The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-05-03

yiyal of the Merchant Marine" National
Sovereignty and "Negro Enfranchisement."
Such In brief was the legislative career OF
this remarkable man, constant, steady,
healthy growth until he lowered above his fell
lows as the giant trees OF California oyertop
their forest companions, as Tacoma, Hood and
Shasta overlook the hills around them.
Mr.. Blaine's course IN congress foreshad-
owed his policy as secretary Of state. His
generous and enthusiastic championship or
the rights OF American citizens, his earliest
advocacy Of closer relations with the sister re-
publics south Of us, his steadfast adhesion 10
the Monroe doctrine and his intense Ameri-
canism illustrated In his speeches in both
houses OF congress, were all certain 10 be en-
phasized in this great office. Immediately
upon entering upon its duties he took a COM
prenensive glance at the conditions existing:
He saw that the weakness Of the republics OF
sea inevitable result Of Constantly 'pe recurrns
wars, II threatened and attempted reys
olutions. Of civil upheavsls and dis
full arbitration. He knew that closer commer-
cial relations between US and them. a more
intimate acquaintance with each others puf-
tive of such a desirable result. He entered at
once upon the gathering In Washington OF q
peace congress, In which all republics should
thoughtful delegates. lie pursued his purpose
with bis usual viSor, but the death i of Presi- .
minated the negotiations. Congress had, howe
ever, received from him some inspiration,
and before he again was secretary Of state.
had nacted the necessary legislation for the
calling together OF such conference as he
had conceived. He promptly executed the
powers granted, and was himself president OF
| the congress of American nations. Many OF
the results he hoped for were achieved; many
more will be inthe future
We do know each other better, we respect
| each other more. have now and shall maintain
| closer commercial relations. have made recip-
| rocal treaties. to be followed by others IL the
legislation his insistance engrafted upon the
Mckinley bill shall not be repealed.
During MIR. Cleyelands administration Ger
many, England and the United States were
holding "a conference in Washington through
|, their accredited agents as to the preservation
| of the autonomy of the Islands of Samoa. No
| conclusion was reached and a recess was
taken. Immediately Germany, undoubtedly
with the knowledge and assent of Great
| Britain, sent her ships OF war 10 the Islands,
| seized upon them dethroned and deported
King Malletoa, our friend, and exposed TO
Germany. alarmed at the excitement
aroused here by her fragrant breach OF in
| might be renewed: our government asssnted,
but the time OF that administration expired
with nothing further done. Secretary, Bla Inc
vigorously espoused the cause of the de-
| throned king and of our citizens,and appointed
| commi ssoners TO meet those Of England and
| Germany at Berlin. The conference resu lied
| in treaty satisfactory 70 us, under the terms
| of which Germany Withdrew her pretensions,
and restored Malfetoa 10 the throne.
For half a century Canada had been the
| been asking In vain for an extr adition treaty
with England, under the terms OF which they
| could be sent back for trial. Mr.. Bayar d, Sec
surrendered or imperilled the rights of Amer
lean citizens that It's ratification was promptly
refused Py the senate party Rs;n lines being
| Just such treaty AS we had been seeking for
long years and u was promptly ratified.
Serious complications arose with Italy the
| of diplomacy. Mr.. Blaine responded TO the
| demand, and Italy is one of the nations
counted today as most friendly to the United
| States.
| American sailors were insulted. outraged
and assaulted IN Chill Apology. and repara-
ton were promptly demanded. ana IA, as
| tor the west coast of South America Both
apology and reParation were made;
Britain touching u the ' seal fsheri es The di-
plomatic correspondence between Mr.. Blaine
| and Lord Salisbury shows our secretary OF
state 10 have been master OF the situation. and
| the English lord. though trained diplomat, no
| match for him. The result was an AMIGA Bile
| adju stment. and the questions at issue are now
being tried before a court OF arbitration.
In ls7g Italy closed her ports against Ameri-
| can pork, and other European countries later
on did the same. Mr. Blaine urged upon con-
gress successfully legislation providing Tor
the inspection OF American meats intended
for expectation, with authority in the presi-
lent TO retalinte against all nations REFUSING
admission TO such meats. The result OF dipio-
ports of Austrian Hungary, Donms *, France,
Germany, Italy and SPAN to our pork.
Hid. successful. American, and will compare
tavorably with that OF any secretary, Of state
during the entire history Of the republic.
TO me the man Elaine was most attractive.
He had n fine physique, strongly marked fea-
lures and clear blne eye. His movements,
even at the age, of TO-. were as elastic and full
ai sss h9ss OF OF 3 nss oSs could
discover IL when he was IN action. IL was
grand sight TO see him force the igghtipng in
powers forces of mind and body were brought
Into play; he could cut, thrust and parry with
all the skill OF the expert swordsmav.
Socially he was delightful; nothing pleased
him more than houseful OF guests, and no
more charming host ever lived. He was not q
good listener, but as a tAlker never met his
equal his memory was M nea 1 r,ieS al II
through the ages. History, poetry and philos-
ophy poured out their choicest treasures at
his demand. An enemy could hardly sit at his
table without leaving as a friend. or malice he
had none; wrongs done him were never pun
ished but were quickly forgotten.
No place on earth'was so sacred to him as
home, indeed, think his speeches in favor or
the exclusion OF the Chinese were largely in
spired by the fact that home was here thing
to them unknown.
He was very fortunate in his marriage.
gaining by il for wife one Of the noblest
women | over knew. Thoroughly educated,
seebGias ,S bis ny 20 nm ,and IN fq ~ sydp@y
She was all shrough their married life his
friend. his conudaatc. his adviser aud his con-
soler, while o. irrr nc was ever devoted and
affecticnate husband. Together. in a con-
fidence never shaken. they shared the Joys,
the hopes and the surcesses Of life, and carried
equally its puruels Oi failure and sorrow.
Hand In hand they walked through the deep
waters Of terrible af1iction.
Their eldest son. Walker most promising
young man, upon whose stout shoulders the
father was wont to cast many OF the burdens
of his great oiiice of secretary OF state, died.
The oldest daughter shortly followed, and
then, when they needed him most, their
manly, active, business boy, Emmons. Who
can fathom such an agony as thisy And yet
the stricken parents were patient, murmured
not, but kissed the hand Of the dear Lord who
had chastened them.
Mr.. Blaine was man of deep religious con-
victions, for many years member OF the
CONGREGATIONAL church at Augusta, his home
in Maine He was broad minded, liberal aud
tolerant. His charitable gifts TO church,
educational institutions and the poor
abounded. He was greatly beloved by his
neighbors at his home in Maine, rich and poor
alike. There never lived man In this or any
other country who had so many devotedly at
tached friends as he. Thousands who never
saw him loved him.