Evening star., 1943-01-31
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star
Fifty years ago occurred the death of
one Of the Nations most distinguished

one OF tne Nations most distinguished
citizens, James G.
Oeoth OF q Blaine. He had been Ill
Statesman for some time and the
end was far from un-
expected. On the day of his demise,
January q, 1893. The Star of that date
ran resume OF his career and a discus
sion of his character. Parts of it are
quoted: The fame of James G. Blaine
will increase with passing years. In his
life he held rank with the greatest of
his contemporaries and no man of his
generation has had a greater personal
following than he. To an unusual de-
gree he enjoyed fame during his active
political life. His influence has been felt
by the whole country. His as
sociates in public life have been aston
ished at his farsightedness, when he has
seen clearly things far beyond the range
of their vision and has been prepared for
a future into which they could not see.
Mr.. Blaine's administration of
the speakership (of the House, is COM
monty regarded as one Of the most bril-
liant and successful in the annals of the
House. He had rare aptitude and equip
ment for the duties of presiding officer
and his complete mastery of parliament
tary law. his dexterity and physical en-
durance. his rapid dispatch of business
and his firm and impartial spirit were
recognized on all sides" He was, In
fact, so well recognized that many
wanted to see him President of the
United States.
An issue coming increasingly to the
attention OF Americans was the problem
of Hawaii and what to
The Howoiion do with it. Those is
Problem lands, commonly known
as the Sandwich Islands,
constituted kingdom under Queen
Lllluokalani and at the same time were
under the protection of the United
States. There was much talk of outright
annexation. The Star of January 81
1893, said THE cabinet today consid-
cred the Hawaiian question. The
meeting lasted only an hour and half
and at its close one OF the members told
a Star reporter that nothing was done
that could properly be made public at
present" A member of the Foreign Af-
fairs Committee told another reporter.
"Of course, the argument will be made
that 1t Is in violation of our long -estab-
hshed principles of human liberty for
us to take possession of these islands and
deprive the natives of self lf-government.
That question, however, does not prop
erly arise. The question is that of pre-
ponderance of interest in these islands
by the United States by reason of posi-
ton, an outpost Of the United States.
and 1t is acknowledged among nations
that such conditions establish In the
country thus interested the right to con-
troll or protect the outpost. In this we
nave strong case" How strong was
shown on December 7, 1941.
\ y
News from abroad concerned mainly
the opening of Parliament in London.
The Star of jan
British Porlioment uary 81, 1893, in a
Opens dispatch from Lon
don reported: "The
members OF Commons were summoned tn
the House OF Lords to hear the Queens
speech. The majority followed the
speaker to the upper house. where Baron
Herschnell, speaker of the House of Lords
and lord high chancellor, read the speech.
There was a brilliant throng of ladies to
witness the opening ceremonies" Vic
torias speech, corresponding to our
Presidents message to Congress, con-
tanned nothing startling and no hint of
trouble beyond q suggestion that the
British garrison in Egypt be increased
slightly.