The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-06-05
VERY FORMAL,
The Proceedings We're az Frigid ~ the
Letters

The Proceedings We're az Frisid ~ the
Letters.
WASHINGTON, June 4.-Blalne's rssigna-
tion was taken to tho white house by his
private secretary, who placed it in the
hands Of the president about one o'clock.
Soon after reading it the president de-
sesndsd to the east room and held the
usual Saturday afternoon public reception.
Two hundred people were present. mono Of
whom, as he shook the presidents hand.
could have told from the, cool, collected
manner that anything unasusl haa hap
pened. Indeed the president seemed in
better spirits than usual and made fslici-
tous replies to the greetings of visitors.
After the reception the president returned
to the library and addressed the letter to
Blaine accepting his gnation: He gave
structions 10 deliver 1t once. Mr.. Halford
took it to Blaine's house and placed it in
his hands. This vas the whole transaction.
A representative of the Associated press
called At Blains's residence shortly after
the correspondence was made public and
planstion. Blaine smiling but celiberatslv
replied: '"Ihe correspondence explains
itself and have not word to add to it.'
The president WAS next called upon and
asked if he was willing to say anything re-
Rarding the eorrespondsnce. His response,
lie said. Nothing whatever" The presi-
dent and Blaine were seemingly in excel
lent spirits. and each, sitter declining to
talk upon the event of the day or its effect.
turned the conversation to other topics.
with marked coIap0surs. Blalne's ap-
pearance and manner were especially
noticeable - indicative OF a feeling of re-
lief and satisfaction, which made him buoy
antly cheerful.
Secretary Foster showed no excitement
over the news of Blaine's resignation and
declined positively to say anything at pres
ont regarding the political situation. At.
torney General Miller and Secretary Noble
also declined to be interviewed on the sub
jsct. 1t is understood the unusual 1eti-
cence of officers of the government 10 due
to a suggestion from the president that he
preferred that federal officers avoid COM
msnt ON the subject. The news OF Blaine's
resignation created profound sensation at
the capitol. The senate was not in session.
but in the house the effect of the reception
of the Associated press bulletin announcing <
the event was magical. The telegram was
read by the speaker and within two min
utss the space before the desk was filled
with a strugglinR throng of representatives.
striving to get glimpse Of the bit Of yel-
low paper. 1t was impossible to keep order.
The clerks were endsavoring to call the oil,
but their voices were scarcely heard abovc
| the sxcitement.
"What does it mean2" was the question
in every mouth. The democ ats said it
meant that Blaine was standing for the
nomination, but when it came to the sec
ondary result. the effect on the dem oorntic
convention, there is division of opinion.
The consensus of opinion. however, in that
Blaine will be nominated and beaten.
Some thought it would reault in the defeat
of both Blaine and Ha rson for nomina-
tion and the selection Of some other candi-
date.
Some republicans shared this last opin-
ion, though they were very rsticent, and
| some thought Blaine would be nominated
and elected. On the senate side but few
senators were found and all decline to sx-
press their view.
The president had hardly finished his
luncheon when he was visited by Sscre-
taries Elkins. Rusk, Noble, Foster and AT
torney Genera! Miller. All were anxious to
know the facts concerning Blaine's resigna-
tion. During the informal conference
which followed the president told his cabi-
net what had happened. and suggested in
tho interest OF harmony and good taste,
that they make no public comments on the
| situation. During the afternoon the presi-
dent sent word to the state department that
| he desired to see Assistant Secretary Whar-
ton. The latter Immediately went to the
WHlte hOueo ana the president ADVISED MIN
| of Blains's resignation and his desire that
Whaton act ~ secretary of state for tbs
present.
SO far as can be learned, RlRine's resiR.
nation was not preceded by any notice oi
intimation to tho president that it might
be expected. The resignation appears
the efore, to have been desermined upon
been various facts known TO close observ.
| ers in Washington which war; ana the be-
lief that the resignation, thSugh undoubt-
| edly prscipitated by recent occurrences
had its origin . long time ago in
causes essentially personal, rather
than political. The causes may bs
briefly summarized a. incom pa atibitity oi
temperament; disngresments over public
questions. such as the Chilian matter; inju.
diciOus comparisons and comments on the