The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1886-11-26
BLAINE AND EOMUNDS.
Why the Maine Man Cut the vermonter
in the House Of Arthur.

New YORK. Nov. 24.-The Tribune to
day says: Erroneous reports being in cir
culation in regard to a scene between Mr..
Blaine and Senator Edmunds, it is proper
that the facts be accurately stated. On
Sunday afternoon Mr.. Blaine paid visit to
the house of ex-President Arthur, and, as
he entered the parlor, Senator Edmunds
came forward with great apparent cordial
ity, extending his hand and saying, How
do you do, Mr.. Blaine" Mr.. Blaine stood
with his hands holding his hat in front of
him, in the position familiar to all who have
met him, and made no response, simply
looking Mr.. Edmunds in the eve. See
ing some embarrassment Clayton Nc
Michael said "You know the senator, Mr..
Blainef' Mr.. Blaine remained perfectly ST.
lent, and Mr.. Edmunds, at length appar-
entity comprehending the situation, retreat
ed to the sofa from which he had risen A
few minutes later Mr.. Blaine expressed to
Mr.. McMichael and Mr.. Miller his sincere
regret that an act imperatively demanded
from him should have occurred in the house
of mourning Mr.. Blaine made no explain
alton of his motive but the presumption is
that he was not anxious to shake hands on
Sunday with man who had slandered him
on Saturday. The marvel is that Mr.. Ed
munds made the approach. 1t was on Sat
urday that Mr.. Edlnunds' lettar was pub
lished by his friends, and apparently with
his approval, distinctly intimating his be-
lief that Mr. Blaine was dishonest man.
BosToN, Nov 2-The Herald publishes
the following from its Washington CORES
pondent: The true story OF the insult Of
fered to Mr.. Edmunds by Mr.. Blaine, by
gentlemen who were present at the Arthur
mansion at the time. is as follows: When
Mr.. Blaine was admitted at the front door,
ex-Marshal McMichael was coming down
stairs, and supposing the parlor to be empty,
escorted him there. The two had scarcely
entered the door, when McMichael who knew
the feeling between the two New Eng
land leaders, started with surprise, seeing
Mr. Edmund's and Charles Z. Mil
Ter sitting not four feet distant It was i'm
possible to withdraw, and McMichael ex-
claimed, "Gentlemen, Mr.. Blaine" MIR.
Miller and Mr.. Edmunds arose from their
seats. and the latter extended his hand to
the ex-secretary, who refused it and turned
away. Not a word was spoken on either
side. and Mr.. Edmunds took the insult with
his usual GOODNESS, res.atipg himself and
continuing his conversation with Mr..
Miller, just as if it had not been
interrupted. A few moments after, Mr.
Edmunds asked the privilege of seeing the
remains, and was quietly conducted to the
upper room in which they lay. Then
ho was received by Mrs. McElroy in the
library, on the same floor, and while
he Twas there %Mr McMichael escorted
Mr.. Blaine, at the latter's request to
the death chamber Upon his return
to the hotel, Mr.. Blaine sent for Will
lam E. Chandler, to whom, in the presence
of Gen. Sherman, he related the circum-
stances, and was quite surprised to karn
that they did not approve OF his conduct
Both Mr.. Chandler and Gen. Sherman, on
the contrary, expressed an adverse opinion
very emphatically, and Mr.. Blaine would
not like to have their words repeated.