New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-05-14
BLAINE TO GARFIELD.

HIS LETTER ACCEPTING THE POSITION OF sEcRz
TARY OF STATE.
To The EdftOr Of the Tribune.
SIR: Pardon the suggestion, but / cannot but
think that Blaines letter to Garfield when he ac-
copied the position of Secretary of State would DO
of great interest now if it could be reproduced in
your columns at an early day. personally would
wish to distribute number of copies. and many
would like to preserve it with his eulogy.
Yours respectfully, J. w. CoRBIN.
No. 325 BrOadeay, Ne,c- York. May IL. 1854
Mr.. BLAINE's ACCEPTANCE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20. 1880
envy DEAR GARFIELD Your generous invitation enter
sheraton for than three weeks. The thought had
really never occurred to my mind until at our late con-
ference with such cogent arguments In It's
with such warmth OF personal friendship in aid
of your kind oner.
waited only long enough 90 consider the subject In all its
bearings and TO make up my mind definitely and con-
which you have invited that accept tho position.
It is sfectation for to add that make this
pb BE- tn
the country and 70 the party sef to you as the re-
am indnenced,somewhat perhaps by the shower OF
in consequence OF the mere unauthorized newspaper
report that you had been pleased to offer the place.
While have received these letters from all sections OF
the Union. have been especially pleased and
favor throughout New England where had expected to
encounter local jealousy and perhaps rival aspiration.
In relation shall give all that am and all
that | can hope TO ne, freely and jOyfuy, TO your
service need pledge of loyalty In heart and
iu act should be false TO myself did not prove
both the great trust confde to and your own
personal and political fortunes In the present and tho
futurR Your Administration must be made brilliantly
successful and strong Ia the confidence and pride Of tho
people not at all Greeting its energies tor election
and yet compelling that result by the logic OF and
by the iInperious necessities OF the situation.
To that most desirable contamination feel that next
10 yourself possibly contribute much influence
as any other one man. say this not from egotism
vaingory, but merely deduction from plain anay-
sis OF the political forces which been work in tho
country i've years past and which have been signi
cantly shown In two great National Conventions. ao-
cept 1t Of the happest circumstances connected
with this affair that In ayng political fortunes with
yonrs-er rather for the time tergng mine in yours-my
heart with head and that carry you only
political support but personal and devoted friendship.
but regard 10 somewhat remark able that two
OF the same age entering Congress At the same time In
Auenced by the aims and cherishing the same
billions, should never, for single moment IN eighteen
years OF close intimacy have had Misunderstanding
GOODNESS and friendship has steadily grown
with growth and strengthened with our strength
II this fact which has led me 10 the conclusion en-
bodied in this letter; for however much my dear Gar
field might admire you as IA statesman, | would not
enter your Cabinet II did not believe In yon as
and love you friend. Always faithfully yours.
JAMES G. BLAINE