15j irTthe State Institution for the Blind, at Philadelphia, studying law at the same time. £ Here he was very successful. One of his former pupils says, “Everybody loved Mr. Blaine and his wife. Both were always ready to do anything for our amusement, in leisure hours, and we had a great deal of fun, into which they entered heartily. I think that Mrs. Blaine read nearly all of Dicken’s works aloud to us. In the evening, her husband used to read aloud to both the boys and girls. Then we would wind up with a spelling bee.” HE EDITS A NEWSPAPER. ' Mrs. Blaine was anxious to return to her native State, so in 1854, they went to Maine, where Mr. Blaine became editor and part proprietor of the Kenebec Journal, Augusta, when he was under twenty-four years of age. He soon became a power in politics, from his outspoken convictions and strong common sense. When twenty-eight, he was chosen chairman of the Maine Republican State Committee, a position he has ably held for twenty years, always leading his party to victory. HE GOES TO CONGRESS. Elected to the Maine Legislature in 1858, he gave up newspaper .work, and devoted himself to the issues before the country. Ready and fluent in debate, fearless for the right, no wonder he was three times re-elected, and twice made Speaker of the House. The man who could succeed as a teacher and editor, was naturally successful as a statesman. In 1863 he took his seat in Congress. He was a staunch friend and advocate of Abraham Lincoln, declaring that he would be the unswerving-adherent of the policy and measures which the President in his wisdom might adopt. He said: “The great object with us all is to subdue the rebellion—speedily, effectually, and finally. If slavery, or any other ‘institution,’ stands in the way, it must be removed. Perish all things else, the national life must be saved.” He at once took an active part in debate, and from a mind well stored by reading, a wonderful memory, and quick, comprehensive thoughts, he soon became a leader. He was straightforward, earnest, daring, never afraid to speak his convictions. For thirteen years he made a brilliant record for himself, being one of the ablest advocates of the loyal States, and one of the most active in the Reconstruction Acts. He was
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