New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-28
THE STATESMAN'S NETWORK HOTEL
LOVE FOR MR.. BLAINE AMONG THE PEOPLE o

TIKI FIFTH AVENUE.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel was Mr.. Blane's home
when he In New York. Hiram Hitchcock. who
has been the proprietor OF the house since 1889 when
Il was built and Mr.. Blaine close friends, and
Mr. Hitchcock knew tho ex-Secretary Intimately. Mr.
Hitchcock spent many pleasant days with the ex
secretary at Bar IIurbor. and when Mr. Blaine was
at the Fifth Avcnne Hotel he always felt at home
Mr. Hitchcock In speaking OF Mr.. Blaine to a Tribune
reporter yesterday. said
Mr. blaine ia his remarkable career. spent much
Of his time I'm New York. and the last time saw him
he said TO that he had never slept In any hotel In
New.York except the Fifth Avenue since II opened,
nenrly thirty foir years lie said the house had
become him "A second home. To him II was the
scene ~ many memorable occasions. social gather
ngs notifications receptions and addresses. including
the address OF the Rev. DR.. Burchard. when he made
his famous remark which caused Balne's defeat. The
resources and attentions were always fully NJ his
service. for which be- gave his complete and hearty
appreciation. We therefore had ample opportunities
for knowing him we'll. Ills IN. here cndeared him
to Us ALL aud even the lowest servant had warm
regard for him which wns sincere and personal
Mr. Blaine has been called magnetic. never quite
liked the word for him. / would rather say that he
had A simple. genial. cordial way that made you feel
entirely at home. and inspired and stimulated like
WAYS In return and thus equally pleasing relations were
permanently established. II Is this striking and
lovale personality that Is uppcrmoSt In NV nina al
this hour. But do not forget his great public career
had tie pleasure OF meeting him on important affairs
at his lovely home at Bar lIarlor and more than once
was requested TO meet him In Washington. After
one such interview | asked most eminent )urlst
who was present and who before had been called
I'm consultation by Mr.. Lincoln, what lie Thought OF
Mr. Blaine Ills reply was 'le is tho most thoroughly
American OF any man | have ever met That was
true.
II IS not for me % comment upon what the verdict
Of history may be upon the public services OF Mr.
Elane but Il Is natural AT this hour. 10 think ana
speak OF that most attractive personality and private
life which. in It's departure leaves such vast NULL
tudes OF devoted friends who VIII ever hold him IN
fond memory. Mr. Blaine was last registered as
gii,st here on October Il OF last year That day he
came IN from Ophlr Farm. where lie had been thr
pr,.st OF Whtnlaw Reid. When he came here he did
not nIwayh occupy the apartments blt he always
got The best I'm the house. During his last visit he
avoided publicity bv taking his meals In Ills rOOus,
Inn at every previous visit he always on one occasion
or more visited the public dining room lie knew nl
hc emplOyr, 50 we'll that II seemed to MN; De s'll
hat he was at home. on tlrStHlls ne aiWhSH "
membered them literally, and manv 80 and $50 gclu
pieces were distributed among the walters. iaibo'S
and cnamberrnaids by Mr.. blaine. Money, however
did not buy deep friendship that they en'erimncd
for the eXSrcrenry.'