The San Antonio light. (San Antonio, Tex.) 1883-1886, 1884-08-07
A RECEPTION.
The Business Men OF Portland
Compliment Mr.. Blaine.


PORTLAND, August 6.-The reception
TO Blaine by the business men of this
city tonight was brilliant. The hall
was packed, the seats being removed
and the audience standing, the galleries
were filed with Indies. At o'clock
Blaine was conducted to the platform,
leaning on the arm OF Congressman
Reed, being received with great cheer
ing. Reed, in happy speech presented
the business men OF Portland TO Blaine,
saying that II he attempted to present
them individually, II would be soon ap-
parent that Blaine was better acquaint-
ed with them than he.
George woodman, spokesman of the
merchants, read an address to Blaine,
signed by over 300 business men and
firms OF this city. The address, after
expressing their qualification that citi-
zen Of Maine had been made the recip-
lent ola presidential nomination. says:
although we have not been able to
agree with you on all political questions
we have all had confidence In your in
tegrity as man and your purity and
ability as statesman, and we are unit
ed In the belief that should the people Of
the United States ratify the choice Of
your political associates, you will give
the country an administration unrivalled
in Its wise solicitude and practical mea-
sures for the promotion OF all our mater
ial interests and for its painstaking care
for the publication and perfection OF all
the public service"
Blaine replied as follows; "Fellow
citizens-f do not know how to express
my sense Of the great honor you pay me
In this most cordial reception, ali the
more grateful because not rendered In
partisan spirit or for partisan advan-
tages. For the business men of Port
land 1 have from personal knowledge al
ways entertained the most pro-
found respect. In no community has
a higher standard of mercantile honor
been maintained, more taintless COM
mercial credit than In your city, and the
prosperity you enjoy Is the legitimate
fruit OF comprehensive intelligence, in
dustry and courage. Though never a
citizen OF Portland. l was resident
among you for nearly three years, be-
ginning in 1857 and ending in 1859. Dur
inb tnut tinlt L was cultOr OF the DNlly
Advertiser and In constant intercourse
with the business and professional men
OF the city. l recall no more 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 importance,
but the flight Of years has not dimmed
my appreciation Of the friendships
when formed nor the great kindness /
received In Portland. We're 1 TOO to re-
call 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 assem-
blage, one called for friendly greeting Of
the living, would be turned to eulogy.
or this acting generation none higher
could be given than that they are worthy
to succeed the Fessendens, the Shep-
leys, the Browns, the Titles and that
great host Of able and upright men
whose names and whose. careers are the
glory of Portland"
The Introduction to Blaine followed,
many gentlemen being introduced.