Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-11
STEVENSON AND BLAINE.

The Washington correspondent of the New
York Herald gives the following graphic
sketch of the last encounter between the
Speaker and the Ohio member:
Stevenson, forgetting in measure the
drubbng he had received a few days previous,
sent for Speaker Blaine. However, he seemed
TO regret his temerity when the Speaker APP
peared, not in the most amiable mood at what
he justly deemed impertinence on the part of
the unbeautiful job As soon as it began to
be noised about the halls that Blaine was again
in the committee room the loungers rushed
there, and in few moments there was scarce
standing room anywhere in the vicinity.
Blaine looked very determined as he sat down
Mt the table and glanced contemptuously at
Stevenson. Evidently Job would have to be
very careful in his interroga,ories. Steven
son assumed that deprecatory, humble-seek-
ing-for -thetruth air, and commenced asking
over again the questions he had previously
put upon the subject. He threw out at every
possible opportunity some allusion to Mr..
Blaine's relations with the Coburns, of Maine,
previously mentioned before this committee.
Stevenson, in his rasping, maddening way,
kept asking more and more impairment ques-
tons, until Judge Poland had the good sense
to call him to order. Speaker Blaine was
justly indignant at the persistency with which
Stevenson sought to avoid the main issue and
to grope into his private affairs.
Rising suddenly, the Speaker said in his
quick, energetic manner, the W ords being shot
out like bullets at Stevenson's head
81 do not propose to be catechised by Mr..
Stevenson in what should call outside this
committee room a very impudent manner.
The proper course for Mr.. Stevenson would
have been, after introducing his resolution in
no IN har r;,
timcny and clear out. But, instead of that,
he throws cut drag net in the House to
catch the Speaker and then comes down here
as county attorney, asking me if the state
ments he makes are true. | confess, SIR
feel indignant at this course. | think it is
against common decency."
This took Stevenson back as badly as would
blow in the face. He turned pale, bit his
lips, but managed to control himself. lie
asked few unimportant questions in a low
tone Of voice and then subsidized. Now was
Speaker Blaines turn. He wanted to put
Stevenson on the stand to show that he had
been actuated by pure spite, and not by good
motives, in the interest of the public. Here
Stevenson jumped to his feet excitedy and
asked the protection of the committee, assert
ing with an unnecessary earnestness that be
had rights as well as the Speaker
Judge Poland interfered in his mild, father
ly way, and there was peace for a moment,
until Stevenson, with the persistency of BAT
fed malice clinging to its last hope, asked
Judge Poland to summon the Coburns. This
the Judge fatty refused to do. He said there
had been enough evidence on the subject
Stevenson remarked-"My recent experience
teaches me not to rely upon the word of any
man.
Speaker Blaine then gave this Ohio sceptic
parting shot, saying, THAT experience is so
near home to you that you ought to rely on
it, at which there was prolonged laughter.
Stevenson fiercely glared at Blaine for this
remark, which was almost equivalent to Civ
ing the lie direct. He became very pale.
His veins swelled on: on his sallow face as If
he were consumed with inward rage. If looks
were daggers Blaine would have fallen stabbed
in every vital part. The Speaker returned
this gaze of hatred with an easy look of con-
tempt, and then addressed few words to the
committee as he retired.