River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1893-02-02

home. He purchased half interest ia the
Kennebec Journal and became its editor He
had ready faculty for the work, and within
three years was master spirit in state poll
tics
He engaged ardenty in the formation of the
republican party. In 1856 he was delegate TO
the first national convention of the republican
party which nominated John c. Fremont for the
presidency. 1t was shortly afterward, at a
public meeting, when he first claimed attention
as public speaker. At this meeting he rem
dered an official report, stammering in confu-
sion az the outset But as he proceeded he
gained confidence and wound UP in a manner
which called attention TO him as a public ora
tor. In 1857 he brogdened his newspaper aeid
by assuming the editorship OF the Portland Adj
tertiser His political genius, however, had
eclipsed the journalist within him.
Enters the Maine Legislature.
In 1853 he was elected TO the state legislature
and was afterward successfully chosen for four
years The last two years in the house he
served that body as speaker. At the beginning
of the civil var Mr.. Blaine gained distinction
in the debates which grew out Of that crisis.
AT the time OF his election to the legislature he
was made chairman Of the republican state
committee and for twenty years he held that
office. During this time he led and shaped
every political campaign in the state of Maine
His Career In Congress.
He was elected to congress in 1s62 and for a
period of eighteen years he was member OF
one or the other houses of congress His career
in the national congress was an eventful one.
His antagonism TO the Stevens reconstruction
bill in 1867 created stir in the nation and after
"a seeming defeat his amendment modifying this
proposed military law in the south was carried
through both house and senate. In 1869 Mr..
Blaine was elected speaker OF The house,
acting in that capacity for six success
sive years. This career in the house has al.
wa a : brilliant.
The political reYulson OF 1874 placed the de-
mocracy in power in the house and Mr., Blaine
became the leader of the republican minority.
Preceding the presidential contest OF 1876 the
session OF the house was a stormy one and in
the general amnesty bill, removing the disabili-
ties Of participants in The rebellion. Mr. Blaine
stood up for an exception in the case of Jefer-
son Davis One of his most notable speeches
vas made az this time under the spur OF opposl-
zion from MIR Hin of Georgia.
Charges Against His Character.
In 1876 he was called upon to defend his polit-
zeal character against charges OF bribery from
the Union Pacific and other railroad eompa-
MES. The Mulligan letters were produced and
the stormy scenes of May and June Of that year
followed June Mr.. Blaine, rising 10 personal
explanation, denied The right of congress
to compel the production OF his private papers.
He expressed his Willingness to stand any
examination, and having possessed himself
OF these letters he declared his purpose TO re
serve nothing. He stool up in the house hold
ing the letters 10 his hand. He proceeded TO
read them At this time Josiah Caldwell, one
of the orginators OF the Little Rock & Fort
Smith railroad, was travelling in Europe and
efforts had been made Al Mr.. Baiues suggestion
10 reach him by telegraph. After reading
these letters Mr.. Blaine turned to the chairman
OF the nvcstiga ting committee and demanded 10
know IL any answer had been received from Mr.
Caldwell The chairman returned an evasive
answer when Mr.. Blaine turned upon him,
charging. as within his own knowle iye, that
the chairman had received such dispatch,