The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-10-22
A REALLY GREAT MAN.
A Non-Partisan Tribute to Mr.. Blaine's
Qualities as Leader.

Qualities Leader.
indianapolis News.
We have with US to-day one Of the biggest
men" of his time. The bitterest partisan, it
would seem, should be able to lay aside his pre-
judice long enough to feel this fact and take
pride in it Mr.. Blaine is "a great big man.
Stand him along side of Bismarck, Gladstone,
Ferry CASTELAR,, and Americans would have no
cause to be other than proud of the comparison.
He is refutation in the eyes of the world that
our politics make it possible for any but third
rate men to become prominent 1t is a mem
orable thing in citys annals to have such a
man for its guest. 1t is memorable, as
was the visit of Henry Clay to indianapolis.
Forty-two years ago on the fifth OF this
month, that great man was here 10 day 8 event
may recall that visit to those who remember 1t,
and to all may suggest comparisons between
these two great men of succeeding generations
We are too near Mr. Blaine of course, and too
stepped in partlsanship to make such comparison.
But there is one quality in which Mr.. Blaine
bears a striking resemblance to Henry Clay, that
was seen long ago. and long ago acknowledged,
even by Mr.. Blanes political opponents, and
that is the quality of personal magnetism. This
phrase is overworked just now, and by partisan
prejudice, even as a sheer; but 1t has, never
theless, already the solidity Of an historical
fact Mr. Blaine has been for many years
singular in the possession of personal follow
ing within his party, not due to the exercise OF
that universally attractive quality-military
prowess-but to simply manifestation in the
ordinary course of public life, as one among
hundreds in twenty years in Congress-" by
which, like Saul. he has come to stand a head
and shoulders above his brethren 1t is such
another example as Henry Clay afforded, and
the only example since then in public life.
Whatsoever Mr.. Blaine's varying fortunes have
been within or without his party, there
has always stood at his back this
following, which, steadfast, has increased
with years Mention of this seems
to us appropriate here and now, for Indiana is
State in which man has warmer friends, or
more of them among his own party than Mr..
Blaine, and of the kind of thick and-thin friends
that have distinguished Mr.. Blaine peculiarly in
bis day and generation. Indianas welcome and
that of indianapolis to-day, may have, there
fore, this quality added to that public honor
which any people is glad to show noted fellow
citizen. fellow-eitizen noted upon
most sides of public life, excep-
tionally brilliant in debate, parliamenta
rian without peer, a tacticlan unsurpassed, an
executive officer with the American instinct and
abundant ability for its forcible exercise. In
the interval of a busy life man who can tread
the quiet paths Of literature as much at ease
there as in the arena of public contention, and
give proof of abilities signal in the production
of a work that wins him a place in the front
rank of literature and among that most honor
able assemblage of American historians. What
ever we do for Mr.. Blaine two weeks from to-day
we can thus look upon and know him to day and
take pleasure in knowing him.