The Portland daily press., 1884-06-23
GENERAL HENDERsON's ADDRESS
AND MIR. BLAINE's RESPONSE.
Special Correspondence of the Press.)


AUGUSTA, Me-, June 81.
The members of the national committee
who arrived here last night, arose refreshed
this morning and spent the time until the
hour appointed for visiting Mr.. Blaine pleas
antly in various ways, some driving, some
walking about the pleasant streets, but the
majority quietly at the hotel chatting among
themselves and with citizens who called to
meet them. At II o'clock Senator Rollins
announced that the time for waiting upon
Mr.. Blaine had arrived, and falling into line
as pleased them the whole party, with repre-
sentatives of the press and members of the
citizens committee in Augusta, proceeded to
Mr.. Blaine's house, only a few rods distant.
The gates and doors were open in welcome,
Mr.. Sherman, Mr.. Blaine's private secretary,
meeting the party in the vestibule and direct
ing them to the parlors, where Mrs Blaine
received them, the introductions being made
by General Henderson, chairman of the COM
mittee. There were also in the spacious par
lor, to assist in receiving the guests, Miss
Blaine, Miss Dodge, Mrs. Stephen Elkins,
Mrs. Manley, and other ladies'
When the whole party had assembled the
room was very full. Mr.. Blaine came from
his office into the hall, and it was quickly de-
cided to move out upon the lawn. Mr..
Blaine, with General Henderson, led the way
to charming spot in the grounds nearest
the Capitol, where a fine butternut tree af-
forded grateful shade. The party disposed
themselves at will around, Mr. Blaine and
General Henderson as the central figures,
Mrs. Blaine and the ladies and some personal
friends on one side and little in rear of the
central figures, while the committee and
other gentlemen grouped in crescent shaped
figure in 'front.' As soon as all were arranged
to their liking Mr. Blaine and General Hem
derson exchanged signals, and the latter at
once began reading in clear voice, rightly
gagged for the little audience, the address to
Mr.. Blaine.
During the first part of the reading Mr.,
Blaine stood erect with folded arms in atti-
tude of earnest, thoughtful attention. The
lids were well down over his eyes, but oeca-
sionally, without change of attitude, they
were lifted for quick glance, and once or
twice there was an almost imperceptible in
clnation of the head as if asserting to the
sentiment of the address. When the reading
was about half done Mr.. Blaine rested his
cheek upon his left hand without otherwise
changing his position, his attitude seeming
not less attentive but more seriously reflec-
tive than before.
As soon as the reading was done, Mr..
Blaine Strengthened quickly, and turning.
took from Mr.. Walker Blaine the manuscript
of his response, which he read in clear.
measured, firm tones, with nice emphasis
and deep earnestness. AS soon as he con-
cluded he shook hands with Gen. Henderson.
and then Mrs. Blaine stepped forward. her
countenance beaming with tender Joy and
pride, and clasped her husbands hand, Bv
quick movement he gave her a loving kiss.
General Henderson introduced 'the next
President" and a citizen of Augusta called
for three cheers for ''the lady of the White
House. which were heartily given. Mr..
Blaine then mingled with the committee and
guests, and for each he had pleasant word
OF greeting. Soon the conversation became
general, and the remainder of the hour was
spent on the lawn in the most agreeable and
informal way. Before II o'clock all had de-
parted, the committee going to the hotel for
lunch, and taking the train at one O'Clock.
every one expressing his satisfaction and
qualification in the felicitous scene of the
morning.