The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1891-06-12
STORIES OF PUBLIC MEN.
SECRETARY BLAINE AND HIS RE-
CENT ILLNESS.
Stephen II. Elkins and His Successful Cam
paign for the Life of His Boy-Logan
and the Presidency-Charles A. Dana's


and the Presidency-Charles A. Dana's
Fear That He Looked Like Thief.
Especial Correspondence
WASHINGTON, May 28.-In this letter
want to tell you two or three simple
stories about some prominent men
stories which bring out the human side
of persons who are generally talked and
written about as public characters. For
instance, there is Secretary Blaine, who
is conceded by all observers, friends and
foe alike, to be one of the most inter-
esting men Of his time, and perhaps
the most interesting man in public life
in this country to-day. Mr.. Blaine's
illness in New York, and the uncer-
tainty as to when he should be able
to resume work at Washington, called
forth the sympathy of the whole coun-
try. | was talking the other day with
one of Mr.. Blaine's most intimate friends,
Stephen B. Elkins. Mr.. Elkins had just
left Mr. Blaines bedside.
"Mr. Blaine" said Elkins, ''is just now
somewhat depressed. He is not so very
sick, but he has form of the grip, which
is so likely to depress the spirits of its
victims. Why, have had three million.
aires come to me within the past few
months and begin talking about them.
selves, in the end breaking down into
fits of weeping. One was many times
millionaire, a man who had made one of
the most conspicuous successes, amassed
a great fortune, and who had everything
to live for. Yet he said to me: 'Elkins,
! don't know what the matter is with
me, but want to die. can see no use
for living. feel so miserable want to
die and get rest And then this great,
strong man, whose name is a power in
finance and politics, broke down and
cried like child. Within month an
other friend, rich man, another one
who had in family, fortune and pros
poets everything the heart could wish
for, called at my Office and said he want
ed to talk to me about himself. It was
the old story. He was not sick enough
to go to bed; he was able to crawl
around, but there was something the
matter with him, he didn't know what,
and he was about ready to give up. AS
he went on talking the tears began to
trickle down his cheeks; he choked up
and began to sob so that had to close
my door to keep my clerks from observ-
ing the rich mans distress.
"That is the sort of thing that has
been going through the country during
the past winter" continued Mr.. Elkins,
land am not surprised that victims of |
the prevailing malady should have COM
mitted suicide Now, Mr.. Blaine has
been affected in somewhat the same way.
His case was not so desperate as that of
the men have mentioned, but it was
similar. For a few days he was much |
depressed in spirits. Never since the
death Of his son Walker did Mr.. Blaine |
realize so fully the nature of his loss as
he did while he was himself sick in New
York. He always mourned for Walker,
but during this ordeal he actually pined
for him. Walker was very near his ia
ther, and was a manly, thoughtful, help
full son. Twill never forget Mr.. Blaine's
irst words when he returned to this
country from his tour in Europe You
will remember his health was not good
'ver there, and he sadly missed the help
# Walker. We went down the bay to
meet Mr.. Blaine. and as we stepped upon
he steamer Mr.. Blaine took both of
Walkers hands in his and said to him.
With love looking out his eyes, Jack,
ny boy. you and ! shall never part
gain. When Jack, as the family called
Walker, was stricken down and died, Mr.
Blaine suffered the hardest blow of his
life. No political or other disappoint-
neut ever struck so near his heart"
Mr.. Elzins is himself one of the most
Of men. Many do not like
i'm or some of his methods, but he was
lever yet accused OF being false to
riend. AT this very moment, probably.
Ilkins is the happiest man in America.
lie has just won campaign, beside
which all his race for wealth, his victo-
les III politics are mere bagatelles He
as saved the life of his boy 1t was in
ensely interesting to me to hear this
liant of a man, who has had his rough
nd tumble with the world, more often
IaA OOiiCI WlSC COLulHS OuJ Ou TOD, Dull
nduring his failures like fighter, tell
re story of his struggle to save the life 7
his son-to note the pathos in his q
Dice, and to see the tear glisten in his l
7e. For five weeks young Steve Elkins t
as been in tho land of darkness, from r
hich he is just now emerging into {
ealth. l.
When he was taken with scarlet fever. O
is father, with characteristic energy O
I'd method of organization, called in v
le services of three physicians. One g
as employed to remain in the house, il
at the little patients bedside, u
Il death OF recovery brought an end. |,
be other two were consulting physi- C
ans, calling twice day Three nurses e
ere employed, SO that there might be a
, lack of help. ~ did not want any il
le to be waiting on my boy who was Il
red, and therefore unable to give the b
ost perfect SERVICE" said Mr.. Elkins. Il
the battle went on. Following scar b
{ fever was malignant diphtheria, &C "
mpanied by heart failure. For weeks z
@ boy was at the very verge of the Il
ave. Repeatedly the doctors said the
ID had come, but Mr.. Elkins enjoined
EN- to labor on, with stimulants, cleo