The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-05-24
ALBANY Journal.l
Senator Blaine at Home.
Pen Portrait by a Non Political Ad-
mirer.

One of our correspondents who admires Mr..
Blaine, thus writes of him:
''The gifts which he displays in public are
not more numerous than the graces which
mark him in the privacy of his own home.
Although his name is probably mentioned in
the papers oftener than that of any other man
IN America, he readily drops the subject of
politics altogether, and appears simply as the
gentleman of cultivated tastes and encyclo-
pedac information. He chats about the works
of Audubon He refers with familiar knowl-
edge 10 the orations of Edward Everett He
relates experiences in European travel. He
abounds in anecdotes and "reminiscences He
has noticed everything; and he remembers
everything-dates, names, places, statistics
His acquaintance with men and things seems
universal, accurate, minute.
His Indifference to the number of his oppo-
nents in debate, reminds one of the highly
business-lke spirit of the Putney Pet, pugilistic
ally of the students in the Adventures of
Verdant Green" as when asked how many
townsmen he could manage in the coming bat
tie between gown and town, he cheerfully said
he did mot mind score or two." The more
there are against Blaine the more merrily and
effectively he fights. But he is as enter
tanning and attractive in conversation as he is
ready and powerful in debate. He displays
all the high courtesy of the ideal and medieval
knight, adapting it to the conditions and GUS
toms of modern society. He makes every
guest feel as if he were regarded as person. of
special consequence and were receiving special
attention. Now he drops down on piano
stool outside the circle and listens now he is
the centre OF the company and all are listening
to him. His polished manners have the high
est charm of true politeness, putting every one
at ease, affording every one positive pleasure.
James Parton says that when Congress.
man introduced one of his constituents to the
trio of political celebrities in Webster's day.
Webster would stick out his hand indifferent
ly, and the stranger might shake it or not, as
he chose; Calhoun would enter into conversa-
ton with him, and give him little disquisi-
tion upon his pet political doctrines, but Henry
Clay would treat the visitor so that he went
away pleased with himself and delighted with
Henry Clay. And Senator Blaine is the great
est popular favoritethe country has had since the
days OF Henry Clay, to whom in many things
he is far superior. You say as you leave his
presence, Charming man! 1 do like that
mani''
We are glad to contemplate the probable de-
feat OF the politicians who, having held office
under Grant once would like to receive office
from him again. We hope the Republican
party will thwart the plans of rivals, who,
jealous of the Senator from Maine, are seeking
to suppress him and that the people will bestow
upon him the most elevated place in their gift.
But he is one of those men who can rise supe-
rior to office, and upon the strength of his own
abilities, stand as one of the most brilliant,
popular and commanding figures in the ma
ton"