The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1876-06-01
Mr.. BLAINE RISES TO EyLAIN.

Ex-Speaker Blaine, in reply to an in
curry concerning an article in the New
York "Sun," to-day, said Some six OF
seven years ago some friends of mine in
Boston desired TO make small investment
In the North Pacific enterprise, and as the
vice-president of the road-Hon. K. b.
Rice-was a near neighbor of mine in Au-
gusta, it was thought might find out where
and how the purchase could be made. In
one or two instances heard of interests
being for sale, but nothing va, done. Fl
nally, in the fall OF 1870, a definite
interest was for sale, and it was
brought to my attention, with
very glowing and extravagant accounts of
its prospective profits. As it was a road
chartered by Congress, deriving its fran
chise and grants directly from Congress,
and liable at any time to apply to Congress
for future favors, l did not myself enter
tain, for moment, the idea of becoming
interested in it, but as these friends had
been wishing such investment, and as they
had the same right that any other private
citizen had to own an enterprise, l commu-
nicated the facts to them precisely as they
had been given to me. A few days after,
was notified that they would be glad to pur-
chase, and certificate OF de-
posit, or cashiers check for
So, 600 was placed in my hands in trust,
as the receipt shows, to hand over to the
person proposing to sell, who, in due time,
will doubtless speak for himself, the GER
tifcates to be taken in the name OF
Elisha Atkins, one of the most promi-
nent and honorable merchants in Boston.
1t was soon found, however, that the
Northern Pacific was in some way pledged
or hypo,hicated, or embarrassed as to title
matters running along for over year and
finally comming to nothing. The money
in full, with interest, was returned to Mr..
Warren Fisher, with whom the negotia-
ton was had, and the holders of the
Northern Pacific interest retained it or
possibly found another purchaser, Of which
| know nothing.
This is simply the whole Of the transac-
ton, but of which sensation is attempted
BY the Sun" My connection with it was
purely Of a friendly character. / had not
the remotest interest in it in any shape or
form and no intention or understanding
that should become interested in it atfhe
transaction 1t was, OF course, regarded by
me as in every way proper, otherwise, l
ohSuAo hioSt SSisohiy ASsSA nave iSSSiNSo
and receipted for money to hold in trust
until the transaction should be consumma-
ted between the parties. 81 am very glad"
continued Mr.. Blaine, shat my letter which
the "Sun" published, proves on its face
could easily have purchased it
had been willing but did not deem such
an investment advisable for me to make
From the first to the last, in all legislation
touching the Pacific railroads, / never had
an interest of a penny in one of them, nor
in any of their branches, directly or indi
rectly. In privare letter, if anywhere,
man will speak unguardedly; and this let
ter, written with no expectation of its ever
being published, proves conclusively that
when Pacific railroad interest was offered
me, with brilliant promise Of great profits,
| declared that l could not touch it.
think the "Sun," in publishing this
private letter, has supplied a valuable
proof Of my official integrity, in the
matter. All these attacks" resumed Blaine,
after slight pause, "are intended to i'm
press the people with the belief that have
a large wealth, aad that it has been acquir-
ed since | entered Congress. The moderate
property which | own was almost wholly
derived from fortunate investment in coal
lands in my native Monongohela Valley, in
Western Pennsylvania, made some years be-
fore first ran for Congress. l notice that
many papers, whose editors have never saw
me, glibbiy put my property down at a
round million. The utmost my property
would bring to-day would not amount to a
fifth part Of that sum. | can say with
truth, that, all things considered, i am not
to day as well oil, pecuniarily, "a | was
the day entered Congress, in December,
1863. Had not remained in Congress, |
would, to-day, in my judgment, have had
large fortune, as the buiness enterprises
which were at my command. il | could
have attended to them, would have result ed
most favorably. But every friend who
knows me, knows that neither my income,
nor my expenditures, nor my habits of
life, imply or suggest the possession of
fortune, or anything beyond moderate