San Saba County news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1874-19??, 1893-02-03
the speakers desk superb specimen

the speakers desk a superb specimen
of manly strength.
At the beginning OF his third term
as speaker he realized that If his
grasp was not quite upon the presi-
dency his band could almost touch
the much coveted prize.
He lost the presidential nomination
in 1876 when it was almost mis- Per-
sonal animosity unquestionably cost
MIN that prize. The offense he had
given to Conkling and anger which
of men who controlled other delega-
tions led TO a hasty combination.
which resulted in ballot that sent
Mr. blaine to the rear.
His political intuitions were illus
trated in another way at this time.
lie unquestionably suggested the ar
rRngemeut by which Senator Morrill,
OF his state was transferred from the
senate chamber to Gen. Grants caoi-
net and Blaine was appointed TO Nor
rill's seat and afterward elected. He
felt that his day of usefulness in the
mouse was over. He had made his
record, and ne believed that in the
comparative quiet of the senate cham
Der he would find some rest and
would also be able to carry on tbs
politics which had the presidential
nomination OF 1880 in view.
While he did not enter upon the
canvass for the presidential nomina-
ton in 1880 in that dashing and in
spring way which characterized him
previous to 1876 yet he had the
nomination in view. and knew that no
was the choice of large part of the
political leaders and felt that he was
Of the masses OF his party. lie ad-
vised, but ne did not dictate. and he
let mis- political friends do the work
OF combination TO n great extent He
would unquestionabIy nave been nom
mated had he not been compelled to
face the enormous popularity of Gen
Grant. But though Blaine could not
beat Gen Grant in the convention
himself, he could name the man who
could beat him and thus Gen Garfield
became the candidate.
Garfield could make no other choice
than Blaine for secretary OF state but
what Blaine's career as secretary and
Garield's as president would nave
been of course is a matter OF surmise.
Some time after the death of Prcsi-
dent Garfield and the succession OF
Mr. Arthur to the presidency Mr..
Blaine retired from the cabinet: but
he could not De idle. and ne decided
therefore to take up the literary pen
and describe political history as he
vas familiar with IL He rejoiced
in the work. 1t was the first leisure
OF tine library and study which he had
permitted himself since school days.
When men knew that Blaine was
writing this history they said Now
ne will pay of grudges and now ne
will give rs his opinion OF men ana
events in MS characteristic manner.
In ABOUT two years the first volume
was issued ana it caused amazement
Blaine tho warrior was revealed as
Blaine the true historian. He told mis-
story in simple literary style, with
great lucidity ana with such fairness
as could only have been expected OF
an historian of future generation.
He wrote of his personal enemies as
justly and as kindly as OF mis- friends, |
and ne made contribution TO politi-
cal history which IS invaluable
Twenty Years in Congress" was a
great financial success.
Resigning the high and responsible !
Office of secretary OF state under Mr.. |
Harrison. he again voluntarily gave
up public lie. returning to that quiet
ude and happiness that can orly be
found in the home Whe, e love reigns
mn orrrr' stTr-ro5TTFEz-z - sfT4aaian-
ate wife and children mans earthly |
paradise He was a great man.