The Republican journal., 1884-08-21
A Slanderous Attack on Mr.. Blaine.

Since the publication of the scandaous charges
concerning Mr.. Cleveand-which were initial
ed by Democrats and the truth of which is SUBJ
stantially admitted in all the statements put
forth in defence of the Democratic candidate
for the Presidency-the opposition press has
abounded in covert insinuatons concerning al
legged scandals in Mr.. Blaines past life, but has
carefully refrained from making specific asser-
tions which would allow refutal or warrant
recourse to law. The Indianapolis Sentinel of
August Sth however, overstepped the limit;
and the statement it published coming to the
notice Of Mr.. Blaine he telegraphed on the 14th
from Bar Harbor to Col. w. P. Holloway at
Indianapolis, aSfoIlows:
have this moment received the atrocious libel
Of the Indianapolis Sentinel. 1t is utterly and
implication. Political ISLANDERS do not stop to
notice, but this editor assas the honor of my
wife and my children. | desire you without an
hours delay to employ proper attorney and
have the responsible publishers of the Sentinel
sued for libel in the L. S. District Court of In
diana. 1t is my only remedy. | am sure honor
able Democrats alike with honorable Repub-
cans will justify me in defending the honor of
my family if need be with my life.
JAMES q. BLAINE.
Col Holloway at once placed the matter in
the hands Of Senator Harrison's law firm, and
the same evening Messrs. Harrison, Miller IL
Elan. attorneys, filed complaint in the U. S.
Circuit Court against the Sentinel Company,
and john q. Shoemaker, president thereof, de-
handing $4,000 damages. Proceedings will
also be had against Shoemaker and the author
of the article under Glabb's libel law in the
state Courts, which will compel Mr.. Blaine 5
attendance as IL witness. 1t is intended to push
this suit and criminal proceedings with all pos
>ible despatch.
Mr. Blaine has followed the proper course
with regard to this false and venomous attack
upon the honor of his family 1t is the only
manly and honorable course to pursue, and Mr..
Blaine's prompt and plucky action is generally
commended even by his political opponents.
He might have taken to the woods and suffered
the scandal to die natural death, but Mr..
Blaine is no coward and while he might deem
attacks upon himself AS unworthy of notice he
does not intend that the slanderer shall strike
ut his family. CongrauIatory kilograms have
poured in upon him since his message to Mr.
liollaway was made public and his determiu-
alton to defend his rights as Il citizen and the
good name of his household in all honorable
ways, now as heretofore, will meet the approval
of every manly man and womanly oman. III
| this connection the following statement from
prominent southern Democrat is of interest:
LOUISVILLE, Ky, Aug. Il. Mr. Henry Wat
4 terson, III reply to Il question as to the Blaine
scandal. said that he mad long ago discreditedi
and dismissed 1t from serious consideration. Ht
had had occasion some ID years ago to looh
into the matter and had found nothing bu
>hadowy surmises and irresponsible gossip
possessing none of the qualities of proof. On
this point the Courier-Journal of tomorrow
will say: TO the integrity of a good woman
who for thirty years has presided over Mr.
! Blaine'> household, recognized by all who knew
/ her to be the best of wives and mothers, an en-
tire generation of testimony may be called ant
will confidently and cordially answer. The onl,
effect of the SenSeless and wicked invasion o
the home life of the eminent and corrupt states
man who heads the Republican ticket-the on,
redeeming feature of his career will be to fur
ni>h him an opportunity to pose in the char
acter OF 4 defender Of the tresde and hearth
stone and his honor, the character otferins
especial opportunities for histrionic display ano
driving directly at the most susceptible corner
OF the popular heart. 1t is, besides, the pur
pose 10 advance this wanton attempt to DESTROY
an honest domestic fabric offset agains
the personal attacks made by Republicans upoI
Coy. CleNeiand Two wrongs do not make
right; nor are the cases in any wise alike"