us distinguished men who constituted the Thirty-ninth
Congress, no one towered so conspicuously above the rest as to be
universally recognized and followed as the "leader." This title has
been frequently applied to Thaddeus Stevens. He was in many respects
the most prominent figure in the Thirty-ninth Congress. His age, his
long fidelity to the principles of the Republican party, his
uncompromising spirit, and his force of character made him a
conspicuous and influential member of the House, but did not cause him
to be generally recognized or implicitly followed as a leader.

In so large a legislative body, composed of so many men of independent
thought and action, acknowledging no parliamentary leader, it is
remarkable that the wheels of legislation should run so smoothly, and
that after all the disagreement in discussion, great results should be
at last so harmoniously wrought out. This is partly due to the
patriotic spirit which pervaded the minds of its members, inducing
them to lay aside minor differences of opinion for the good of that
common country for which their constituents had lately made such
tremendous sacrifice. The result is also owing to the parliamentary
ability and tact of him who sat patiently and faithfully as Speaker of
the House. Deprived by his position of opportunity of taking part in
the discussions, which his genius and experience fitted him to
illustrate, he nevertheless did much to direct the current of
legislation which flowed smoothly or turbidly before him. The
resolution of thanks to the Speaker, moved by a member of the
minority, and passed unanimously by the House, was no unmeaning
compliment, but was an honor fairly earned and justly paid.

The labor of presiding over the Senate--a much lighter task, owing to
the smaller number which composed the body--was faithfully performed
by Mr. Foster. His remarks to the Senate on retiring from the chair as
President _pro tempore_, and closing a career of twelve years as a
member of the body, were most beautiful and impressive.

Benjamin F. Wade, "a Senator from Ohio," having been duly elected
President _pro tempore_ of the Senate, took the "iron-clad oath" and
assumed his seat as acting Vice-President of the United States without
ostentation or remark.

At twelve o'clock noon of March 4, 1867, the Thirty-ninth Congress
closed its existence, handing over its great enactments to the
country, and its unfinished business to its successor, which