Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-06-23
NOTIFYING BLAINE.

The Committee Calls on the Republican
Presidential Candidate at Augusta.
AUGUSTA, June 2l.--A great crowd as
sembled to-day to witness the proceedings
attendant upon the official announcement
to Mr. Blaine of his nomination by the
National Republican Convention. Promptly
at II o'clock the National Committee of
notification proceeded in body TO Mr.
Blaine's residence. where they were re
ceived by Mrs. Blaine. As the day was
oppressiyely hot and the rooms Of the man
sion were crowded to sufocation, 1t
was suggested that the presentation
address be made upon the lawn. Ae-
cordingly the committee and guests
proceeded to the well shaded portion
Of the grounds, where semi-circIe was
formed, and all present stood with uncover
ed heads, making an impressive scene. the
rustling of the spreading branches of the
great Gins and the buzzing of insects. be-
ing the only sounds to disturb the stiffness.
When all was in readiness Mr.. Blaine was
escorted to the lawn, where he stood within
the arc of the semi-circle. General Hen
derson stepped forward, and from a manu-
script read a somewhat lengthy address to
Mr.. Blaine. 1t was full Of personal praise
to the candidate.
Blaine's Reply.
Blaine listened to Gen. Henderson, stand
ing under an elm tree with his arms folded
on his chest and his eyes usually cast down,
but at times CHANGING about and scanning
the faces in the audience When Gen.
Henderson had concluded speaking Walker
Blaine, the candidates son, stepped forward
and handed his father the manuscript of the
address in reply to that of the committee.
McBlair then read as follows
mir. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN OF THE
NATIONAL CoMNIrTEE:-Ir received not with
out deep sensibility your official notice OF
the action of the National Convention al
ready brought to my knowledge through
the public press. l appreciate more pro
foundly than can express the honor which
is implied in the nomination for the Presi-
dency by the Republican party of the ma
ton. To be selected as a candidate by
such an assemblage from the list of emf.
nent statesmen whose name were presented
fills me
With Embarrassment.
/ can only express my gratitude for the sig
nal honor and my desire to prove worthy OF
the great trust reposed in me. In accept
ing the nomination as | now do l am i'm
pressed, am also oppressed with a sense
of the labor and responsibility which attach
to nv position. The burden is ightened,
however by the host of earnest men who
support my candidacy, many Of whom add,
as does your honorable committee,
the cheer of personal friendships
TO the pledge of political fealty. A more
formal acceptance will naturally be expect,
ed, and will in due season be communi-
Gated 1t may, however, not be inappropriate
at this time to say have already made a
careful study of the principles announced
by the National Convention, and that, in
whole and detail, they have my heartiest
sympathy and meet my unqualified APP
prevail Apart from your official errand,
gentlemen, am extremely happy to wei
come you to my house.
With many of you / have already shared
the duties of public service and enjoyed the
most cordial friendship. / trust your jour
ney from all parts of the great republic has
been agreeable and that during yonr stay in
Maine you will feel that you are not among
strangers, but with friends. Invoking the
blessings of God upon the great cause
which we jointly represent, let us turn to
the future without fear and with manly
hearts
At the conclusion of Mr. Blaine's reply
the members were introduced to him indi-
vidualIy and an hour was spent in social
and informal converse. The members OF
he committee then repaired to the resi-
dence of Col. Osgood where they were en-
ter;ained at lunch. At one o'clock they left
for Portland where they have a reception
this evening.