The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-13


has deepened the shadows around James
l.. Blair. the friends he made in the course
of mis- remarkable career are showing a
consensus of opinion TO the effect that the
moving cause Of his financia! troubles was
the infatuated pride with which he re
sarded his beautiful wife.
Though the extreme methods he EN-.
pioyed in expressing his devotion are be-
yond understanding. 1t has been shown i.
the hour of trial that the sincerity of Ii:
love is reciprocated by the wife for whom
he sacrificed everything, but whom he
hcd kept in ignorance of the sources from
which came the means to encourage her
brilliant social career.
He lives to-day for her. In response 10
hc- appeal made on tended knees. that he
cease his attempts to commit suicide. he
remains to face charges upon which, II
tie is convicted. the minimum penalty /!
tor years In the Penitentiary.
Only get we'll" she implored him
Some day we may go away-go any
where We can live somehow. l can
work Cor you. Only ltve.''
And friends of Mrs. Blair who heard OF
this incident in the sickroom believe that
the thought Of material losses has not
entered her mind since this tragedy N
her life.
The attentions she has showered upon
him recently in Muilanphy Hospital.
where, drawn enu pallid. he has BEEN
the wreck of his former SELF, were no LEES
devoted and constant than the delicate
little expressions Of regard she gave to
him In drswing-rooms and at various So
<,-,o tr-s-
ors leader
GAVE MUCH EVIDENCE
OF DEVOTION TO WIFE.
Duringa her long social reign no Queen
ever had a mere devoted attendant than
was this man who. distinguished in his
own sphere. on more than one occasion
introduced himself as the husband Of
Ms. Blair
In innumerable ways society has seen
the evidences of his intense devotion-a
devotion which amounted to worship,
while his pride in his wife became pas
sion.
!. IS said that he never went home with
GU. taking to her some g!ft-2 flower, q
jewel or something US token that he
had thought of her. Daily he wrote to
he- or telephoned several times If she
we're in town. and II out Of the city tele-
grams supplemented the evening letters
S.,e could not express desire that was
not gratif4E bbswell did she realize this
tina. frequently Mrs. Blair cautioned her
friends not to mention that she had ad.
mircd some art object or special article.
He would have been sure to purchase 1t
for her.
Often she returned the checks which he
would send to her, and on many occa-
slcns she sent back to the shops various
things which she did not think she needed
or ought to accept.
Calm. reserved ard suave ordinarily.
the attorneys manner changed when In
the presence of his wife. He became
more animated. seemed charged with re-
pressed excitement. His speech. always
precise, bore a peculiar note of warmth
only when addressing or referring to her.
His eyes. serenely kind in expression As
a rule, or else cold with penetrating
quality from a well-t-ained. analytical
mind, would fairly beam when Mira. Blair
was near; they absorbed her and saw
nothing else. His glances following her
revealed love and admiration more than
words could tell.
In her charities and much philanthropic
work, her extensive music interests. social
duties, and finally in her Worlds Fair
natters his solicitation for her advance
ment and that the luster of her leader
ship should become nn're '''"ns
always apparent.
MRS. BLAIR FULLY
TRUSTED IN HIM.
No one familiar with Blair's history
seems to doubt that the great aim OF his
lie was enat ms ~i,e snouie oe $780,
leader anone hoteo AmeIiean "oue
that IN 81. LOUIS sne shoula noio sway 20
Mra POTTER Fainier uoes Al Sn,easo.
re" wonhen W. ~ oss's 81, .A
Mns, o.a "u.,- =. ~. 1870. Wv -.
Ten hef ,ne W ee.ae =. ,.s.,S 10. .,.s,s
no 81. e ~. , .,s,i,o,d ,n,sr..,.
..,.h e., ~. s,,.o.., =.
-,,-,.,.;,,. .,,,,h,r. ,.ro,a
10y "et 41O.. ....,. -,
.. a. ..h.a vhen III. heb,ts ware rooa
hi. love for her .s treat as woman could
ask a, man ana her confidence in him i'm
plicit? She loved him. trusted In his in
tegrtty and was sure of his ability.
II he had told her that he was making
100000 year. perhaps she would not
haveQsked how. II he bad said the
income came entirely from his law prac-
tce she might not have been surprised.
ne had mentioned speculation she
"ou.o nave oeheveo' IL Is said' that MS
'" s,. "e enules correct
4noesu s"e oie.e1ness Qt tne 1analy
posieou my "sn heasiy upon nor. eae
nAs .ne ,e.is nce Oh years IN Wnicn
sno nos 80. ~. y. -. ~ ner husband
Yeas every quo VI winch t's"s chapter
MSrTIn,,. az C1f-p,r
~. Sn
40 .NoASs ~
Z N the meeting ana marriage Ct the