Year: 1876

Judging by the number of people who ask
chow does Blain look?' the gentleman from
Maine must be considered one of the most
important men in Washington. He is not by
any means common place 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 pecularity
of his shape is that his body is not flat but
rounded, and while it presents good breadth
across the shoulders, it is almost as deep
through from chest to back. Upon this pow
ertul trunk is set large, well developed head
with full, handsome and expressive face
on which is eligible the confidence which
comes from conscious ability and continued
success. The crown of the head is Just
touched with badness, but there is abuns
dance of hair to serve to set off the cOunte-
nance. The eyes are keen aud bold, and
when the brows lower and the lines of the
face wrinkle around them, the expression is
that of


AN ANIMAL ON THE WATCH.


The lower part of the face is covered with
full, neatly trimmed gray beard, in which the
trace of its original dark color may still be
detected. MIR. Blaine's favorite attitude in
repose is not very peculiar one, and yet he
contrives to throw much that is characteristic
into it, He has habit of sitting with his
feet well under him, his body thrown forward,
his elbows on his desk, his short neck sunk
down into his shoulders, and his face gath
cred into watchful cunning look. There is
something about him at such times suggesting
bronze lion on pediment. He appears to
no of hpr for
instinctively feel that his propensity will be
to retreat discouraged if he misses his first
jump. When 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, stepping back
ward and forward in the aisle as argument
leads him in aggressive movements toward
his opponents or persuasive efforts with his
friends. He treads lightly but firmly; his
gestures, if studied, became second nature to
him long ago, and are now made with uncon-
cious grace aud strength, and he emphasizes
point with either hand in mastery way
that would indicate some practice with the
boxing gloves.


HIS STYLE OF SPEAKING


Is clear, rapid, vigorous. The magnetism
of his audience and the spirit of the occasion
thrill and enkinde him and he dashes impet-
uously on in his argument. Not little of
his influence is due to his rich, manly voice,
which he pours out until it fills the Hall of
without uttering false tone
or giving an infection that would be out of
place in conversation with friend He can,
in one word, make a speech without over
himself or falling into mannerisms
This is not the best praise, but it is the high
est that can be granted him; for Mr.. Blaine,
though ready and subtle, is not learned or
profound. He springs into debate like
gladiator into the arena and struggles for
victory.


IN WASHINGTON SOCIETY
Mr.. Blaine is great favorite, and when it is
that he is to speak, the galleries
are sure to he crowded with elegantly dressed |
ladies who doubtless find strange pleasure in
his suave courtesy in the parlor |
with his aggressive bitterness on the floor of |
The House.