Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-05-29
From the Sacramento Record Union.
THE EFFECT OFXALICIOUS CHARGES

THE EFFECT or MALICIOUS CHARGES.
1t is to be hoped that Mr., Blaine's politi-
cal opponents have now had enough Of in
vestigating him, but If they desire to keep
up the business il is not probable that his
friends will offer any strenuous objections,
seeing that he is being Investigated to-
ward the White House with rapidity alb
solutely phenomenal. 1t is not a common
result OF such inquiries that the object of
them should gain strength instead of los
ing it from their developments, but there
can be no question that this is the outcome
In Blaiue's case. Thus far every attack
upon him has made political capital for
him, and has recoiled disastrously upon
his assailants, and this last accusation has
melted away SO ludicrously before the ex-
hibition of facts that the effect is almost
to give him the attitude of martyr. Nor
is this all. for there is lesson in this in
quiry which the public will not be slow to
apply generally. 1t has been shown in
the present case that an absolutely inno-
cent man may, by the operation Of mere
gossip and rumors, be made to lie for
years under damaging charge, and a
charge which probably nothing but an in
quiry Of this kind. or regular judicial
process, could clear him from. At time
when loose accusations may almost be
said to be the fashion, it is clear that a dis
covery like this has special significance
At least it proves the danger and injustice
of accepting flying rumors. and suggests
q strong doubt as to whether half the be-
liefs that are entertained about the guilt
Of public men may no. be as ill-founded
as the story about Blaine. As to the lat
ter, though no doubt he is relieved to be
liberated from the irritating burden of
false charge, the effect of the inquiry and
its sequel upon his political prospects is SO
fortunate that he can hardly regret having
been exposed to the SANDER.
So much has he gained that we believe
if the national republican convention were
to be held tomorrow, there is no candi-
date who could contest with him success
fully for the nomination. And there is
sound philosophy in the feeling with which
the people are coming to regard him; for
while all demand a candidate of unblem-
ished character, it is felt that a man who
has passed through the fire and come out
unscathed must be really more Trustworthy
than one who, no matter how high his rep
utation, has never undergone such cru
cial test. 1t is beginning to be realized
that Blaine's fight has been made far more
by his enemies than by his friends or than
by himself. Had he been a weak man, or
an impure man, his reputation would have
been riddled by this time. But after mall
ice has expended all its venom against
him. he stands out brighter and purer to
the eye than at the outset, and there is |
not crevice to be discovered in his armor |
of proof.
Nor is it less obvious that the course of
the democrats is tending to render Blaine
the most eligible man the republicans can |
take. from a tactical standpoint. for where
q, with an unknown candidate the risk |
muH be encountered of all kinds of
charges turning up against him after NOM