Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-01
BelmOnt's Puppyism.


Washington Special to n Y Tribune, eth. !
Mr.. Perry Belmont has reached the goal of
his ambition. He has achieved reputation,
At least for day. As to the kind of reputa-
tion-that is quite another matter.
There is probably no type of man so little
worthy of respect as the young man who is
insolent to his elders. There is an Old Tes-
lament principle which rules to this day even
in Congressional committee rooms. Mr..
Blaine is by no means old enough yet to be
called venerable, and no one who has heard
his testimony during the past two days would
expect to hear him or his friends plead old
age against his enemies. But Mr.. Blaine's
head has grown gray in public service last
ing quarter of century. and he enjoys the
honor and respect, and even the affection, of
large number Of the American people. He
appeared before the Foreign Affairs Commit
tee rs an ex-Secretary of State. Here were
reasons enough apparently why he should re-
ceive respectful treatment from man more
than twenty wears younger. But Mr.. Bel
mont, apparently from the lack both of native
courtesy and public experience. did not see
this. If he had been gentleman, either by
instinct or cultivation, he would have OBJ
served all the forms of politeness toward
such man, whatever his personal opinion
Of him or personal feelings toward him NAV
have been. If he had experience in public
life, he would have known that parliamentary
battles, no matter how sharp. are always con-
Quoted by men of discretion within the bounds
Of parliamentary decorum, and without vio-
lation OF the ordinary rules of good breed
ing.
1t IL not any exaggeration to say that Mr.
Belmont's manner was insulting to Mr.
Blaine from the start. II Mr.. Blaine had
been q criminal, on the stand in his own de-
fence, and Mr.. Belmont had been the prose-
cutting attorney, his manner could not have
been more offensive. He. apparently, began
the examination with the idea that there was
. great wickedness concealed mewhere. and
with the other idea that Mr.. Blaine was bold.
bad man. Instead of an examiner asking
questions, he was prosecutor assuming the
guilt Of the accused, and Mr.. Blaine was on
trial in police court.
The routine reports, for obvious reasons.
do not give any adequate report of Mr.. Bel
mont's manner. There is no shorthand sign
for sneer, or for haunting tone Of the voice,
or for an impudent gesture; and so there can
be no way Of reproducing his demeanor ex-
cept by general description. Fortunately. he
drew his own portrait to-day before the day
was over in colors that will not wear out so
long ~ he stays in Congress. After ex.
hausting the patience Of the committee,
not only by the vulgar disrespect-
fnlness of his manner but by the insane
reitefation of his questions, 90 that
every member present but ono entered his
protest, and one who showed that his patience
was exhausted left the room, Mr.. Belmont
wound up the day with = grand corruscation
Of Belmontisn, accused Mr.. Blaine of s'false-
hood" and. standing in his place and shak-
ing his hand At = distinguished statesman
with the utmost insolence of expression, call
ed him 'bully" and coward" and would
probably have gone on to worse things If the
members Of the committee, who were aghast
ct this, had not interposed. In short. Mr..
Perry Belmont wrote himself down to-day ~
IN offensive little BLACKBOARD. This may
seem 10 be violent language. 1t undoubtedly
h, but h not half % violent ~ Mr.. Belmont's
vulgarity was; and If the statement should
Be omitted here that Mr.. Belmont did to-day
write himself down IN offensive little black
guard, history-so far ~ twill deal with Mr..
Belmont at all-would be inaccurate and in.
co@plete.
The flnal and consummaas exhibition Of
Deluentisn cans = Tie Close. Shortly b.