New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-11
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The whistles of steamers tugs and ferryboats near
and afar, shrieked wild welcome home. Crowds
Of people lined the shores on either side of tho
steamer and waved handkcrchiefs and flags. and
shouted franticaly.
On board the Starin the uproar was unbounded.
If for a second il seemed to die away, some throat
more capable than the rest would sound forth an
awakening cry, and then the thunder would break
out again. 1t was curious TO watch the sons OF
Mr.. Blaine. Here was their father com
ing home after fifteen months OF
separation, and all about them were
hundreds Of men, soon to be swced to thousands,
vyng with them in bidding the traveller welcome.
1t did seem a trihe unfair to the Blaine boys
though they appear 10 have accepted the situation
long ago Of having father who belongs moro
to the people than to them.
In the midst of the din plank thrown
across the decks of the two vessels and the Health
Officer crossed Then followed William Walter
Phelps Walker Blaine, Chairman Pool and Presi-
dent Bartlett, and they all hurried TO greet
Mr. Blaine. He and his family had for a
moment retired but presently they reappcared
close to the plank. Another great wave OF cheers
inundated the ships as Mr.. Blaine stepped upon
the plank and started to cross. In a moment
more he stood, his face all glowing with pride
and qualification on the deck of the Starin, under
vusion of sound burst from the crowds on both
ships Mr. Baines lips quivered The smile
almost faded from his face, and, if ever strong
faltered in his strength, it the Republican
leader at that moment of rejoicing Closely be-
hind him came Mrs. Blaine, Miss Dodge and the
Misses Blaine, and when all had returned TO tho
Starin she dropped astern Of the Innan monster
and her passengers had their idol all to themselves
Mr. Blaine looked in perfect health His eyes
were clear and as bright as diamonds. His largely
framed figure stood easily erect and he walked
with all the sprightliness Of years ago What's
the matter with James G. Blaine ?" cried one OF
those useful fellows who have voices like fog
horns He had evidently been looking for some
trace of jaundiced liver, or an unsteady heart.
Fer single instant the crowd was still and all
eyes were fixed upon Mr.. Baines ruddy face.
And then, in complete unison, thousand voices
called back, O-oh-oh, He's all right'
1t apropos spontaneous an answer to
the question that everybody had on his tongues
end as to the real state of Mr.. Baines health
that everybody roared with laughter The people
who have been telling stories, so evidently pre-
posterous, about him will require no further
answer As soon possible, which wasn't so
soon as it might have been, Mr.. Blaine taken
to the aft cabin, and the speech-malxing began.
| Mr. Bartlctt's address was we'll delivered and
wordcd in good taste. His reference to Harrison
and Morton provoked lOng-continued round Of
applause, only equalled by that brought out by
his allusion to the affection of the everyday folk,
the whole country over, for. Mr.. Blaine There
was not too much of Mr.. Bartletts speech, and
it was entirely successful in conveying to the
clubs guest the true spirit Of the occasion. Mr.
Blaine was evidently most profoundly stirred. His
voice was not free from huskiness he told his
thanks and assured the friends about him OF his
appreciation of their good will When he began to
talk about the political situation, he fired up and
threw out magnetism at great rate. Every one
of his clear concise and cleanlycut sentences told
on his hearers and when he summed up the case
in the remark tLat the issue was. Shall the price
of labor be reduced to the European level?' and
the appeal on the issue to the laborer himself
the ship rocked with applause. Another remark
that made everybody cheer was his statement that
soon he hoped speak the question with greater
elaboration May be there to hear was evi-
IDENTIFY the unanimous wish
In the reception that followed the speech-mals-
ing Mr. Blaine shook hands with everybody in
that charmingly cordial way Of his, recognizing
at once all he had ever seen before, and talking
cheerily a moment as he grasped each lrotfered
hand. In the meantime the Starln had reached
the pier, where Police Commissioner McClave was
waiting with carrase. Mr.. Blaine was again
taken away from his family, and with Messrs.
Bartlett and Pool he took his seat in the coach
His progress, however, through such a crowd as
had collected on the pier was slow. The people
were not to be cheated out Of their chance to sec
him, and they thronged thicllly on all sides.
procession was formed, and with it in front Of him
he was conveyed to his hotel. All along the
route the crowds collected and bade him welcome
home The windows of every house were crowded.
Iaborcrs along the street, cartmen carpenters,
pastcrers, the toiers who were cleaning the
streets checred him affectionately and when he
arrived at the hotel crowd had gathered that
blocked the wide thoroughfares, all animated with
the spirit of welcome. 1t was triumphal home
coming. an exhibition of popular love that was
extraordinary, impressive, profound