The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-12-26
Mr.. BLAINE BETTER.
He Was Able 10 Take an Interest in the Be-
stowal of His Family's Christmas Gifts.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 25.-Inquiry at the
Blaine residence ct $50 this evening
brought forth the welcome answer that he
was dong very nicely" and had taken
milk at p. NJ. and broth at p. NJ. Mr..
Blaine's nurse said that this had been Mr..
Blaine's best day since the relapse or one
week ago. DR.. Johnston. Mr. BIaine's
physician. called upon the patient at $50 P.
NJ. and found him very comfortable. AS
evidence that MIR. Blaine is much improved,
it is said this morning when he awoke he
gave the usual Christmas greetings in q
CHEEKY tone and received those of his
family In much the same spirit he exhibited
in the old days. He took lively
interest In the presents that were
interchanged in the family and
made particular inquiry about the
gifts made to his grand children. in whom
he has lost none of the interest that has al
ways characterized him. While the outer
world has been permitted to know but lit
tie of the domestic life of Mr.. Blaine. the
few who have been admitted to the inner
domestic circles say that his lovabie char
acteristics are never more strikinGly man.
ifested then when in the bosom of his FAM
lily. When in health. at the threshold of
his home, he is wont to leave behind him
the cares and distractions Of Q busy life.
and devote much of his leisure hours in
pleasant, interesting and instructive con-
versati0n with those around him. In fact
it has been said that to see Mr.. Blaine at
ms best one must see him at his home.
surrounded by his family and oongenial
friends.
Mr.. Blaine was made cognizant during
the day of the friendly interest manifested
t. \; ~11 nE Aha ptrxx
by the rank and file of all political parties
He was deeply affected and expressed his
gratitude frequently. IL Is eRid that in his
great affiiction. domestic and physical. that
which has moved him most profoundly are
the kindly expressions which have reached
him from time to time from his political
opponents. He has been heard to remark
that one OF the griefs of an active public
career arc the animosities engendered, but
that these Rriefs were as gentle as descend
ing snow fakes as compared with the
wounds created by tho ingratitude of men
who were the beneficiaries of ones bounty.
The public men were few who did not
carry their scRrs to tire grave. The day
the Christian world was passed By the fam
lily of Mr. Blame, now gathered under his
roof. in manner beftting q Christmas
Sabbath and the condition OF its revered
head. 1t was happy Christmas, in that
the beloved husband and father was still
spared to them. Pathetically significant.
indeed were the vacant chairs but no part
of the depression felt at the absence of
those won't to occupy them was permitted
to enter the sick room.
At 10 O'Clock the Blaine mansion was
closed for the night and all the lights in
the main structure extinguished, with tho
exception of q single gas Jet In the sick
room. which was burning dimly. At the
same hour Mr.. BIalne's physician had also
retired for the night Everything at this
hour indicates that every one connected
with the household anticipates restfuI
night for Mr. Blaine.