The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-07-09
THE HON. HANNIBAL HAMLIN.
Still Genial and Hearty Among His Friends
in Old Maine.
5 and 7 West Washington St.

Bangor lMe-) Special
The veteran Hannibal Hamlin. the greater
part Of whose life has been spent in politics, is
the most interesting character that one meets
on the streets OF Bangor. He is still In the best
OF health, going about as ever among his people,
known. loved by everybody in the State, and
adored by the OLD STOCK Of politicians who man,
nipulated the wires bsfore Mr.. Blaine installed
himself at the head OF the army
Of workers. Mr.. Hamln at nearly eighty
years of age is Dot so erect as he was ten years
ago. but his voice is about as strong and
bis memory, except for faces and for names is
very good. Probably no boy likes to angle for
she Maine trout ana salmon as we'll as the ex-
Vicepresident who almost at all times of the
year makes little excursions TO the streams and
lakes Of the Northern woods. He seems really
70 care more for nature in her widest and quiet
est forms than for the courted public men of the
cities. Often one sees him taking his seat in
smoking-car-he is great smoker-ticketed for
favorits fishing ground. OF simple democrat.
10 WAYS. Hannibal Hamln will chat with any of
mis- fellow-citizens regardless of social distinc-
ton or of attire His history and his counte
nance well known that he is recognized
on al sides.
Though weary Of festive scenes demonstra-
tons aud crowds. Mr.. Hamlin. during the past
four years. has appeared in public many times.
When Mr.. Blaine was running In 1854 he helped
the boom out n various places and was given a
notable political reception in Portland. where
1900 people packed the hall once more to catch
the inspiration of his voice. In June. 1885,
when tie national encampment OF the Grand
Army was held a. Portland. he appeared in the
ranks with his post. and with the divisions Of
heroes who passed in review saluted Gen. John
A Logan "a, by the side of Commander-in-
Chief Kountz. he looked down on the masses Of
men.
III 1856. when he had been announced as the
Memorial-day orator at Bangor, he was much
concerned lest the newspapers should be given
20 unders nd that he was TO make a set speech.
When asked in advance about his speech he said
that it was simply to be an informal talk which
be did not care to have noticed. But that
Memorial-day the old Vice-presidens did make
more than an informal speech. It was q brief
but fine grafton. full of tribute to the forefaih-
ers who builded the government wiser than they
knew, replete with praises for the valor and the
skill OF the American veteran, and for the en-
bsens o; the starry BANNER under which he
fought. He said IN closing:
Perhaps these good men are looking down upon us
At this moment / think l see them now as they
tread their silent beats in their eternal camping
ground; and / catch voice gentle but potent to my
ear that demands of and demands of you that you
cherish their memory; that you deal by their heroic
scts as they God changing our condition, would have
dealt by
Not 70 mention numerous dinners and club
meetings. Mr.. Hsmlin has since then attended
the national encampment at ST Louis, and the
State eneampments in Maine. At Ellsworth en-
May 80, ne declared that he had then made his
last speech in public. that it was time he had
said farewell; but there are political reunions
ahead, and without doubt the retired statesman
Will again make himself heard.
One or Dir. Hamlin's sons. Gen. Charles HAM
Ian. has been Speaker OF the Maine House Of
representatives and very nearly a candidate for
Governor on the Republican ticket but he had
70 be sacrificed for Mr.. Baine's man, the late j.
k bodwslL The other sons have been less
prominent in public life