The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-02-03

of the tremendous struggle for Its very ex-
istence, Mr.. Blaine never faltered I'm his de-
votion to the Union and in his positive and
assertve confidence I'm the ultimate triumph
of the national cause. The faith which was
In him he inspired I'm others. and his voice
and vote were of potent influence In
upholding the arms of Abraham Lincoln
throughout the weary years OF the conflict
which demanded such mighty sacrifices.
Equally true to the cause of the union and
of loyalty in the trying period of reconstruc-
ton, Mr.. Blaine early received the highest
honor In the power OF the House of Repre-
sentatives to bestow. He discharged the
duties of speaker In manner that COM
mended him even TO his political antagOn-
lists. True to the national welfare I'm peace
as in war, he came to the front as the lead
ing champion or the protection of American
industry, and his name became indissolubly
connected with the principle of protective
tariff, which was and Is cardinal principle
OF the Republican party, Mr.. Blaine be-
lieved and urged that the prosperity of the
Republic and the welfare of the people
would best be promoted by retaining Amer
icah markets for the American workingman;
and he never hesitated to avow himself an
unyielding advocate Of the protective prin-
clple, without evasion or quail fcatiOn.
When, therefore, the republican party,
having hOnOred General Grant and other
brave leaders of the Union armies with the
highest Office in the gift of the nation, re-
solved to nominate civilian for president,
all eyes were turned toward Mr.. Blaine, as
the most fitting in ability, in genius, in
courage and craftsmanship to be the Republic
can standard bearer. He was nominated.
His labors in that campaign were mar
velOus exhibition of untirirg energy and
inexhaustible eloquence. He was defeated
by anarrOw margin, but under circumstances
which only endeared him the more to re-
publicans. Four years later the republic
cans entered upon another campaign. Mr..
Blaine was once more at the front, labOring
as earnestly and elOquently for General
Harrison as when he was himself the NOM
inee.
AS Secretary of State Mr. Blaine well
maintained his reputation as fearless ad-
vOcate of American interests. He COM
PEELED England to withdraw from her AFRO
CANT position on the Behring Sea question
and submit the differences to arbitration.
He showed the Southern Republics of this
continent that the United States was mag
unanimous friend, and could be a formidable
foe; and he Joined ably and cordially with
President Harrison in exacting satisfaction
and retribution for Chilian outrage and
insult. Mr.. Blaine left the State Depart
ment with new brilliancy added to his pre-
viously great reputation, and he could well
afford to rest upon the record of his memoir
able services.
His life was broken as much by mental
sorrows as by physical suffering. Few men
have seen more afflictiOn; and none have
borne their burden more nobly. The loss of
a lovely and devoted daughter and of two
talented and promising sons was stunning
blow. The nation shared in his grief, and
the sympathy of millions went out to the
stricken household. But since the latest
deep bereavement Mr.. Blaine has hardly been
himself. Setting aside his private sorrow,
and forgetting the agony that gnawed at his
heart. he came forth to utter final word in
behalf of the cause he loved. But it was
last effort, like that of the dying soldier who
proclaims his loyalty, with the dew of death
upon his brow.
His career may be left with confidence to
the Judgment of posterlty. The best tes-
timony to his merits is that no MN was
more dreaded and disliked by those who
dreaded and disliked the United States. The
best evidence of his value to his country and
of his faithfulness to its interests, is the
fact that those whose every wish and pur-
pose were hostile to American interests de-
tested James G. Blaine. No man has been
more bitterly assailed by the enemies and
rivals of our republic abroad; no man has
ever evoked deeper devotion and admira-
ton at home. The qualities which made
him beloved of the vast majority of Amer
lean people inevitably made him obnoxious
to the foes of American progress and pros
perity.
The history of James G.. Blaine is insep-
arably linked with the history of his native
land His fame will live long after those
who Indignantly attacked him as the rep
resentative American, will have been for
gotten. HIS precepts and his example will
be remembered by unnumbered generations
and will exercise potent and beneicent
influence for all time upon the destinies of
the American people.