As was said of Mr.Emerson, Mr.Stevens loved solitude and understood its use.
Upon all political questions Mr.Stevens was an authority.

He spoke with ease and readiness, using a style somewhat resembling the crisp, clear sententiousness of Dean Swift.

Seldom, even in the most careless moment, did a sentence escape his lips, that would not bear the test of grammatical and rhetorical criticism.
He possessed the keenest wit, and was unmerciful in its use toward those whom he did not like.

He illustrated in concrete form the difference between wit and humor.

He did not indulge in the latter.
He did not enjoy a laugh.