Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-24
BLAINE'S RARE MEMORY.
HOW he RECOGNIZED AN oLD-IIME
STAGE DRIVER.
Friendship Begun in College Days Ro-
newed Many Years After-The Old Gen
tleman Could Not Recall the Younger
Mans Name-StiII Voting as OF Yore.
rcoRREspoNpENcE OF THE prspArcH.I

Mans Name-StiiI Voting as OF Yore.
CORRESPONDENTS OF THE DIspATcH.I
WAsHINGToN, PA, Jan. 23-The re-
markable faculty Mr.. Blaine possesses of
remembering names and faces is illustrated
by story told by a Washington county
gentleman: When Mr.. Blaine took trip
though this county in the fall of '87 over
the old National road from Brownsville
to Washington, he rode in buggy with
John Hampton, ESQ.,, of Pittsburg, now de-
ceased. They started from Brownsville
early in the morning, intending to make the
entire trip of "a miles that day. 1t was the
first time Mr.. Blaine had been over the road
since he was graduated from Washington
College, and of course the trip promised to
sbe of much interest to him.
When at college Mr.. Blaine would ride
home to Brownsville over the National
road in stage coach. He, of course, be-
came acquainted with most of the drivers
between Washington and Brownsville. It
was not long before several of these took a
great fancy to him, and Blaine was allowed
to ride in the box with them. To ride in
the drivers box was considered by boy in
those days great treat, and young Blaine
was on these occasions proud of his posi-
tion, and a short time ago, while in CONVEX
how his highest ambition in those days was
to be stage driver.
His Stage Coach Favorite.
Among the drivers Mr.. Blaine rode with
from Washington to Brownsville was Will
lam Robinson, known as Billy"
He was jolly, goo6-natured fellow and
just such man as would suit Blaine. When
college closed for the vacation Blaine al
most always managed to go home on
"Billy's" stage, Billy allowing him to ride
on the box with him and sometimes even
permitting hin to drive. This friendship
was very close, but when Blaine left college
he saw no more of Robinson.
Many changes took place and soon the
stages were no more. Robinson moved to
Scenery Hill, small village half way be-
tween Washington and Brownsville and
opened hotel. His income was moderate,
but by clever dealing he managed to obtain
a modest living and was respected BY all
who knew him. Mr.. Blaine grew into
prominence rapidly and Robinson told
stories about show he used to haul Jim
Blaine over the National road in his stage
while he was student at college" Billy was
a Democrat and always voted the straight
ticket and on these memorable rides he and
Mr. Blaine often had hot discussions on the
politics OF the day.
Hill on this day in company with Mr..
Hampton things were much changed to
him. He had not the slightest idea that
any of his old acquaintances lived here.
But as he passed the old stone tavern he
thought he recognized familiar face. This
was no other than Billy Robinson, now old
and feeble, watering team of horses at the
old stone watering trough.
Recognizing an Ola Friend.
Mr.. Blaine alighted from the buggy, tell
ing Mr.. Hampton he wanted to speak to
the old gentleman. Mr.. Blaine walked up
to him, saying, ''Good morning, Billy"
extending his hand. Mr. Robinson looked
bewildered but shook hands coldly.
"Well," said Billy, 'vou have me.
You seem like an old friend, but cannot
recall you"
'Don't you remember Jim Blaine, who
used to ride home with you when he went
to college in Washington"
''You are not young Jim Blaine, are
you?"
"Well, that's just who I am" said
Blaine.
''Well, shake again. I'm powerful glad
to see you Jim, do not live in very good
style, but we have plenty to eat here and if
you and your friend will stop will give
you the best I've got.''
"Oh no." said Mr.. Blaine, eve are in a
hurry to get to Washington, but thank you
for your invitation. By the way, Billy, do
you still vote the Democratic ticket?"
''Yes, and have voted the straight tick ct
for 65 years, but if Jim Blaine runs for
President again, I will surely vote for
him %