Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1877-03-28
WHAT MADE BLAINE MAD.
his INTERVIEW WITH HAYES,

ing man in the Republican party, he
resolved that his antagonism should
not be charged ioa disregard Of the
claim which Mr.. Blaine thought he
bad upon him. On the day he arrived
In Washington Mr.. Hale was sent for
- - .a1it = " -,,tfs ,sss. --<i- 4 n
- 8 y 1S,Sess! .. ti,s navy 20
asked for time TO consider the offer,
though he knew the instant il was
rendered him he could not accept. On
Monday Mr.. Hale told Hayes he pre-.
ierred to serve his party aud conslitu.
enls in Congress, and declined the cabi.
net position. The following day
Senators Baioe-as-S HaDy0 u Msale,
called upon Hayes to begin the war up
on the latter's policy right in theWbite
House. Packard, who Is also from
Maine, and a personal friend of the
two Senators, is protegc Of Frye. III
Frye could bc got into the Cabinet,
there would be ut least one member to
plead his cause. To this end tho elo.
quence OF the Maine Senators was
evoked, and Hayes listened with sub
lime resignation. Blaine occupied the
seat nearest him, where hc could look
him as squarely in the face us Hayes
is accustomed TO look when ~ is
obliged TO refuse request. Hamlin
sat little to Blaine's left, impressed
with the dignity ofan ex- Vice President
and II real Senator. Blaine presented
Frye's name with many reasons of
strong character, seconded by the mild
voice OF Hamlin. The face of Hayes
all ut once became radiant with smiles.
rhe Senators from Maine were certain
they had conquered, and waited lor
him To say that he would offer the
portfolio TO Frye. Addressing his re-
marks directly to Blaine, be said ain
Offering TO your personal friend and
advocate in the Cincinnati convention
II place in my Cabinet, | thought | had
discharged an act of courtesy which
IN some manner had been imposed
upon me. lie, however, has declined
that honor, and" Mr. Baine(inter
rupting)--"Why not offer it to one
equally as experienced ia public life,
his colleague, Mr.. Fryer Hayes: As
nave just said IN rendering the office
10 one of your personal friends, who
declined il, thought, and still think,
! have fulfilled all that | imposed upon
myself to prove my desire to please
you and your friends. Ny first pur-
pose, however, was TO please myself
and | regarded Mr.. Hale us an excel.
lent choice. His lcngexperience with
the naval appropriations seemed to me
to make hm emInently fitted for the
navy department. | have not changed
my Intention TO give New England
Cabinet position, and while you are
here, gentlemen, let me ask you what
you think OF John NJ. Forbes, of Bos-
ton. lie is an old ship owner; prac.
tically acquainted with naval architec-
ture; u man Of prominence among
eminent merchants and undoubtedly
capablvoi filing the office OF Secretary
OF the Navy" The Senators from
Maine were greatly troubled how to
retreat in good order. They had in
truth caught tartar. Blaine replied
that there was nothing conspicuous
about Forbes except his hose. "Wcll,"
continued Mr.. Hayes, and drawing
several cards from his pocket, the
name OF ex Senator Cragin, Of New
Hampshire, has been presented. He
Is man OF experience in the Naval
Committee of the Senate, and must bc
familiar with many OF the details of
the navy department. Would he not
make good Secretary ?" Hainln re.
Piled, and Blame repeated 70 yes, but
he is out uf public life and had better
remain there. We will pass him by"
Hayes then read the name of Gov. A.
ii. Rice, OF Massachusetts, and said,
He has had experience ON the House
naval committee, and that, too, ut a
critical time IN our history. Would he
not be acceptable tc New England 2"
Blaine was becoming very nervous and
wanted To retire, but could not do no
gracefully. lie pctulently remarked,
Rice has been dead ut least ten years.
lli- national glory ended with the war"
Said Mr. Hayes Here is u name
am sure you will approve. II is one of
yonr colleagues. What do y,i think
Of senator Morrill,, vi Vermont, lor the
navy Department." This was too
much Tor even llamlin, who arose aud
iiowningy sand 10 Blame, who had
also fallen into line, Let us leave this
grave digger to his business. Good
morning, Mr. President" "Good morn
ing gentlemen" responded Mr.. Hayes,
and as the Maine Senators lett his Off Q
broke out in hearty laughter. Two
hours from that time Blaine was
hamnguing the Senate and knitting the
administration. rhc galleries applaud
ed and the Senators wondered. Dawes
and lloar, OF Massachusetts,, learned
the cause OF Blaine's anger, and hast
cning to the White House, urged the
selection OF Charles Dcvens, and that
is how Gen. Devcns came to be mem.
Der OF the cabinet He was TO have
been secretary of the navy, but never
having had experience in political life,
tho Attorney General was regarded as