The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-01-08

OF houses which had been recently erected.
and that we're regarded as architectural
t iumphs. Gen. Van Vliet occupied one Of
them and Gen. Sherman another. Fernando
Wood had a fine residence ut the corner OF
l street. in tho nenr vicinity.
The ten years that the Blaines lived in
Fifteenth street we 9 rich in interest. The
family circle was unbroken. and the shad-
ows that OF late years have hung over them
were not even specks upon the horizon. 1t
was not until they had definitely decided
to remcve from there that the spectre Of
of 7 ouble . eeped in at the door.
The Sunday prior to the republican con-
vention at Cincinnati, as Mr.. Blaine was
returning with Mrs. Blaine from service at
church, he received a sunstroke. He was
borne to his home in an unconscious con-
dition, and it was feared that he never
again would see tho light of day. The
greatest excitement prevailed in Washing
bulletins were hung on the iron railing in
front Of the house III Fifteenth street, that
the crowd of anxious inQuirers might be
duly informed of his condition. Al last
the danger point was passed and Mr..
Blaine was res,o cd to usefulness. although
he has never known perfect health aimee
that almost fatal day.
The home of the Blaine family was still
in Fifteenth street when Mr.. Blaine was
rendered the portfolio of the state depart
ment by President GARFIELD. They had,
however, in process of construction a fine
mansion On Dupont circle, the ultra-fash-
ionable quarter OF the city.
erected was leased from William Walter
Phelps, and presumably still belongs to
him. The house 10 a most imposing struc-
ture. 7Ox75 feet, and solid and substantial
from basement to attic. The broad oaken
stairways and the spacious halls. wnins-
ooted and ceiled in oak, are truly maQnit-
cent. The drawing room. dining room and
library are finished in solid mahogany. The
sleeping apartments have a lighter finish OF
poplar and pine. Exquisltely carved man
tells in every room add to the beauty, and
open freplaces give an air Of genial com.
fort.
II WAS no doubt with a view to state en-
tertainments that the Blaines planned the
more p%retentious dwelling. but once again
was exsmpli6ed the old prove b hat MAN
roposes and God d%isposes." Garhsld's
knell Ind sounded, and Blaine was a pri-
vate citizen, when its doors opened to re-
ceive them.
One memorable event in the family oc-
Cured during tho social season that the
Blaines resided In their palatial home.
The eldest daughter of the house, Alice
Stanwood Blaine. was married to Col. John
F.. Coppinger, ofithe United States army.
Col. CoppinRor was a disciple of the
CuVEOu OI VuUu0s anu IA OoAoI0uCO 70 MS
religious faith a altar was erected in the
drawing room. aud the marriage was SOL
smnized according to the rites Of the
Roman Catholic church.
Washington's .sleet' assembled to do
honor to the occasion. President Arthur
was the star guest. and after her parents
WIS the frat to salute the bride. Whatever
their political differences. tho chief inagis-
trAte and the deposed secretary OF STATE
seemed socially TO be en- rapport.
The Dupont Circle home proved some
thing Of q disappointment, apparently. for
shortly after Mrs. Coppinger's marriage,
the house WAS leased TO l.. Y. Letter, the
Chicago millionaire. and a. the LeiIsr
mansion IL 10 best known to sightsesrs In
Warrington.
II would seem that Dupont Circle still
had charms for the family. however. for
they selected NJ their next residence 4
house owned by Secretary Window. located
within a few doors OF their v deserted
homo. II was here that the nrst chapters