The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-04-26
Mr.. Blaine's Explanation.



The story ABOUT Mr.. Blaine and the Union
Pacific railroad as first published alleged that
he had received $64, 900 for $40 900 in worth
less bonds of the Little Rock aud Fort Smith
railroad Mr.. E. H. Rollins, treasurer OF the
UuiOn Pacific company, was named as author j
ity for the statement, but promptly disavowed
il, saying he was sure that no money had ever
been PAID by the company in any way or to
any person" in which Mr.. Blaine was interest.
I'd in any manner whatever. Then it was said
that the payment was made ostensibly to Nor
ton, Bliss s. Co., but for Mr.. Blaines benefit;
but they Immediately declared that nothing
had been paid by them Sin any form or at any
time, to any person or to any corporation IN
which he was known believed or supposed to
have any interest Then Col. Tom Scott, pres
ident of the Union Pacific company, was said
10 have received the bonds from Mr.. Blaine adj
vancing the money which finally came out of
The company's treasury; and now COL Scott
says the bonds ''were not purchased or received
from Mr.. Blaine directly or indirectly" and
not dollar of the avails went TO him, "or to
any person for him, CT for his benefit in any
FORM" No denial could be more explicit, and
all that remains is for Mr.. Harrison to explain
The nsinuatons for which he has allowed him
self to become responsible, and for Mr. Scott
or Mr.. Rollins to say who did get $64, 600 cash
in 1871 for $4,000 in Little Rock & Fort Smith
bonds.
Mr.. Blaine's account of his investment in the
Little Rock bonds appears to be entirely frank
and truthful and is not only consistent with
with all the facts which are known, but is cor
roborated by the circumstances OF the case.
Mr.. Blaine in 1861 bought some mining proper
~ in Pennsylvania, which was sold under the
hammer and which he happened to know was
very valuable. He paid about $4,000 for this
property, which is now worth half million,
aud has for number Of years paid him an an
nual income of $4,000. This transaction is
well known in Maine. There are gentlemen
here who were invited to join in the purchase
but declined, and have since regretted their de-
clsiOn. 1t is known how and where he obtain
ed the money to pay for the purchase, which
was then beyond his own means, and it is not
surprising to anybody who knows these circum-
stances that eight or ten years afterwards Mr.
Blaine should have had money to invest or
that his Judgment concerning an investment
should have been regarded with much respect
by his neighbors.
In 1862 Mr.. Blaine was elected to the 38th
Congress. InSl869 he was elected Speaker. In
six years he had attained the highest position
ia the gift of the House of Representatives.
He was still young; he was ambitious; he
knew well and had often said, that public
man who has anything to conceal is a fool, for
nothing can be concealed from the jealous scru-
tiny of the host of enemies who pursue the
footsteps of successful politician. To COM
plete the statement it must be remembered that
he was already wealthy, ard had no temptation
to mortgage his future.
1t was at this time that Mr.. Blaine became
interested in the Little Rock securities. Two
ties are offered. One is the plain and natural
statement, that having mony to invest, and en-
boldened by the success of former speculations,
Mr.. Blaine, like other people, bought some
stocks which turned out badly, and not only
carried his own load but assumed the burdens
of some of his constituents, who had invested
their money on his too sanguine representa-
lions. The other is the violent assumption,
that without any pressure OF need, and with
clear and vivid apprehension of the folly he
was committing, Mr.. Blaine deliberately sold
his birthright of preferment for lot of devils
money. which turned to waste paper in his
pockets.
OF these two explanations we are bound to
say that the first is reasonable and credible,
while the second is extravagant and preposter-
Gus. Mr., Blaine's political methods and asso-
Citations are not to our liking. He employs
means and agents which, as employed by him,
and by worse politicians, bave done much to
bring the public service into disorder and disre-
pute. But his bitterest enemies have never ac-
clsed him of folly; his warmest admirers have
sometimes regretted the cautious prudence with
which he takes his public positions; it is not to
be believed that this quality deserted him at
moment when when he had more to lose and
less to gain by accepting bride than at any
other time in his life.
From the N. Y. Times.l
2 Blaine's defence is far more specific and
complete than the charges brought against him,
aud is entitled to proportionate weight on that
account. 1t is, moreover, defence for which
he assumes the responsibility, while there is no
one to father the charges. On the present
showing, Blaine must be held acquitted.
from the N. Y. Tribune.1
Blaine's speech regarding the $4,000 is
ttraIs htforward and lucid, and if his statement
regarding his investment in the Fort Smith
railroad is accepted, there will be little or moth
log left to support the scandal in any of its
present forms.
[From the N. Y. WOrld-Dem.l
Though the contradiction to the stories to
which he replied was flat and peremptory and
supported by explicit letters from persons in,
positions to know whereof they affirmed, it
cannot be said to have finally made an end
either of Wilson or of the government director
Harrison, both of whom, as we understand it,
are still 'in contumacy' ON the subject.
tFrom the Herald.]
We think the statement made by Mr.. Blaine
will be accepted as satisfactory by the candid
men of both political parties.
GFrcm the Satanic SUM-
Blaine made his promised speech yesterday
His subject was the 1854, 900 paid him by the
Union Pacific company for worthless bonds.
His explanation is not satisfactory and we be-
Ieve he had the money.
-------------