The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-11-06

accumulation OF his early Ifs. As 1t was
good enough then, 1t Is held to be sufficient
now, and there Is no display OF wealth or
accumulated honors.
THE HOUSE AND ITs MASTER.
To-day Mr.. Blaine sat in this pleasant
home and extended me an old fashioned
hearty welcome. There has been great
change in the master as well as in the house
since my last visit The cosy little Office
back Of the parlor, so well remembered by
visitors in former days, is no longer used.
The proprietor's workroom has been re-
moved to quiet apartment up stairs,
where there is less chance OF interruption.
There Is nothing Of the busy air about the
place as in former years, and not many
visitors come and 20 in the course oil day.
Why the changer Simply the proprietor
is no longer public man, and now esjoys
the rights and privileges Of private citi-
zen. Friends are as heartily welcomed as
ever, even more so, perhaps, because the
flow OF politics and politicians Is stayed,
and there is mora time for those who call
to pay respects and chat.
he looks to-day twenty years younger than
when l last saw him, just free from the
duties Of his position in Mr. Garfeld's Ca
binet. His complexion Is clear, his eyes
bright, his mind as strong and responsive
as when ne first aroused the country with
his genius for winning public favor and
meeting the highest demands Of the most
exalted official lille.
"How your life has changed" suggested,
after seeing the exact way in which he now
disposes OF his hours and the wonderful
change 1t has made in his physical condi-
ton.
"Yes. No more late hours or severe
strains, mental or physical. am now
rarely out OF bed at 1880 O'Clock, or in the
bed at s in the morning. l was never in
better health"
"How do you like the CHANGE"
"More than can tell you. There IL
great satisfaction in Il; rest for both body.
and mind. This climate Of ours, too, Is a
great resterer. Half the year 1t is the best
in the world, but I 60 South with the
birds" %
THE HISTORY. ..,
Mr.. Blaine seems to be giving all his
energies 10 his book, "Twenty Years Of
Congress" After his breakfast, at s in the
morning, he goes to his workroom, and
from until l, cannot be disturbed. In
these four hours he writes what will make
three and one half printed pages Of his
work, and revises 1t as It Is to 60 on recsrd.
This Ia his self.imposed task each day be.
tween these hours. His publishers say he
furnishes good, fair manuscript and does
not rewrite upon the proof sheets. He does
not use q private secretary for his daily
task, but writes with his own hand. At
o'clock he goes for an hours walk over the
fields and along the Kennebec.
To-day joined him for the stroll, aud
It is curious to see with what zest he speaks
Of bis new life and new work.
While going down over the fields, there
was lull in his absorbing conversation,
and, struck with the dearth OF politics in
his words, l said:
Don't you ever long for the hurly.burly
OF political life again ?"
Never. I have dropped out OF It 80
easily and completely that I can now look
back ever the politics OF the last twenty
years as q sort Of Vanity Fair, Of which l
was o part"
There was quic. emphasis in these
words that impressed me, and did not
again intrude political subjects. He soon
took the conversation up again and went
on speaking Of men and affairs, evidently
having reference TO his literary work, into
which he seems to have carried all the en-
thusiasm Of his intense nature.
DLAINE's SUBTRACTION.
This radical change is the best evidence
Of his great powers. What other public
man in all our history has ever dropped
out Of the glare Of high official position to
be plain citizen without showing his tenn.
PERI l do not recall one who willingly
gave up, even when his waning powers and
feeble grip upon the seat Of power made
people wonder when q mans ambition
died, or was even satisfied. He Is the tirst
Presidential candidate with following who
has given over bis ambition without getting
for It crab-apple disposition.
"Snpertluous lags the veteran upon the
stage" can never be truthfully applied TO
this man, who has 80 suddenly and so will
lingly given up politics for literature and
Is happy.
Alter the walk comes dinner, and then
the balance ot the day and evening is given
To reading OF current events and the society
OF friends. No more work after the four
morning hours and the 1900 words have
been prepared for the publisher. This is
the daily life Of this brilliant man as have
seen and head It while visiting here for
day. Iwish could write OF the scope OF
his work or give some extracts OF what he
has written. But the privilege Of seeing
or hearing any part oi 1t Is accorded to no
one. Soon alter the new year, the first
volume will be given to the public, and
the second will follow as soon as It can be
prepared. Before year rolls around, the
great commentary upon men and events
from "Lincoln to Garfield" will, from the
pen Of Mr.. Blaine, be given to the world.
TALKING OF THR PAST.
Who Is there who has known or read
much Of the man Of whom am writing,
who can realize the change in his daily
life and occupation since enc year ago2
While speaking Of 1t to him I asked:
| chow do you like your new workT