The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-01-28

was the idol OF SO many Americans, should be
content to conceal himself in misty alcoves ana
among musty books. Mr. Blaine, however, was
permitting the activity of his mind to take
another direction. He had retired from Arthurs
cabinet, but could not be idle, ana he decided,
therefore, to take up the literary pen and de-
scribe political history he had been familiar
with it, He rejoiced in the work. 1t was the
first leisure of the library aud the study which
he had permitted himself since school days.
When men knew that Blaine was writing this
history they said: "Sow he will pay off grudges,
and now he will give us his opinion of men and
events in his characterize manner" In about
two years the first volume was issued, and il
caused amaZemenL Blaine the warrior was re-
vea.ed as Blaine the true historian. He told his
story in simple literary style, with great lucidity
and with such fairness a. could only have been
expected of a historian OF future generation.
He wrote OF his personal enemies as Justly and
"a kindly as OF his friends, and he n ade contri.
button to political history which is Invaluable
The sale of the work was enormous, aud lis
profits made Mr.. Blaine a very wealthy man.
He said himself that it was only after the
ceipts OF the sale of this book that he realized
the luxury of possessing money.
The pathos of the story of Gen. Grant writing
his memoirs upon his deathbed is the most
sublime of general history. But it has seemed
to many that there is something OF pathos in
the quiet resignation with which Mr.. Blaine re-
turned to the writing of the second volume of
his history after his defeat for the presidency in
1884. He had lost the prize when a change of
GOO votes could have given 1t to him. The aflit-
in his moment of victory, and If ever a politi-
clan went through an experience which was to
tes, the strength Mr.. Blaine did in those winter
DAYS OF 1854 and 1856.
He uttered one word OF protest and almost OF
de- pair, and then he took up his pen again,
walking for an hour or two each day over :he
crusted snow of the Augusta streets that ne
might get exercise, and when friends went
there 10 see him they found him Blaine the
man-resigned, patient, cheerful, but with
symptoms now and then of the fire. of genius
which turned within him. When his book was
completed ne took his family to Europe and
in accordance wi h the fnonitions of MS ply
stefan, he wrote the Florence letter bidding his
friends that they must not look 20 him as a
presidential candidate, for he could not accept
the nomination ii il came. .uctantly and
only after a second warning from him did his
friends heed him. Had he remained passive
while abroad he would have been nominated
in 1885,
Secretary Again.
With something of the serenity OF the youth
of Old age Mr.. Blaine entered for his second
term upon the duties of secretary OF state. His
mental genius asserted itself in that office
again, and while his physical characteristics
and the ardor of his youth had been subjected
to change, the power of his mind was illus
trated. He conducted most brilliant diplomatic
correspondence, and he formulated the most
important commercial and financial policy
which the government has undertaken since
the war, with the single exception of the ra-
sumption Of specie payments. He turned the
attention OF politicians from questions bred of
the war to those of the future, and gave prom