The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-06-13
WHY MIR. BLAINE WAS ARousEn

~ the future political history Of the
United States the reaignation OF Mr.
hlalne from the cabinet Of President
Harrison, his avowed candidacy alto.
refusing the S Of his name and his
suhsequens surprising and overwhelming
defeat viii combine 10 form the most
interesting chapter Of the present de-
cade. There are several interesting
features yet to be learned. What
caused the antagonism between Mr..
Blaine and his chie,s Nobody knows
the supplemental stages Of the quarrel,
but the New York World doubtless
strikes a few key notes when it says:
mas heen by the Presidents friends? They
40 back TO the beginning aad trace the
whole effort Of the Harrison people to force
the Maine statesman into an attitude of
utter sulservienoy to the president's wishes
about . second term.
u is now almost ! year since the prssi-
cents friends ~inRugurated u movement to
seours . letter from MIR. Blaine not only an
%nouneing that he himself would not be 4
candidate, but declining at the same time
IN favor of the president for a second torn.
The first story was that Mr.. blaine, upcn
entering the cabinet. had given tbs presi-
dent an assurance that he would not oppose
him. This found few believers, and it was
presently followed by a second story that
while no understanding existed on the sub
iect between the two men. there was good
reason for stating that at the proper time
AT. Blaine, OF his own accord, would de-
clare for the president.
The second line of attacks was directed
at Mi. Blaine's health. His illness in New
York WAS seized upon and made to show
That he was hopelessly broken down, and
might not even DO able to resume his work
at the state department.
The changes on this we're rung by all of
tle administration organs, and one par
ticularly offensive expression on the rub.
ject was laid at the door of the presidents
son. Certain II in that the newspap per over
which Russell Harrison WAS then exercising
control contained an article about Mr..
Blaine's health which was widely copied.
and which gave much pain to Mr.. Blaine's
family. In time came the return Of Mr..
Blaine TO Washington, and the ceaseless
through the winter by the preEi-
dents friends on the pallor in MIR. Blains's
and the lack OF life in his m~oyemsnts.
He was constantly printed in the admins
was near. At last game the Clarkson let
ter, written under no stress of circum-
stances and certainly as the result OF no
bargain. Plain and spesifc as IL was. how
ever, it gave the Harrisonites only temper
ary comfort. They soon began to find
fault with it because it did not contain a
for the president. They seemed
to realize that such a letter would not serve
to eliminate SO powerful a parsonage as Mr..
Blaine from the presidential calculations,
and that unless Mr.. Blaine declared openly
and agrcssiyely for him the president could
be renominated. Repeated efforts were
to have Mr.. Blaine supplement- his
deiiveranca with = word of praiss for the
president, and when those efforts failed
sharp and offensive things were said
BY the administration people.
1t has in all respects been a most re-
remarkable fight, and out here in Mon
tana We have seen 1t in one of the most
interesting phases. AS the quotation
indicates, Mr.. Blaine's health was made
center of attack and the esteemed
Journal of this city looked after the
Montana batteries. There were the
usual hurrahs and yells for Blaine. but
Harrison forces were organized not
|or dress parade but for fighting. At
Missoula they yelled for Blaine as loud
the Blaineites, but were careful
enough to spring Harrison delegates on
convention under the Blaine mask.
1t was very prettily done and from now
until March the men who did the work
will not DO forgotten.