Morris tribune., 1881-10-13
BLAINE AND GARFIELD.

LETTER OF THE FORMER ACCEPTING CABINET
POSITION.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct 6.-The Press to-mor-
row will publish the letter of Secretary Blaine
accepting the tender Of the state department
made him by the late President Garfield, dated
Washington, D. c., December 20, 1880.
My Dear Garfield: Your generous invitation to
enter your cabinet as secretaty of state has been
under consideration for more than three weeks.
The thought had really never occurred to my mind
until at late conference you presented it with
such cogent arguments in its favor, and with such
warmth of personal friendship in aid of your kind
offer. know that an early answer isdesirable, and
l have waited only long enough to consider the sub
ject in all its bearings, and to make up my mind de-
same cordial spirit in which you have invited me,
that accept the position. 1t is no affectation for
me to add ! that make this decision, not for the
service. put because l think can
the, party; useful to you as the responsible
leader of the party and great head Of the govern
meut. am influenced somewhat perhaps, by the
shower of letters have received urging me to
cept, written me in consequence of mere unau-
pleased to offer me the place. While have re-
ceved these letters from all sections of the Union,
have been especially pleased and surprised at the
cordial and widely extended feeling in my favor
throughout New England, where had expected to
encounter local jealousy and perhaps rival aspira-
ton. In relation shall give all that am
anu all tilat can nope TO De Ireeiy anu JoyIuHv 10
your service.
You need no pledge of my loyalty in heart and
and act. should be false to myself did not prove
true both to the great trust you confide to and
to your own personal and poitica! fortunes in the
present and future. Your administration must be
made eminently successful and strong in the conf
dence and pride of the people, not at all directing
its. energies for reelection and vet com.
events and by the imperious neces-
able consummation I feel that, next to yourself.
1 can possibly contribute as much influence as any
other one man. 1 say this not from egotism or
rain-gory, but merely deduction from plain
analysis of the political forces which have been at
work in the country for five years
past, which have been significantly
shown in two great national conventions accept
it as one of the happiest circumstances connected
with this affair, that allyng my political fortunes
with yours. or rather for time merging mine in
yours, my heart goes with my head: and that con-
vey to you not only political support but personal
and devoted friendship. can but regard it as
somewhat remarkable that two men of
the same age, entering congress at the same
time, influenced by the same aims and cherishinp
the ambitions, should never for single
moment in eighteen years of close intimacy have
had misunderstanding or coolness, and that our
friendship has steadily grown with our growth and
strengthened with strength It is this fact that
has led me to the conclusion embodied in this let
ter: for, however much, my dear Garfield might
admire you as statesman, would not enter yol1r
cabinet il did not believe in YOU as q man and
love you as friend. Always faithfully yours,
iSignedl JAS. G. BLAINE