The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-08-07
In Which the Membe = fore than Three
Hundred Firms trt-Text Of
Mr.. Blair marks.
General Gresham = ks Indiana Safe
for the Republican Candidates.
Mr.. Beecher Will Not Support Cleveland Un-
less the Buffalo Charges Are Disproyed
Notes Of the Campaign in Indiana.
JAMES G. BLAINE.
A Non-Partisan Reception from the Business
Men of Portland.

Men of Portland.
PORTLAND, Aug 6.-The reception to Mr.
Blaine by the business men of this city at the
City Hall tonight was a brilliant one The
hall was packed, the seats having been removed
and the audience standing while the galleries
We're filed with ladies' Mr.. Blaine held the re-
ception in the mayors Office. At s o'clock
he was conducted to the platform,
leaning upon Congressman Reeds arm, and be-
ing received with great cheering Mr.. Reed, in
a happy speech, presented the business men of
Portland to Mr., Blaine, saying, joculary, that
if he attempted to present them individually it
would soon be apparent that Mr.. Blaine was
better acquainted with them than he.
George Woodman, spokesman of the mer
chants read an address to Mr.. Blaine signed by
over three hundred business men and firms of
this city. The address. after expressing graf if
cation that citizen of Maine had been made
the recipient of the presidential nomination says:
Although we have not been able to agree with you
upon political questions have all had confidence in
your integrity and your puriy tand ability
a statesman and we united in a conviction that
should the people Of the United States ray the choice
Of your political associates you will give the country
administration unrvaled in its wise soleitude and
practical measures for the promotion of all
material interests and for its painstakng for the
purHcaJon ana perTecton OF all the pubnc service
Mr.. Blaine replied follows:
Fellow-citzens--I do not know how to express my
sense of the great honor you pay in this most
dial reception all the grateful because not ten
dered in partisan spirit for partisan advantages
For the business of Portland
have, from personal knowledge always
entertained profound respect In no community has
higher standard of mercantile honor been main
tanned, more taintless commercial credit, than
in city, and the prosperity you enjoy is the legt
innate fruit of comprehensive intelligence, industry
and courageous enterprise Though never
citizen of Portland | was resident
among you for nearly three years, beginning
in 1857, and ending in 1859. During that time
was editor of the Daily Advertiser and in constant
intercourse with the business and professional men Of
the city. recall pleasant period, and in
wide sense no more profitable period in my life A
quarter of century has since elapsed,
marked with events Of worldwide inn
portance. but the fight Of years has
not dimmed my appreciation Of the friendships
then formed, nor the great kindness received in
Portland. We're to recall the long list of eminent
men of both parties now no more, whom / was then
permitted to number among my friends, time would
fail me and this large assemblage, called for friend
y greeting OF the living would be turned to eulogy of
past generation.
Introductions to Mr.. Blaine followed many
gentlemen being introduced