The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-08

er the service / rendered as a member of
this commission was Of value 10 the coun-
try OF course / cannot tell. but | know
that the association which I enjoyed with
the members Of that congress and the six
months residence in Washington during
the time. was very agreeable to me.
HARRISON AND BLAINE.
The President was very solicitous that
this congress should be organized, differed
and conducted In a manner to serve sue
cessfully the interests intended 10 be pro-
NOTED. An attempt was made TO put for
ward Hon. w. II. Trescot as president OF
the congress. President Harrison was con-
cerned over this. He sent for me and said
as much, and desired me to sec the other
member and get them TO pledge their sup
port to Mr.. Blaine. This was managed ac-
coTdingly, and Mr.. Blaine became the pres
ident Of the congress. L think the selection
was fortunate. Mr. Blaine was especially
gifted in qualities necessary to harmonic
certain Earring interests Of the different
South American representatives, which on
more tina one occasion would have seri-
ously FLASHED but for the mastery tact.
suavity and dignity Of Mr.. Blaine. mention
this matter, however, more particularly
because it was charged at this very time
that the President was jealous Of Mr..
Blaine, and envious Of the regards of the
people for him. 1 know, on the contrary
tina he was a very warm and generous
friend Of the great premier.
Il was the first person to ride out with
the President after his Inauguration. In a
vehicle we had furnished him, behind a
high-spirited horse that one of his admirers
had presented him, and L will not soon for
get the mettle Of that horse. Although 1
greatly enjoyed the flow of conversation
with which the President occupied the time,
my arms were so lame from holding the
spirited horse that 1 had TO give the even
ing TO a season of liniment and rubbing in
stead of going with the President to din
ner as l had been invited. L recall that one
of the topics of the conversation during our
drive was the Cabinet chosen by the Presi-
dent. General Harrison felt very proud of
the selection he had made. believing that
they would prove u strong body of advis-
ers and would commend themselves to the
people as quite as able and brilliant as any
cabinet of his predecessors.
1.-The last time that L met the general,
having an opportunity for any extended
visit was on the occasion of the presenta-
ton OF IL silver service gwen ny ne oIaN
to the battleship Indiana. We were tOgeth-
er at the F1fth-avenue Hotel. New York,
and l had the pleasure Of the company of
himself and wife to the battleship and re-
turn to the hotel. Always, to me, he was the
same. friendly and kind, without ostenta-
ton or condesenciOn, entertaining, practi-
cal. instructive and charming. He lent
grace and dignity to every position which
he was called on to fill. His craftsmanship
was broad and exalted. his mind active and
clear, his judgment discriminating and fair,
his sympathies warm and active, his men
tai and physical resources abundant, his
eloquence a marvel, and his integrity TN
questioned. 1 am proud TO have known
him and have enjoyed in some degree his
confidence and esteem. He proved himself
a worthy representative in his illustrious
line, and it is fitting. accordingly, that the
State in which he was born, and which will
forever enjoy distinction because of his at
m and labors in the profession and
law. and the department of politics and
government, should make such return as
it may in the erection of marble or bronze
to commemorate his virtues and his work.
/ shall join you in this labor of love cheer
fully and gratefully. Very sincerely yours,
GLEN STUDEBAKER."