The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-10-26
MIR. BLAINE'S METHODS,
A Talk with Gov. Porter-He Is Impressed
with MIR. Blaine's Great Readiness.


Letter IN Cincinnati Gazette
If l were asked to describe Governor Porter
as briefly as possible, would say that he is the
embodiment of happiness and sunshine. He is
like open blazing coal fire on a damp and
chilly night. He is a clean-cut man in every
way. He is clean in politics he is scruDulouslv
clean in person, and any physiognomist would
say at moments glance that his life has been
religiousy clear And over everying there IS
the halo of hearty good cheer Indianians-
Democrats as well as Republieans-are proud Of
their Governor. On a popular vote Governor
Porter would undoubtedly score the highest
mark of favor of any man in Indiana. 1t is no
reflection on Mr. Calkins to say that but for a
constitutional inhibition of two successive guber
Material terms, Governor Porter would succeed
himself.
The Governor was feeling pretty comfortable
over the situation in Indiana He had just left
Mr.. Blaine, he having been called home on i'm
portant official business. 'What wonderful
man Blaine is, unused the Governor Il have
read nearly all of his speeches since he left
Maine and do You know" he remarked with an
imation, that, although they all bear the i'm
press of his own individuality, no two of them
are alike His choice of language, turn of SEN
tence, fertility of resource and adaptability to
circumstances are most remarkable. l asked
him yesterday whether he did not commit to
memory what he was going TO say. He said he
did not-that to memorize speech placed a
barrier between the speaker and his hearers,
and prevented that mutual bond of sympathy
which was so essential One instance of his
marvellous power particularly impressed itself
upon me- We were at dinner here at Indianap-
oils, when a messenger informed him
that when he had dned delega-
ton of rmanAmerican citizens would
be pleased to see him. Mr. Blaine said All
right and then he went on with the converse
ton pending at the table. As soon as dinner
was over he Immediately went out to receive the
delegation. Without moments time for prep
aration, without moments hesitancy, in reply
to the address of welcome he made one of the
aptest and most beautiful little speeches
imaginable. And by the way, let me say that
the fear that the German Republicans Will bolt
Blaine is totally groundless The Germans are
peculiarly attracted to Blaine, because of his
braininess, his breadth of mind and his intre-
pidity. No people love fair play and freedom of
speech more than the Germans; and the scandal
Gus attacks that have been made upon him, and
the attempt to howl him down at Fort Wayne,
have had the effect to rally the Germans enthu-
siastically around Blaine's banner"
Your correspondent introduced the Southern
question, and the Governor said: Some time
ago was at Nashville this was when he spoke
at the decoration of the graves of Union soldiers
when Governor Bate refused to recognize him
and was astonished at the nucleus found
there of new South under the Republican
party Hopeful as the outlook was, l don't
think there is much chance this year to break
the solid South; but that will come by and by.
To-day Blaine made speech at Terre Haute on
Southern politics which was gem; thlnk IL
was the best of the enUire series. We have ALL
during the last few years, heard of the ex-
preston, the old and the new South, but
don't think it's full import was ever expressed
as Blaine expressed it to-day at Terre
Haute. In my judgment this speech will at
tract wide attention. particularly in the South
have in my mind another instance of Blaines
capacity to grasp and control the situation as it
presents itself at the moment and this, think,
has not been published in any of the papers. 1t
was at Spencer, Ind, small town. A number
of Democrats came to the meeting, evidently for
the express purpose of breaking it up and insult
ing Blaine. They grouped together and kept on
calling out 'Mulligan letters in an undertone, as
if to encourage others to join in OF all those
present perhaps two thirds were Democrats
Blaine Immediately OWNED the tactics of his
enemies, and he straightway addressed himself
sueh an appeal for fair play, that the scoffers
were shamed into silence, and Blaine was given
a most respectful hearing"