The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-10-31
BLAINE AND THE LADIES.

Reception at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
An Eloquent and Beautiful Speech.
New YORK, Oct. 30-Long before the hour
appointed for the reception to Mr.. Blaine, given
by the ladies of Brooklyn, the Academy of Music
was crowded in every part, and people were
going away unable to get in. Although the oc-
casion belonged peculiarly to the women, there
were many men present. Rev, DIR. Behrends was
chosen spokesman for the ladies' and delivered
an address, portions of which were warmly ap
plauded. When he introduced Mr.. Blaine every
body in the house arose and cheered, and it is
probable so large a number of 'handkerchiefs
never before futtered in the great hall. Mr.
Blaine bowed repeatedly to the plaudits. Silence
finally being restored he said:
"Iu the important national contest which now
draws to a close, much of the progress of which
have personally witnessed, two things have es
pecially impressed me-the influence eXerted by
the women of the United States, and that ex
erted by the young men applause; and do
not know that / ought to divide these, for | at
tribute the great interest and activity of the
young men largely to the influence of their
owes great debt to the women of the United
States. Renewed applause,] Not debt now
maturing but one which began at the founda
ton of the party for the literature which sprang
from Vle pen Oh woman ulu 1nuCu--l WAS ABOUT
to say did most-to concentrate that great army
of freedom, which, in the conflict that came
upon the country destroyed the institu
ton of slavery. [Great cheering. And |
am sure that when the news came
to me that l was selected for the important
and responsible post to which l now stand, l
received no greeting that meant more or was
more grateful to me than the one which came to
me from that lady whose gifted pen impaired
spirit and soul to the anti-slavery agitation
when she gave to the world Uncle TOMS
Cabin Prolonged applause, and three cheers
for Harriet Beecher Stowe. l do not feel
therefore, that the ladies of Brooklyn are taking
any other steps in this extraordinary welcome
respond to adequately in words-I do not feel
that they are taking any new step or eXerting
any other influence than that which has been
constantly eXerted by women during the twenty
most important years in the history of the
United States, IN which the Republican party has
led the national progress Renewed cheering.
I know the widespread influence that goes out
from such greeting as this. know that, with
out suffrage woman casts often the weightlest
vote. Applause / know that the great
moral strength showing itself constantly in the
political strength with which the Republican
party has been inspired for its struggles and its
triumphs has come from the gracious and pure
influence of women. Great cheering. make
therefore, due and profound acknowledgement
not merely for the great significance of this. oc
casion, but for its cordiality and for
whatever of personal compliment it
indeed, if l should take to myself any great part
of that which means only an expression of sym
pathy and support in that great and command
ing contest in which, for the time | am called to
represent the best party, the best heart, the best
aspiration of the American Republic"
AS Mr.. Blaine took his seat, there was another
enthusiastic demonstration, like that which had
greeted him on his introduction. Gen. Wood