Year: 1876




~bo ask "How does Blaine look?''
tbe gentleman from Maine must be
considered one of the most 1mpor-
.tant men in Washington. He is
not by any means commonplace
in appearance, and yet it is not easy
to give one who has never seen him
a fair idea of him. He is in the
prime of life and the full flush OF
health. He is undoubtedly above
the middle hight, and yet he is so
compactly and strongly built that
he does not seem tall. The pecu-
liarity of his shape is that is body
il not fiat but rounded, and while
it presents a good breadth across
the shoulders, it is almost as deep
through from chest to back. Upon
this powerful trunk is set large
and we'll developed head with full
handsome and expressive face on
which is eligible the conf lence
which comes from conscious ability
and continued success. The crown
Of the head is just touched with
badness, but there is abundance of
hair to serve to set off the counte-
nance. The eyes are keen and bold,
and when the brows lower and the
lines of the face wrinkle around
them, the expr ssion is that of


AN ANIMAL ON THE WATCH.


The lower part of the face is COW
cred with "a full, neatly trimme
gray beard, in which the trace OF
its original lark color may still he
detected. Mr. Blaine's favorite At
tltude in repose is not very pecu-
liar one, and yet he coatrlveS ta
throw much that is characteristic
into it. He has habit of sitting
with his feet we'll under him. his
body thrown forward, his elbows
on nis desk, his short neck sunk
down into his shoulders, and his
face gathered into a walchful, cum
ming look. There is something
about him at snch times sug-
gesting bronze lion on a
peiiment. he appears to be
gathering hitaself for spring, and
you instinclively feel that his pro-
pensity will be to retreat discouraged
If he misses his first jump. Wnen
he rises to speak you will be at once
impressed with his wonderful vigor,
vitality, nerve power, He is quick,
agile and strong in his movements,
steppi z backward and forward in
the aisle as argument leads him In
aggressive movements toward his OPP
ponents or persuasive efforts with his
friends. He treads lightly but firm
ly; his gestures, if studied, became
second nature to him long ago, and
are now made with unconscious
grace and strength, and be empha-
sizes a point with either hand in q
mastery way that would indicate
some practise with the boxing
gloves. ... ... .- s.-.


HIS STYLE OF SPEAKING


Is clear, rapid, vigorous. The mag
netism of his audience and the spirit
of the occasion thrill and enkindle
him and he dashes impetuously on
in his argument. Not little of his
influence is due to his rich, manly
voice, which he ponrs out until il
fills the Hall of Representatives
without uttering false tone or Civ
ing an infection that would be out
Of place in conversation with {
friend. He can, in one word, make q
speech without overstraining himself
or falling into mannerisms. This j.
not the best praise, but it is the high
est that can be granted him; for Mr.
Blaine, though ready and subtle, il
not learned or profound. He springs
into debate like gladiator into thu
arena and struggles for victory; yol
need not look to him as a chivalriC
champion in the cause of truth ant
justice.


HIS GREAT AIM.


is to acquire personal glory through
the discontinue of the Democrac,
In the House, and no trick is too
contemplate, no policy too danger
Gus for him if it promises success
should pronounce Mr.. Blaine I
man who has been too busy in tn,
turmoil of Congressional life fo
original thought--who never laid th,
foundations of definite politica
knowledge in early study, an'
VINO Is too cunning to give himsel
up to the convictions which come b,
inheritance or rise from instinct. ID
10 neither a great man nor goot
statesman, and when he urges


measure, those who know him alway
LOOK for some sinister design behln'
the motive which he processes,


IN WASHINGTON SOCIETY


Mr. Blaine is a great favorite, ant
when it is announced that he is t
speak, the galleries are sure to b
crowded with elegantly dressed Ia