raising revenue and maintaining a sound currency, as well
as public expenditures. He is like a naval engineer, regulating
the head of steam but seldom showing himself on deck. I think
he has had a good deal of influence in some perilous times
in deciding whether the ship should keep safely on, or should
run upon a rock and go to the bottom.

There is a good story told that after Thaddeus Stevens died,
a friend of Mr. Blaine's was walking with him one day through
the Rotunda of the Capitol toward the House of Representatives.
Mr. Blaine said: "The death of Stevens is an emancipation
for the Republican Party. He kept the party under his heel."
His friend replied: "Whom have you got for leaders left?"
Blaine said: "There are three young men coming forward. There
is a young man who will be heard from yet." He pointed to
Allison, who happened to be just approaching. "James A. Garfield
is another." There was a little pause, and his friend said:
"Well, who is the third?" Blaine gazed straight up into
the dome, and said: "I don't see the third."

I give my estimate of James A. Garfield later in this book.

I think I ought not to leave out of an account of the very
able and remarkable Massachusetts delegation in the Congress
of 1869 the name of George S. Boutwell, although he remained
in the House only a few days after I entered in and is still
living. He had been a very faithful, useful and prominent
member of the House from the time he entered it in March,
1863, at the middle of the War.

It was the desire of his associates in the House that he
should be a Member of General Grant's cabinet. When General
Grant's Cabinet was announced the name of Governor Boutwell
did not appear,