The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-08-18
THE ATTACK ON Mr.. BLAINE.
Congratulations on His Prompt Re-
Spouse to the Vile SANDER.
The Authors of the Libel Will Be Vigor-
Ously Prosecuted Newspaper Opinions
as to Mr.. Blaines Action.
HOW THE LIBEL WILL BE MET.

Mr.. Blaine Will Make Vigorous and De-
termined Fight.
Bar Harbor Special to Chicago Tribune.
Mr. Blaine has received to-day number Of
congratulatory dispatches upon his prompt action
regarding the slanderous publication in Indian
apolis, compelling the perpetrator of the libel
upon the good name Of his family to meet him
in the courts His course was agreed on when
it was first learned that certain Democratic
papers would attack Mr.. Blaines good name to
Offset the Buffalo scandal William Walter
Phelps has been one of Mr.. Blaine's most vigor-
GUS supporters in adopting this policy to all such
ISLANDERS 1t was he who first learned
in New York that a blow of this
character was to be directed against the
Republican candidate. He took pains to
see that it was no idle rumor. Then he came to
Maine and told Mr.. Blaine what he might ex-
pect. The latter was fully prepared. He had
resolved at the outset Of the campaign to bear
patiently anything which related to himself as
an individual, but in the case of an attack
involving the honor of his family he was reso
lutte in the resolve to promptly and relentlessy
pursue the instigators of the attacks. Mr..
Phelps said to day: "The reply was made
quickly and without any hesitation just as il
should have been done. am delighted with
the dispatch and the consequent situation I
was very happy when | carried it to the tele-
graph office. The answer is sweeping and une-
quivocal J"
Your correspondent saw both Mr. and Mrs.
Blaine this evening in the brightly-lighted par
Tor of their cottage just before they went to tea
No one could have detected the slightest sign of
their being at all disturbed by the incident in
volved in the aggressive dispatch of the Republic
and dgnifed, joining in the general converse
sation in her usual quiet fashion Mr.. Blaine
was very alert, and apparently absorbed in
ascertaining all the political information posi-
BILE from his callers. While he himself did not
refer to the action for libel, he has not avoided
the topic. The subject was clearly not a tabooed
one. as Mr.. Phelps, who was present. referred to
1t openly, not spariug profuse phrases of exulta-
ton over Mr. Blaines courage and loyalty to his
family. Mr.. Blaine has not hesitated to speak
of this SANDER prior to its publication He has
preferred the out-and-out publication to the in
situations that have for several weeks appeared
in certain Democratic newspapers The suit was
directed to be brought in the United States Courts
for number of reasons In the first, State court
might have been influenced by local prejudice,
particularly where a newspaper is involved.
Where suit is brought by citizen residing out
side of the State he has the right to go to Uni
ted States Court 1t is not probable that Mr..
Blaines personal presence will be required in
this case, at least during the preliminary pro-
ceedings. His testimony can be taken here, as
1T would be awkward considering his personal
prominence, to be required at the present time
to go to indianapolis. But the case will be as
relentlessly pushed as if the plaintiff went out to
indianapolis in person. Mr.. Blame is very much
in earnest He thinks more of Furnishing the
man who, for partisan ends, has sought to strike
at the devoted and honorable mother of his large
family than he does to secure the election to the
presidency
Mr. Blaine's action has made a great stir at
this place, where there are at present at least
10. 900 visitors from all parts of the country.
The general opinion is one of most marked APP
prevail and the facti is dwelt upon that Mr. Blaine
is fond of meeting all charges against him in
daylight. He discussed the Mulligan letters in
the open House, and this last charge he takes to
the courts It was also said everywhere that
the action of Blaine brought out sharply Cleve-
lands silence. Mr.. Blaines course summed up
is regarded as not only the right thing, but also
the most polite thing possible.