New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-07-06
MR. MAINE As IN EDiTOk


KENSEBEC JOURNAL"
lnoW Az occWoSAL coHHls roSprNror tW fhInrt' !
AUGUSTA, Me-, July l.-TnE 1RRuNE repre-
sentative to-day hd interesting interview with the
Hon John t. stevens Of thi, city. formerly connected
with Mr. Blaine In the edltorship ani propretorship OF
The Kcnneber J,urih Mr.. stevens said
81 became acquainted with Mr. Blaine tho first OF Jann
ary 1850 and very afterward he beca me partner
In the owuorshp anil editorshp OF The Kricbec Jo'Hd
He at young man or unusual powers
and thoroughly uel-stookcd with that Information
necessary the successful political editor and leader
lie was exceedingly well yersod In the political history OF
the country. in the general affairs OF tho Government
and In all those details Of civil administration necessary
to a public man designed to play an important part In
political affairs lie showed unusual powers OF argument
aud logic and style of writing tersc incisys and
strong dealing with the propositions "a advocated by
his own party well those urged ny his opponents
he had remarkable faculty Of going at once to the core
OF the question The weak points IN adversary he
was very quick to perceye and he pushed his attack
with energy and bodness which always characerzcs
the successful advocate and partisan leader lie
not only early exhibited unusual ability in
tain directions but he was characterized
by great facility OF and
rapid insight into different points and issues coming
before the public for consideration. The advantages OF
his intellectual discipline, extensive historical reading
and great familiarity with tho best authorities always
gave him decided advantage IN whatever controversy
he engaged.
me read large list OF newspaper exchanges, and
availed himself of the best articles the reviews ami
literary MACHINES with great readiness and thorough
meas He would find the best there in the chief
editorials OF number Of newspapers and magazines with
more rapidly and certainty than any other person whose
acquaintance have shared. He had very happy
faculty In conversing with Individuals or With Large
number public, OF relating anecdotes, accidents and
historical facts which illustrated enforced and mado
interesting his conversation and hi. arguments He was
always a flvor1te with the employees OF the estab sh
Inent, with those persons who were accustomed to-
visiting Newspaper sces who desired an acquaintance
with editors. Very soon after | made his 2cqualnt-
ancc | was especially struck with the fact that he
very rapidly made the acquaintance or the leading cit
zens throughout the different OF the and
whsn he mad a taco, known the name and be
come acquainted with individuals political assscia-
lions and tendencies lie always remembered him there
after Thus he enabled very soon 70 have large
number of personal scquantInces and friends in the
State where he had been previously stranger.
"Hs belief in tAe advocacy of the principles Of the
Republican party and OF It's Organization dates from his
first into the state permanent resident IN
1854. How strongly he was attached TO the leading
principles Of Repubicansm ernced in interesting
fact my knowledge In 1855. II vi At the
period when the Fre--State OF Kansas wers strug
Cling against the Border Ruians OF Missouri for the
establishment OF free institutions in tao territory which
had recently opened the Shareholders and their
agents by the repeal Of the Missouri Compromise 1t was
At tire when the Frse-Stats men deemed
It necessary TO 10 In private 70 thsir friends IN
New-Engsnd, such they thought might
prove friends them. and obtain pocunary assistance
perhaps other form, Of sympathy necessary for them
to hold their position against their armed and audacous
opponents One Of The agents OF tho Free5tate men,
reputation came 70 Augusta and sought com
sympathy and aid from the Editors OF The Kenebse
Journal Mr. Blaine evtnced his warm iatsrest IN the
aud
energy contributed far he abeto the assistance
of the struggling coousts the hotly contested plains
Of Kansas The readiness and boldness with which
he sptsd himself TO the emergency has always charae
tsrzed his advocacy and leadership in the Republican
party up to the present time Bold and energetic In
action his tsen. 1t has been since. charac
erized generally by prudence. cars and good judgment
But when decision reached, al obstacles
in the path Of success obliged TO give way.
How completely he accustomed 70 be ap
sorbed In the duties Of his work Of editor was
often shown by striking illustrations. With his pockets
crowded with numerous letters rapidly read, and their
import quickly compr-hended, his hand. and hat
full OF newspaper clippings he complete specimen
OF thoroughly In earnest In whatever enlisted ms
attention To person partially acquaine with MN ~
years OF acquaintance, he often seemed
man OF impulse and enthusiasm, not always careiW!
directed But those understandlng nIin anew we NV
well-considered and carefully balanced determination
He RAPIDLY looked at ali sides Of question saw once
and aimed directly the bulseye Of common sense and
practical erpediency. He early impressed me as gen
item ian who would have succseded In Literature mad ne
devoted himself 20 eIcuIvey, especially as writer OF
historical essays aud elaborate works Ia hstery
and general literature His ready wit In relating inter
estng stories aad anecdotes and his keen appreciation
OF what most men were thinking or were constantly
illustrated various Ills personal magnetism
was spontaneous and natural "A tho ctrrsnls
OF air or tho flowing waters Of tue
I safe In saying that all Intelligent
Individuals In Ia. Immediate vicinity OF his home. In the
county AID In state IN which has resided for near
y thirty years would that he has exhibited con
slant Intellectual growth 10 all the appointments whch
qualify him for distinction and leadership OF men ana
successful sf1tssmanshp. IL Is an important and inter
esting that those know him best and have ssen
him private life have hcsa, aad as rule the
most strongly attached TO him"
Fashionable miss" Will You let me have