Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-03-13
Daily Ksnntbtt 5ourual.
Augusta. Saturday Morning, Mar. 10.
Mr.. Blaine's Second Volume.


The second volume of Mr.. Blaine's
Twenty Years of Congress" mas been is
sued by the publishers, and will soon be
distributed amongst the host of subscrib-
ers for the work found in all parts of the
country. The present volume opens with
the installation of Andrew johnson as
President and comes down to the begin
ming of the year 1881. 1t covers period
in the history of this country of great and
important events. With the administra-
ton of President Johnson began the solu-
ton of the problem of the reconstruction
OF the Southern States, mighty question
full of the deepest interest to the country.
The war had closed, the Union had been
preserved, thenceforward the work to be
done was work of craftsmanship, full of
difficulty. over which the greatest minds
in Congress pondered, differed and con-
tended. What was done in the period
from 1865 to 1881 in Congress, how it was
done and who were the principal actors,
with what effect upon the government and
people, is told in a mastery manner in
these pages from Mr.. Blaine's pen.
Though the work is concisely written it
omits no fact necessary to the clear
understanding of the proceedings of Con-
gress which are set forth in its pages.
The beginning, the successive steps, and
the consummation of every act of impor-
lance appear ia their order, with the sub
stance of whatever individual expression
of opinion may have been uttered by lead
is wonderful what flood of light is
thrown across the acts OF Congress in the
twenty years which the historians work
covers. Every word goes straight to its
mark, every terse sentence bristles with
the most complete information for the
reader he who masters these two volumes
has all the important knowledge concern
ing the time and the body to which they
relate. But Mr.. Blaine does more than
~
from 1861 to 1881. The history of every
measure of Importance passed upon by
Congress, if there were any historical
facts or events bearing upon it. no matter
how far back it goes or how obscure, is
brought forward by Mr.. Blaine to explain
and elucidate the subject. 1t must have
required long and weary research and
patience unlimited to gather together the
facts contained in these volumes. The
author was not content to state what he
saw and part of which he was. but all
facts were verified so that the result would
stand the most searching examination and
criticism. Hence the work is an authority,
as far as it goes. that may be consulted
with safety and reliance 1t is not piece
of guess-work. or an attempted reproduce
ton by memory of the proceedings of
Congress, but history grounded upon
foundation as solid as any work of the
kind can be based upon.
One of the most interesting and instruc-
tive features of the history is its sketches and
criticisms of public men. These are
wrought with deft hand, kindly impartial
", fairly to friend or foe. The admirers of
Carl Schrrz have objected that his portrait
as drawn by Mr.. Blaine is not fair to this
erratic genius, but in the estimation of the
multitude and OF those distinguished men
who know MIR, Schurz best, the picture is
80 faithful that no artist with the pen can
improve it.
The work is one which it is delight to
read. The style is simple and clear.
The narrative is made interesting by the
skill of the author. Handsomely printed
in clear and large type on excellent paper,
and bound in the best manner. it goes
forth to become household treasure in
the millions of homes where the name Of
MIR. Blaine is loved and respected as is
that of no other living statesman.