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.