Again, in 1881. he was a candidate for the Presidential nomination. and this time was suc cessful. although the bitterness of opposition within the party was such that in some States, notably in New York, Connecticut, and elmsetts. large numbers of independent Repub licans voted in the ensuing election for the Demo cratic nominee, Grover Cleveland. whose record as Governor of New York made it possible for him, by a small plurality, to carry that pivotal State and so secure the election, after a cam paign remarkable for personal abuse and bit terness. It has been claimed that the State of New York, and consequently the national elec tion, was lost to Blaine ehietly as the result of a persistent misrepresentation of his attitude toward 1Zoinall Catholics. consequent upon an unfortunate phrase, 'Rum. Romanism, and Re bellion.' used by a Republican clergyman, the Ile.. Samuel 1). Burehard (q.v.). in speaking of the Democratic Party ; but the effect of the phrase has doubtless been considerably exaggerated. The leisure enforced upon I3laine by his defeat made possible the preparation of the second volume of his Twenty roars of Congress (ISST), and of a volume of Po/iticui Discussions (1887)• llis name was again before the Republican convention Of 1SSS, but was early withdrawn.
and upon Harrison's accession to the Presidency. Blaine was again placed in charge of the State Department and was enabled to develop a line of policy proposed in ISSI, but at that time re versed by his successor. Not only did he adopt a vigorous course with reference to the seal fisheries. but his especial energy was devoted to plans for establishing close commercial relations with the South American States and for securing arrangements of reciprocity in trade with other foreign nations. Ile resigned in June. 1892. on the approach of the nominating convention. be fore which it was expected that both Blaine and Harrison might be candidates. Blaine's name was presented. but with no success. After a protracted illness, he died, January 27, 1893. Consult Gail Hamilton. Biography of James G. Blaine (Norwich, 1S95).