The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-01-31
PLUMED KNIGHTS BIRTHDAY
James Gillespie Blaine Born Seventy
eight Years Ago To-day.
Candidate for President i'm 1854
when Cleveland Defeated Him.
Distinguished Public Career.

Everybody who is anybody in politics
remembers that once famous Republican,
J. g. Blaine. the Plumed Knight"
Blaine clubs throughout the country will
celebrate to-day the anniversary Of his
birthday.
High among the honored names in the
history Of the Republican party stands
that OF James Gillespie Blaine The
Plumed Knight was a soubriquet cor
ferred upon him by Robert G. Ingerson,
ia nominating him for the Presidency.
Blaine was born January 81, 1880, at
West Brownsville, Pa, and WAS educated
in the common schools ana at Washing
ton College. where ne graduated in lS47
After several years spent IN teaching
Blaine went 10 Augusta, Ne, and with
that State he was thereafter identified
He edited the Kennebec Journal, and
later the Portland Advertiser.
In 1888 he was elected to the legisla-
ture by the Republicans, remaining in
that body four years, during two OF
Eise to prominence made natural his
served for seven successive terms. During
three terms he was Speaker OF the House
Of Representatives.
Blaine was among the most aggressive
Of the party leaders in Congress. was
"a ready debater. ana an expert in Par
Hamentary laws.
He was a vigorous supporter OF the
administration during the civil war. New
ertheiess, be opposed the issue Of green
backs, and successfully urged an impor-
tant modification 10 tie Stevens plan Of
reconstruction
As Speaker he attained unusual success.
His conduct of the gsvel was uniformIv
marked by great readiness aad ability.
In this post. however. he provoked acute
controversies. The effect was seen when
the Democrats secured control Of the
House in 1910.
Blaine's impassioned opposition to the
inclusion OF jefferson Davis in a general
amnesty, on the ground Of the latter's
completely in the gigantic murders and
crimes OF Andersonville" al that time.
was followed by a vigorous effort Of the
Democrats to connect him with the Pa
ciiic Railroad frauds. This eliminated in
the highly dramatic incident of June >.
1876, when the accused produced in the
House the 'Mulligan letters. and offered
what was considered an ample vindica-
ton OF his course
The immediate effect Of this incident
was the enhancement of Blaine's prestige.
and his strong and almost successful can
didacy for the Presidential nomination in
1876. when Hayes was chosen.
Having been elected 10 the United
States Senate in 1876 Blaine worked
against the Bland silver bill, opposed IN
restricted immigration Of the Chinese
and favored strongly the protection Of
various industries. In 1850 Blaine con
tended with Grant for the Presidential
nomination, and again a dark horse,
Garfield. was elected.
President Garfield appointed Blaine his
Secretary of State. This post he resigned
in December. 1881. soon after the acces-
sion of Arthur.
In 1884 Blaine received the Republican
Presidential nomination on the fourth
ballot. After an extraordinary campaign.
he was defeated by Grover Cleveland.
He then resumed his literary work. pub
lished his Twenty Years in Congress"
in two volumes. and a volume OF "'Po-
Htical Discussions"
Upon Harrisons accession 10 the Pres
idency in 1889. Blaine was again placed
in charge of the State Department. and
developed the line OF policy he had pro-
posed IN 1881. lie adopted a vigorous
course with reference TO the seal fish
cries. but his especial energy was de-
voted to plans for establishing close COM
mercial relations with South American
countries, and for reciprocity in trade
with other foreign countries.
He resigned in June 1892, in advance
Of the assembly Of the national conven-
ton. before which it was expected that
both Blaine and Harrison would be can
didates. Blaine's name was presented,
but without success.
After a protracted illness. he died in
this city January p. 1898.