The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1881-12-16

There is probably no man in the
country whose character and designs
are more yirulently attacked than
those of Secretary Blaine. His able
papers during the brief period in which
he has exercised the Office Of Secretary
Of State are very much admired. His
letter to Minister Lowell on the 18th
mus canal question and the doctrine
there held, giving the attitude Of this
government at the present time on the
old Monroe doctrine, was justly consid-
cred letter of marked ability and
discretion at the time of its publication.
His paper on the cotton productions,
which is perhaps one Of the best that
has ever issued from the state depart.
ment, received enthusiastic praise. In
spite of his exemplary conduct and the
marked talent he has ever shown,
there is one point that is sufficient
reason for an unmitigated war upon
his public designs and personal mo-
tives, by those who would have most
to fear from an administration Of such
marked ability as his would unques-
tionably be. He aims at the Presi.
dency. He is, therefore, q mark for
these characters to shoot at, whether
they can by SO doing encompass their
end or not. 1t has never been con-
sidered mark derogatory to character
heretofore for man of Mr.. Blaine's
prominence to have aims for and to di-
rect his ambition toward the Presl-
dency. Daniel Webster and Charles
Sumner each tried hard to secure the
prize. Mr.. Blaine may fail, as they
failed, but the design is evidently q
legitimate and worthy one. The at
tacks to which he has lately been sub
jected, the consummate meanness with
which every public act has been con-
strued to mean an unworthy effort to
subordinate all other considerations to
his ambition, is as untrue as it is in
consistent. Those who have ranged
themselves against Blaine Qately his
friends and admirers) are simply
towards, whipped into line by sickly
fear Of their prospects under the pres
ent administration, should they take q
different course. In spite Of these
base thrusts at the character Of a noble
and able public man, Mr.. Blaine re-
mains firm in the respect and admira-
ton in which he is held by the masses
Of the people. lie has withstood such
assaults for too many years to SILVER
before them now. He is one of
those brawny men whose mental
powers grow stronger under attack
and whose character shines forth more
clearly from the darkness with which
his enemies would attempt to surround
him, Mr.. Elaine retires from the Secre-
taryship this week. This was his I'M
questionable design before Garfield
was shot. If he chose not to continue
in tho Office under a warm personal
friend, is it presumable that he would
desire to be continued under Arthur?
Yet these destroyers Of character
would attempt to make it appear that
Mr.. Blaine has endeavored to insinuate
himself upon the new administration.
1t is claimed that his course has de-
creased the friendly feeling existing
between this country and foreign pow
ers. His letter on the canal question
cannot be otherwise considered than
an accurate expression of the feeling
in which the project is held in this
country. If foreign countries are dis
pleased with such sentiments. at \ |
time when 1t seems necessary for this
country to make known their views. |
they would probably feel better if the |
new Secretary and the administration
viii change front and remove all OBJ |
iections that we have heretofore held |
European powers gaining
/ foothold on the American continent
n