Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-10-18
A LETTER BY BLAINE.

The letter OF James ". Blame accept
ing the position rendered him in the Cab
met of James A. Garfield which we print
below is one which challenges the admir-
alton of every true-hearted man.
1t is the hearty expression of whole
souled man, rejoicing in the success Of
his friend, willing and anxious to assist
in making that success more brilliant
and is without trace of selhshness OF
envy.
No candid reader of this letter but will
say there is at least one man of proml-
nence in the councils of the Nation who
puts loyalty to his country and his friends
above all personal considerations and who
is willing to devote his whole powers to
the public good whenever and wherever
called upon.
WASHINGTON, Dec. -, lSSO.
NJ Dear Garfield
Your generous invitation 10 enter your
Cabinet a. Secretary OF State has been un-
der consideration for more than three
weeks The thought had really never oc-
CURED 20 my mind until At our last con-
ference YOU presented IL with such cogeni
arguments in its favor, and with such
warmth OF personal friendship in aid OF
YOUR kind offer, knew that an early an
swer is desirable and | have waited only
long enough to consider the subject IN all
its bearings and 10 make up my mind def
nitely and cOnclusively. | now say 20
YOU in the same cordial spirit in which
YOU have invited me that accept the po-
sition. IL il no afectatiOu for me 10 add
that | make this decision not for the honor
OF promotion il gives me in the public ser
vice, but because think can be useful TO
the country and 10 the party; useful TO
YOU a. the responsible leader OF the party.
and the great head OF the GOyerameut. |
AN Influenced somewhat. perhaps, by the
shower or letters | have received urging
me TO accept, written 10 me in consequence
of the mere unauthorized report that YOU
had been pleased 20 Offer me the place
While have received these letters from
sections OF the Union have been eSpeC-
ially pleased and even surprised At the
cordial and widely-eutended feeling In my
favor throughout New England, where
had expected 10 encounter local jealousy
and perhaps rival aspirations. In our new
relation | shall give ali that | am and all
that can be. freely and JOyfully 10 yOnr
service. You need no pledge ot my loyal
" in heart and in act / should DC false to
myself did l not prove true both 10 the
great trust YOU coudde 10 ne aud 70 your
own personal and political fortunes in the
present and N the future. Your admins
tratiou must be made brilliantly success
fdl and strong IN the confidence and pride Of
the people not AZ al directing is energies
for reelection. and Yet compelling that re-
suit by the logic OF event aud by the impe-
rious necessities OF the situation.
To that most desirable contamination
feel that next 10 yourself 1 can possibly
contribute a. much influence a. any other
other Que man. say this not from ego
tism or vain glory, but merely Is deduc-
ton from a plain analysis OF the political
forces which have been al work in the
country for five wears past, and which nave
been significantly shown IN two great na-
tional conventions. accept II a. one OF
the happiest circumstances connected with
this affair, that IN ally ing my political for
Tunes with yours or rather iOg the time
merging mine in yours my heart goes
With ms head, and that carry 20 you not
GUY FoA'.N4- euFEV4~ "ss f''SNuN- ~.
devoted friendship.
] can but regard 4 a. somewhat remark
able that two men OF the same age, enter
ing Congress az the same time. Influenced
by the same aim. and cheri>hing the same
ambitions, should never for single mo-
menl in eighteen years OF close Intimacy
have had misunderstanding or a GOODNESS,
and that our friendship has steadily grown
with our growth and strengthened with
our strength. Il is this fact which has led
NE 70 the conclusion embodied in this let
Ter. for however much, my dear Garfield,
might admire you a. 8 statesman, | would
not enter your Cabinet II did not believe
IN you as man, and love YOU as a friend.
Always faithfully yours.
JAMES u. BLAINE.