The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-04-16

doing the great man" act at all. but
was just a jolly companion and all
round good fellow. Occasionally an ex-
preston not adapted to polite ears
would find vent when the subject of
conversation called for something strong
and pronounced. Such was the case as
he was narrating his experience in
helping friend out of bad scrape. II
was during his term as secretary Of
state in President Gar6eld's adulinistra-
ton that a young man went to Mr.
Blaine for advice and assistance in an
awkward dilemma The young man,
son of one Of the oldest and wealthies;
families in Washington, was in trouble,
and there was woman in the
case. In fact, two women, a good one
and bad one. He had broken with
the latter and was engaged TO marry
lovely girl of the upper circles of
capital society. His former enchantress
resented the match and meant to break
it off If she could. Ostensibly q married
wsmaE of very doubtful standing. she
was in position 10 make scandal.
and she evidently intended to use her
advantage TO extOrt money. \ bundle
of letters written 10 her by the Young
man in the sentimental stage of the
connection was the weapon she flour
ished over his unhappy head. Ten
thousand dollars was the value she set
upon these letters; otherwise copies
would be placed in the hands of the
father of his fancee. In this dire ext
gency the young man had the good
sense to call upon Secretary Blaine and
make clean breast of the whole busi-
ness.
That's a pretty bad mess" said the
premier, but l think we can get you
out of it
And he did He sent for the chief of
the secret service and plan was readi-
" devised to checkmate the blackmail-
ing adventures and the male accom-
plice who posed as her husband \
meeting was appointed for the sur
render of the letters and the payment
of the ten thousand dollars. and two
secret service detectives were unseen
witnesses of all that took place The
game had been played to the point of
yielding up the letters and receiving
the money when the officers took
hand. The woman and man Were
trapped. Proof of blackma1 intended
and accomplished was absolute. the
money was restored. the letters given
up and the conspirators were only too
glad to leave Washington inside Of ten
hours as the alternative of trial. con-
viction and long sentence of impris-
onment.
Mr.. Blaine narrated this episode with
much gusto. evidently priding himself
upon his share in it, as upon diplo-
matte stroke. My young friend" he
added, was married according To pro-
gramme, neither his wife nor her peo-
pie being the wiser for his narrow es-
cape; and i am glad to say that he has
profted by the lesson and makes an ex-
cellent husband"
In the course of the drive the remark
was ventured that, while Bar HarbOr
was indeed lovely spot, it required a
tedious journey to reach it.
Very true" said Mr.. Blaine; 'but
that fact is not without some compen-
sating advantages. For example, Mr..
Isaacson, of Chatham street, cannot
leave his business of Saturday after
noon, run up and spend Sunday with
Mrs IsaacSon and the little Isaacsons,
and be back among his coats and pants
Monday morning. There is something
in that. you know. Makes the place
rather more select. When you decide
TO come to Bar Harbor you have to do
as certain old maid did, whom | once
knew down in Pennsylvania"
And what was it this spinster did?''
inquired.
''Well. you see, Miss Jane was getting
along in years. and things were looking
blue for her, when. to her great delight,
she had proposal. She snapped il up
so quick that John found himself in for
it before he had fairly gotten started.
Inside of three days the pair were stand
ing in front Of justice of the peace,
who began with John. and 10 him
leisurely and with much impressiveaess
the usual formula: You do
take this woman etc. All this time
Jane was nervousand uneasy: the thing
was not moving fast enough for her
Then came her turn. You. Jane said
the magistrate, do take this man 10 be
your lawful welded husband - love,
honor and obey him, to Here James
patience gave out, and she broke in upon
the ritual with TIE exclamation: Yes, .
yes. of course. do; l come a-purpose"
"And that" said Mr. Blaine. rs the
way with Bar Harbor; ''yon have to
come a-purpose.
Not much politics was talked, bat
what there was will bear repetition.
Mr.. Cleveland" he said. will make
a good president He is a strong man.
an able man. man Of positive. beliefs
and convictions. man who has sa-
prerne faith in himself and not So much
faith In his party and its politicians
lie is IN all respects remarkable
man"
"A remarkably lucky man, likewise"
suggested.
Lucky? Wei, yes; perhaps that
tells il.
Then. after a moment If thoughtful
silence. in which time an expression -
mingled sadness and perplexity fitted
,cross his face. Mr.. Blaine resumed:
Luck in political life, Ike Providence
n battle. is usually on the side Il ire
leaviest artillery: bat in this case &
would really seem that chance or acci-
lent had a great deal 70 do with that
larrovv margin q eleven hundred votss
n the state 81 New York. Reno-e aov
ne Of q number # u1ischzrces. ard the
'esuit mould hare been vastly different
FOR Example. fair weather instead Il
ain on electio- day; 10 II. John yote,