The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-20

The Rich Keystone Coaier of Augusta Resting
from Labor and Politics.

from Labor and Politics.
Augusta Ne. Special.
The story has been started and is travelling
the rounds of the newspapers that Mr.. Blaine is
among the possible candidates for Governor this
year. Those who have intimate political rela-
tons with that gentleman declare that the story
ls devoid OF even the semblance of truth. Mr.
Blaine has been taking life easy this summer.
He has scarcely been out of town. He has en-
tertained large number of guests among them
the Russian minister to this government Miss
Margaret has had an unusually large number OF
visitors among her lady acquaintance. All tho
children have been at home the present season,
excepting Emmons, the second son. who is out
West in the employ of the Chicago & North
western Railroad Company. Mrs. Coppinger,
the eldest daughter returns West next week.
Mr. Blaine finds world of enjoyment when
surrounded by the members OF his family. He
scarcely retires at night without having
frolic with his little grandson Blaine Cop
pinger.
Mr. Blaine intends to have his book completed
in about two months He has some $50 pages to
write. To-day | saw him go up stairs to tho
bank, where his check would be honored for an
amount that would make dozen individuals
comfortable. His wealth is estimated at not less
than $500, 900. He is one of the heaviest tax
payers of the town. He is interested in several
local industrial enterprises such as the Edmunds
Manufacturing Company and a down-river ice
concern. But these investments return him but
little revenue His principal income is derived
which he has owned for quarter of a century.
The fact is not generally known how he got hold
OF this property, at least, never to my knowl-
edge, has it appeared in print. The story, in
brief, is this, as have heard it told:
Like most newspaper men, Mr.. Blaine was as
poor as a church mouse when he singing
ink. he was not satisfied with eking out mere
subsistence for his family. His great dream
from boyhood was the acquisition of wealth. He
was not unconscious that he was born fnancier.
His subsequent history shows his natural
capacity foresight aud aptitude in money max
ing and pushing his opportunities. What's
more he never seemed cast down or discouraged
by losses, ard this will account for why his
heart was not broken when he found himself
defeated candidate for the presidency. Mr..
Blaine knew the prospective value OF this coal
property in Pennsylvania, and one day he made
up his mind that he would buy it. He had
were rich citizens here who he fancied
would help him. He needed, l am
told, $4,000. These gentlemen all liked Blaine
and knew that he was as smart as whip, but
when it came to loaning one in his circuinstan-
ces the amount of shekels he asked for, they
paused and considered. Blane's persuasive
powers were at once brought into full play, as he
unfolded what he proposed to do with the money.
and tried to convince them that it would be safe
to let him have it. He plunged headforemost
into graphic and glowing description of the
coal beds of his native heath, and discussed
thracte and btuminous coal with the force Of
an ola cafOOnlZeU miner In SCOSa OOOCS Ills Ell
fort was unsuccessful. Any other favor, his
moneyed friends were willing to extend to him.
excepting financial aid for speculative purpose
That was business.
1t was not in Blaines makeup to be disheart-
ened. He had brother IN law in Boston who
was wealthy merchant Before this, from
feelings of family pride as we'll as delicacv, he
had never entertained thought of asking that
gentleman for favor He had believed that no
could hoe his own row without assistance from
either his own his wfes relatives But he
was pushed 10 the wall. A fortune stared him in
the face if he could raise the wherewithal He
skipped to Boston. Jacob Stanw0od heard his
story. and thought we'll of the investment. He
had faith to believe that his sisters husband ran
no risk, and he would honorably meet bis obliga-
tons, as he afterward did
The money was forthcoming, and Blaine lost
no time in making his coveted purchase At the
time he bought, the property was absolutely
worth $40, 600 more than he paid for it. Since then,
with the additional coal lands which Mr.. Blaine
has purchased, it has largely enhanced in value.
During the Centennial Exposition in Philadel-
phia. your correspondent met pennsylvania
who had heavy investments in coal lands. Eyes,
/ know Jim Blaine who lives way up in Mainen
said he land that coal property he bought on
the Monongahela river was big strike for him.
It's worth million" 10
Is Mr.. Blaine going to run again for the pres-
dency9 That remains to be seen. 1t is a
marked trait in Mr.. Blaine's character. when
ever his personal aspiration meets with a check,
to pick his flint and try again. One thing is
certain, he is not shelved in American politics.