Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-01-11
Panama Canal and Mr.. Blaine.

A friend in England sends Us copy OF the
Manchester Examiner and Times. in which
We find the following interesting communities
ton. boarding the British Lion in his den in
defence Of Mr.. Blaine's despatch to Minister
Lowell
To the Editor Of the Ezaminer and Times :
SfR,-I read yonr article Of yesterday on
the character Of Mr.. Blsine's dispatches to
Mr.. Lowell with surprise and regret. ! fear
tits calculated to disturb the amicable rela-
tions now existing between England and the
United States.
am ut q loss to determine the point Of
your contention as 10 what may be the duty
Of England In reference 10 the .'demand"
which yon say Mr. Blaine has made through
the American Minister.
You seem TO think the demand ought not
TO be conceded, and yet. for the sake Of
peace, IL 10 best to surrender. Rather than
enforce your just claims by war. you will give
them up. Would not this be . humliating
spectacle for Great Britain2 Does II comporf
with her proud spirit and with the prestige of
her mighty powtr7 !. an American, have q
different opinion If her people. though it Is
supreme folly tQialk of war between these
two nations In the presence, a. 1t were, Of the
Geneva Tribunal. I have been taught to
believe that England. conscious Of the right,
viii maintain 10 by resort to war II need be,
and against all odds. The motto of Davy
Crockett 10 hers, "Be sure you are right. and
then 20 ahead" Bnt il IL the manner Of Mr.
Blaine to which you chiefly object. I beg
Of yen not to be hasty in forming your opinion
Of the character and spirit Of the late
Secretary Of State. I have personally known
Mr.. Blaine for upwards Of twenty. Ave years.
He has been in public life during this time.
and though shining mark for the shafts of
obloquy. there IL no statesman in the United
States who has greater administrative ability,
more promptitude In execution, intenser
energy, more acute, rapid. and accurate per.
ceptions. and withal who Is more cautious
and safe In counsel than James @. Blaine
You mistake arrogance for the elf-assurance
Of decided conviction. / know him to be
thoroughly versed in the history Of England.
especially Of its great parliamentary debates
and decisions. He Is = generous admirer of
your country. You misconceive the man
altogether.
II you will publish Mr.. Blaine's dispatches,
and alongside reproduce your article Of n few
weeks ago, treating of this same matter, in
which you took the ground that treaties, for
good and obvious reasons, may be abrogated.
or may become obsolete, having worn out
their usefulness. your readers may then judge
for themselves whether your treatment of Mr..
Blaine 10 just. and whether snch a remark as
the following is called for, viz, 1.-THE sting
is taken out of his" (Mr. Blaine's) "mosi
acrid and offensive utterances by the fate
which has since befallen their author" as il
pitisble contempt was the proper feeling for
Mr.. Blaine, though his retirement from the
Cabinet IL owing to the assassination of ths,
truly noble man and great statesman. his
friend and chief. President Garfield. -
Yours, &c,
c. II. BKANscoMBE.
Liverpool, December. 81.