Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-03-09
SPEAKER BLAINE.

estimation III WHICH lie Is nelu as pTeSluiDS
officer of the House that is better than
eulogy. In his position as Speaker he has
shown an ability never excelled by any of
his distinguished predecessors. Depend
ing upon no peculiar art to win popularity
among his associates. the solid capacity
which he has displayed in conducting the
business of the House is rewarded by
their unanimous approval In his best
DAYS Mr.. Colfax, with ali his fascinating
manner, never commanded in greater
degree the respect of the House than
Speaker Blaine now holds it. Mr.. Blaine
has shown himself a man of decided pow
er. He understands his work thoroughly
His knowledge of parliamentary rules and
practices is never at fault, and his readi-
ness in application is marvellous. With
memory that holds all it receives and
presents it without effort at the moment of
need, he was well prepared after his pre-
liminary training as Speaker of the Maine
Legislature to discharge with success the
more responsible duties in Congress. His
keen, comprehensive and retentive intel
lect, renders him perfect master of his
work. enabling him to grasp the whole or
explain the least part of it. There is no
machinery in the means which he employs,
nothing but downright mental force ap-
piled as no one else could apply it, with
out special rule or order. The same ca
pacity that enables him to tell off at call
from memory the vote of the principal
towns in Maine, the chairmen of the town
committees, the leading acts of political par
ties for any number of years, and to shape
and direct political campaigns with un
erring sagacity, is the same that enables
him to discharge successfully every day
his duties as Speaker. not merely those Of
routine, but the duties which are varied
in their character, requiring sound judge
ment, knowledge of men, prudence, and
justice.
That he is not indebted to his skill alone
in the knowledge and application of par
iamentary rules for his popularity is true.
As Speaker he has been impartial, just,
giving the minority their rights, and con-
sidering all as became his Office One of
the most flattering tributes paid to him in
the closing hours of the Forty-First Con-
gress, was the resolve and remarks Offer
ed in his praise by Hon. S. S. Cox of New
York, the leader of the democratic side of
the House. thanking him for 1.-THE able,
courteous, digni6ed and impartial dis
charge of his duties. The republicans,
said Mr.. Cox, had already testified their
approval OF Mr.. Blaine as Speaker by re-
nominating him for the place, and the
democrats could do it by adopting the reso-
luton which he presented. 1t was due to
the Speaker. he said. that this should be
no mere formal approval. ''He has been
fair and Just to u.s." said he, ''amid all
our contentious debates" ut is because
the Speaker has been kind, gentle, prompt,
able and honorable, and has won our
universal respect by contributing to the
effusion of goodwill and the Punishment
OF bitterness, that have been delegated
by friends on this side to offer this resolu-
tion." The resolution was adopted by
reclamation, only one discordant voice
being heard in the Hall, that of Mr. Mum
gen of Ohio. Such is the tribute which
Speaker Blaine's political opponents and
associates in the House saw fit to pay him.
1t could not we'll have been more honora
BILE to him or them.
While the democratic party in Congress
speak in this deserved and handsome man.
ner of Mr. Blaine, we have no doubt that
the democracy of Maine feel chagrined to
witness that the course of Muugen is pur-
sued by some of their leaders and papers
in this State towards the Speaker. Their
voice is one Of constant, malicious detrac-
ton. Mungen-like they can see nothing
good in political opponent. Personal
rancor impels them in all their attacks.
Much good may it do them to realize how
completely they are without support from
their own party friends in Congress. There
is none to whom they can look for SYM
patty but to Mungen. Their great proto-
type is Mungen. Their only hope OF
overturning the Speaker is in Mungen.
With Mungen they must walk, to Mungen
pray, and after they have performed all
their duties as Mungen would have them,
they will find that they have only earned
the contempt of all the fair-miuded, gen.
erous men of their own party. as repre-
scented by Mr.. Cox and those democrats
who supported his resolution.
Speaker Blaine is an honor to Maine as
a member and officer of Congress, and is
universally regarded SO by the people OF
his State without distinction of party; but
Maine has Mungens as well as Ohio, for
which the State is not responsible, and
whom the democratic party will
leave severely alone in their Mungen-like
tn n citizen who has won his