The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-28
Death Ct James q. Blaine.


Another Of the republics great men has
joined the silent majority. The death Of
Mr. Blaine was not a surprise. Rehsd been
al III msa for several years, and for the last
few weeks OF bis life his death was expected
st any moment
Few public men had stronger hold
upon the people than Mr.. Blaine. For
many years he was almost idolIzed by the
great majority Of bis party, AID even his
political opponents had for MIN a
feeling Of fr.endhnes& This was due to
bis magnetism and his generous nature.
he had the power of making aud holding
friends. He knew how to win the good will
OF people in all stations Of life. II appeared
+ TO give him pleasure 70 do favor for
+ another. and he would take great deal Of
/ trouble TO render even a political opponent
a service.
! OF his intellectual greatness there never
was any doubt. There never was any ques-
| tion ss TO his ability to meet any demand
that might be made upon HIM IN any Of
/ the positions he occupied. As a represent
tative, senator, speaker Of the House and
cabinet officer he displayed the intellectual
]
great party leader aud made him famous.
! That his moral character was Of the kind
| to Withstand the temptations to which pub
lie men are exposed there may be some
room for doubt. HIS name was connected
| with two or three transactions which for
time threatened TO leave stain upon his
reputation, but whether or not be was justly
accused is question concerning which
there has always been a difference of
opinion. The charges against him
were made when political feeling
ran high, and strenuous efforts we're being
made TO prevent him from reaching the
presidency. 1t is charitable TO believe that
he was unjustly accused. 1t is certain that
the charges did not lessen the esteem in
which he was held in'the latter years Of his
life. Indeed, they seemed to have been for
gotten.
The great ambition of Mr. Blaine's life
was to be President. All his efforts for
years were In that direction, but, like few
other great public men. who were
remarkable for their brilliant iu-
tellectual qualities and the power they
possessed to inspire their followers with
admiration and enthusiasm, he was doomed
to disappointment 1t is not improbable
that his failure TO gain the object OF his
ambition aggravated the disease from " hioh
he suffered, and FASTENED his death.
Although he was for years a conspicuous
figure In congress he was not the originator
OF any great measure. Like Roscoe Conk-
ling, he was great debater
nd 49, S..,.-
or opposing what others originated.
The proceedings OF congress during the
| time he was a representative or senator are
full of his speeches and show that he was
| an active participant in legislative work,
but they do not show that be proposed any
| Of the legislation that has had great inr
fluence on the destinies of the country.
Although a strong partisan he had many
| admirers and friends among the democrats.
In the south, notwithstanding bis promi-
hence in his party, he was held in higher
esteem than any other of the republican
| leaders. He exhibited no feeling of bitter
ness toward the southern people, and more
than once used his influence to prevent leg
islation that would have been oppressive to
them.
| He played great part In the country's
affairs and will have a conspicuous place in
its history. His last years were sad ones.
When he was burdened with the disappoint-
ment at bis failure to reach the presidency
and the knowledge that he was suffering
from an incurable disease, death claimed
his favorite daughter and the two sons who
were the pride of his life Though loved
by millions Of his fellow men, his life ended
| in disappointment ana sorrow.