The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-01-28
THE DEATH OF BLAINE.
CLOSE OF A GREAT MANS LIFE.


The Ex-secretary of State Passed Away Pain
lessiy and Quietly, at IL A. NJ, Yesterday.
WASHINGTON. Jan. 27.-One more name
has been added to the list of the Nations
dead. Once more the thoughts of the peo-
pie are turned toward the man who. as the
"Plumed Knight" was such an object Of
devotion. For years he stood in the very
first rank of the great men Of the land,
and few men have ever welded such
potent influence as James q. Blaine He
was the one whom his party delighted to
honor, and whose word was law with his
followers With the exception of the presi-
Dental chair he achieved every form
of success possible to statesman
in free country. He began at the bottom
of the ladder of fame. He rose to the top.
snd with his death there passes away one
of the foremost faures in the history of the
Republic. Few men have had so many
ardent admirers and devoted friends He
made many bitter enemies well. This
was but natural result of the position he
filled in life. But now all animosity is
buried, and friends and political foes alike
unite in expressions of regret at the pass
ing away of the Man from Maine."
The news of Mr.. Blaine's death spread
through the departments with startling
rapidity. Within q few moments after the
event the rumor reached the State Depart
ment and ran through the entire building
in an inconceivably short space of time.
Officials and clerks poured into the corrI-
dors in search of information which would
substantiate the rumor. and the telephones
were kept busy with inquiries. The first
intimation of his death came by word of
mouth, aud soon afterward was officially
confirmed from the White House. While
the death of the statesman created pro.
found feeling throughout the city,
this feeling was intensified in the State
Department. where there is hardly an off,
cial or employe who had not q personal ac-
auaintance with the dead man. Although
the event was daily expected. and every
ception of the sad news, 1t was q shock to
everyone.
DRAMATIC INCIDENT RECALLED.
1t was q noticeable fact, as indicating
the character of the man who for two
terms held the highest position in the Cab
inet-that of Secretary of State-and was
one of the foremost men of the age. that
he never again passed under the portals Of
the State Department. after the dav of his
resignation. He never re-entered the de-
partment which so long had him as its chief
since that memorable Saturday, June 5,
when he penned the brief resignation
which probably caused moro profound
sensation than any similar missive in the
history of this country. The resignation
was written in the little ante-room which
opens from the Secretary's Office. 1t was
penned, sealed and directed to the. Presi-
dent in few moments. Mr.. Blaine then
arose and strobe from the building. never
TO enter it again.
Those who we're long in the State De-
partment and know Mr.. Blaine when he
was at his best, recognized with sorrow,
during his last service there. a remarka BILE
change In his physical condition. Mr..
Blame was conscious of his poor state of
health. prominent Republican who
called on him about year ago, In speaking
of this. said: Il went to Mr.. Blaine the lat
ter part Of last January and asked him If
he was going to be q candidate for the
presidency. He replied: No, sir; cannot
entertain the thought for one moment 1t
would kill me sure. and know it. and do
not believe have friend on earth who
would ask me to be q candidate If he knew
the state of my health Mr. Blaine added:
i am going to write letter on the SUBJ
ject'"
After Mr.. Blaine had written his letter
announcing that he would not be candi-
date for the Republican nomination. he
was waited upon bY his friend and urged
to reconsider his action. 1t was repre-
sented to Mr.. Blaine. who was then i'll.
that the campaign would be made SO easy
for him 90 to involve no physical or mental