Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-05-29
Investigation of the Charges
Against Mr.. Blaine.
Nj IL. DLAENE'S ANSWER
TO INQUIRIES.

Washington, May q. Ex-Speaker Blaine, in
answer to inquiries, to-day said:
Some or years ago some friends of mine in
Boston desired to make small investment in the
North Pacific enterprise, and as the Vice Presi-
dent of the road, Hon. X. ID. Rice, was near
neghbor of mine in Augusta, it was thought |
might find out how and where the purchase could
be made. In one or two instances heard OF IN
terests being for sale, but nothing was done. Fl
| pally in the Autumn of 1870, definite interest
was for sale, ard it brought to my attention
with very glowing and extravagant accounts OF
its prospective profits. As it was road chartered
by Congress, deriving its franchise and grants d.
rectly from Congress, and liable at any time to
apply to Congress for future favors did not my
self entertain for moment the idea of becoming
| interested in it, but these friends had been
wishing such investment, and as they had the
same right any other private citizen to own IN
the enterprise, | communicated the facts to them
precisely as they had been given to me. few
days after was notified that they would be glad
to purchase, and certificate of deposit, or cash
ier's check for $500 placed in my hands, Tin
trust, the receipt shows, to hand over to per-
son proposing to sell, who in due time will doubt.
less speak for himself. The certificate was to be
taken in the name of Elisha Atkins, one of the
most prominent and honorable merchants in Bos-
ton.
1t was soon found, however, that Northern Pa
cifc interest was in some way pledged or n.y.
pothecated or embarrassed as to title, and the
matter ran along for over year and finally came
to nothing. The money in full, with interest, was
returned to Mr.. Warren Fisher, with whom nego-
tiations was had, and the holder of the North Pa
cifc interest retained it possibly found another
purchaser, of which know nothing.
This is simply the whole Of the transaction, out
of which q sensation is attempted. My connec-
ton with it was purely of friendly character.
had not the remotest interest in it in any way,
shape or form, and no intention or understanding
that should become interested in it. The trans
action was of course regarded BY me as In every
| oh onrfo Irl
never have received and receipted for the money
to hold in trust until the transaction should be
| consumnated between the parties.
81 am very glad, continued Mr.. Blaine, "that
my letter, which the Sun publishes, proves on its
face that would not myself touch the investment
could easily have purchased it had been willing,
but did not deem such investments advisable for
to make. From first TO last, in all the legisla-
| ton touching the Pacific railroad, l never had an
interest of penny in Que of them, nor in any Of
their branches directly or indirectly. In private
! letter, if anywhere, man will speak unguarded-
y; and this letter, written with no expectation OF
its ever being published, proves conclusively that
when a Pacific railroad interest was offered me
with brilliant promises of great profits, declared
| that could not touch it. l think the Sun, IN
publishing this private letter, has supplied val
liable proof of any official integrity in the mat
ter.
IAN these attacks, resumed Mr.. Blaine, after
a slight pause, "are intended to impress the peo.
pie with the belief that have large wealth, and
| it has been acquired since entered congress.
| The moderate property which own was derived
almost wholly from a fortunate Investment IN coal
lands, in my native MonOngahela Valley, in
Western Pennsylvania, made some years before
first ran for Congress. l notice that many papers
whose editors saw me, and know nothing
of my affails, glibly put my property down at
round million. The utmost my property would
| bring to-day would not amount to fifth part Of
that sum. l say with strictest truth that
all things considered, l am not to-day as we'll Oft
pecuniarly as l was the day l entered Congress
In December, 1868. Had not remained in Con-
eress | would to-day, in my judgment, have had
large fortune, as business enterprises which were
at my command if | could have attended to them,
have resulted most favorably; but every friend
| who knows me knows that neither my income,
nor my expenditures, nor my habits of life, imply
OF suggest the possession Of fortune, or of any
thing indeed, beyond moderate competency.