The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-03-16
GEN. FRANK BLAIR AND FATHER De
SMET.

To the casual observer the lives of
these two distinguished men seem $50
widely apart that he could scarcely inn
agine they should ever have come to-
gether. Yet to those who were honored
with the confidence and friendship of
both there were many of the high virtues
animating the heart OF the great mission
airy displayed in the turbulent but heroic
life of the great Missourian. Both OF
them were the friends of my better days.
and though the up-coming years may
bring forth greater minds than either,
still do not expect to see a purer states
man than Frank Blair, any more than l
expect to look on boiler priest than
Father De Smet.
But no matter. Let me say how they
came together. 1t will be remembered
that upon the resignation by Mr.. Drake
of his seat in the United States senate
to assume the lite position of chief JUS
tice OF the court of claims, Gen. Blair,
then member of the lower house Of
the Missouri Legislature, was at once
called upon by the democratic party to
replace him. While the canvass was
pending he dropped into my office one
day, as was his custom.
Good morning. General" said l,
there's no doubt, | understand. of your
election to the senate
81 think not" he replied. although
there will be opposition from quarters
where least expected it,
.'Ah. where is it -
why Senator Y will oppose me
both with his vote and lis influence
Anything personal between you?"
Nothing that know Of"
Now Mr.. X-I knew had undoubted
influence in the Missouri senate, out
also knew that he was man who would
allow his public duties to be subordina-
ted to his private prejudices. l there
fore replied:
General, if his mind is made up,
have not sufficient influence to change it,
but from what know Of the man he
will have no hesitation in giving the
reasons that govern him. I'll find them
out"
please do so, john he returned.
and started for the door. Before reach
ed it he turned back and taking mejaside
inquired:
'.Do you know Father De Smet?r
ultimately" said /, I'm one OF his
boysa"
Would he do you favor?"
.'Of course, he would, particularly. y
said l. ''if he thought it would have q
tendency to assist in the salvation Of nv
soul. By-the-by Frank, I'm beginning
to find out since I've mixed up in poll
| tics that that salvation business ia a fear
fully tough job
| We'll John. we must all commence
at the primer again in those matters
I'm going TO do it myself some of these
days. However. ask Father De Smet to
see Senator K for me-
Il will. general.-but you know how
those Jesuits are. They would rather
play game OF baseball with the nine
muses. than interfere in politics"
Ask him ANYHOW" and Gen. Blair
left.
1t was not an hour afferward when
Father De Smet entered. The old man
had risen from bed of sickness, and his
slow step and worn visage betokened
that a constitution which was iron had
begun to break under the accumulated
tolls. travels. and deprivations of halt q
century OF active life devoted to God
| aud his fellow-man. The venerable
missionary sat down near the stove and
busted himself in the editorial columns
of the morning paper. NV long ac-
quaintance with him. far from giving me
confidence, made me somewhat timor-
Gus in broaching the subject. therefore
skirmished. flrst about the weather. and
then made some remark abou. the last
election. and the important duties that
would devoive on the coming Iegisla-
ture- lie merely turned around and
smiling said. in his fatherly way MY
dear boy. the less YOU interest Yourself
IN politics. the happier will your heart
be when You are my age | was about
to drop the subject. when remembered