Democratic Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1886 — EDMUNDS AND BLAINE. [ARTICLE]

EDMUNDS AND BLAINE.

The Vermont Senator Snubbed by the Man from Maine. [New York telegram.] Mr. Blaine’s refusal to take Senator Edmunds’ proffered hand when they met in the house of the dead ex-President has created a sensation in political circles. Many of Mr. Blaine’s friends regret the occurrence, and say that it was unfortunate. Others say that Mr. Blaine acted perfectly right, and that Mr. Edmunds’ conduct justified the rebuke. Mr. Blaine refused to be interviewed on the subject, but talked quite freely to several intimate friends. One of them said: “Mr. Blaine made no response whatever to Mr. Edmunds’ greeting. This is what happened: Mr. Edmunds was seated on a sofa when Mr. Blaine entered the parlor. Mr. Blaine bowed to Colonel McMichael, and Mr. Edmunds advanced to greet Mr. B aine with his right hand extended, saying: ‘ Good morning, Mr. Bluine.’ Mr. Blaine was in the act of drawing off his g’oves. He g ;vo the Vermonter a quick glance out of the corners of his eyes, and, without any show of recognition, stepped forward to shake hands with Colonel McMi hael. Mr. Edmunds appeared surprised. His face hushed slightly, and he re:ived to his seat on tho sofa. Mr. Blaine expressed his regret at the occurrence to Colonel McMichael, and shortly afterward left the house. Prank Hatton, who was Mr. Arthur’s Postmaster General, in commenting on the affair, said: “Blaine knew perfectly well whom he was likely to meet at Gen. Arthur s house, and if he did not care to meet them he should have remained away. If l,e had met Mr. Edmunds on the street or at a public reception and refused to speak to him, it would have been another matter; but under the circumstances I think his conduct indefensible from the standpoint of decency. ”