New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-13
PUBLIC MEN TO SPEAK IN BOSTON.
EAGERNEss TO HEAR Mr.. BLAINE At THE BAN
QUIET OF THE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION.

EAGERNESs TO HEAR Mr.. BLAINE AT THE BAN
QUIET OF THE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION.
Boston, Dec. 12 (special).-The annual banquet Of
the Boston Merchants Association at the Vendomc.
January T. promises to be affair Of wide interest
owing TO the prominent character Of the men who will
speak and the subject under consideration. J. T.
Lesson, chairman OF the committee from the Boston
Merchants Association who called upon Secretary
Blaine in Washington the first OF last week to aske the
Secretary TO be present at the banquet has returned
to this city and said in an interview this morning:
when Mr.. Blaine his way back to Wash
ingtOn from Augusta, committee, consisting OF
Messn. j. II. LAKE., Z. W. Breen and myself called
upon him while he in Boston and asked him to be
present. He said nothing Of his health at that time
but ihtmsted that his public duties might prevent his
accepting the invitation He said he would inform us
later. Therefore the committee, as the time for the
banquet drew near resolved to go to Washington aud
renew the invitation personally We had an inter
view with Mr. Blaine by appointment at the state
Departments He was apparently in vigorous health
clear bright and With his mind alert as ever. lie
expressed himself as most DESTROYS Of meeting the
Merchants Association at this banquet. when the
general subject Of reciprocity with the nations to the
south OF us Will be considered IN fact he said II we
were as desrous Of having him present as he was OF
being present, there could be no doubt OF hs being
here on January 7. There was but one contingency
which stood in the way. and that was the health oil
Mrs. Blaine.
AIRS Blanes state Of health is distressing the Soc
retarv a areat deal and unless 1t becomes improved
Mr. pla,ne said he would have to oreg0 the pleasure OF
the BANQUET but he reiterated the fact OF his desire % DC
present and promised definitely to do so ana mahe
an address in case Mrs Blanes health should improve
enoneh 10 warrant IL. Mrs. Blaine had herself oeeh
invited to be the guest OF the association not az inc
banquet though Of course, and Mr.. Blanc haa III
tended that she should accompany him, out us u
hardly possible in any event.
"Mr Blaine impressed the committee. you say as IN
good healthi"
Yes I have known him for some years, and
consider him from every indication well and strong
"Did you draw any inference from the interview In
regard TO his canddacyf'
aNo. I did not of course the subject was not men
toned but I, In common with everybody who is IN
formed on public matters believe the nomination will
he his by exclamation he Will accept it. and there Is
80 far as | know no obstacle to his acceptance
Mr. Lesson says that among other guests at the
banquet on January win be General James, ex-
Post Master General who vii speak on benjamin
Franklin the First Postmaster General OF the United
statesn and Chaunceg NJ. Depew Senior Romero, the
Mexican Minister Senior Mendonca, the Brazilian repre-
sentative TO this country. and Nicanor Bolet Peraza
the Venezuelan Minister. All the last named Will
speak on the general subject OF reciprocity
The committee acting for the Chamber Of Commerce
vtatlon him to be present at the dedication Oh t9e
new Chamber Of Commerce building, January ~ ne ne
did not give them definite answer % Commrce
were also invited and Will be present - ..
on behalf OF the Boot and shoe Club, postmaster
General WanamaHer was asAen oS 70 5e commee thai
his official duties would prevent Senator Hawey was
then asked and has consented to De present ard address
the club at meeting the third Wednesday in feoru