The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-18
Popular Approval of Conkling
for Chief Justice.
ms PROBABLE SUCCESSOR.
- ~. q. -. -.
THe President. Opinion Of the Republican
Party and Its Burdens.
WILL he VETO THE SALARY H,EpEM ?


great that the newspaper stands were quickly rid
OF their supply after the arrival Of the New York
train. The cause OF this rush Tor the paper was
the fact that 1t contained in these dispatches the
reason why II was necessary that decided parti-
san leader should be selected to dp the position OF
Chief Justice The present political status OF the
Supreme Court was not before generally known.
but Is now, among republicans, subject OF consd-
cradle comment. The fact that three OF the Judges
were avowedy democratic in their tendencies,
and another somewhat doubtful and, therefore.
not to be relied upon should the emergency
arise OF passing upon the constitutional
ity or certain laws enacted for pOliti
Cal purposes had startling effect. 1t
was such an unexpected danger that 1t took every
body aback. All the members OF the Court ex-
cept the senior, had been appointed either in Lin
coin or Grants administration, and at the time OF
entering upon their judicial duties were known 10
he stanch republicans, and yet these very men,
in spite Of their antecedents, could not now be en-
tirey trusted. Politicians, discussing this new
Development said that Its old time traditions
made the Supreme Court conservative body
and that new members gradually gave way to
these influences, and thus their Judgment was
warped against innovations or the enactment Of
laws different In their workings and nature from
those OF past legislation; that putting republi-
CaH upou ueuCH, uuleSS lie Was very SUIOuS III
his political faith, In Dut little time converted
him into conservative. II already four Of the
Bench had become such it was of vital Importance
to the party that the new Chief Justice should be
q stanch republican, in whom could be placed the
most implicit confidence that he would not yield
to the conservative influence Of the position.
Should a man of doubtful political record be ap-
pointed he might at any moment, by uniting with
the four who are considered opponents or unrelia-
BILE in some of the decisions, render null and void
some OF the most important Of the laws passed by
the strength and for the benefit OF the republican
party.
Mr.. Conklng's appointment has therefore be.
come political necessity In the opinion Of many
partisans it is absolutely essential to the preserva
ton of the party. Last summer, when Mr.. Conk-
ling was offered the appointment, in writing, it
declined in the same way. This action was studi-
Ously concealed. The Senator has high
political aspirations. 1t was probably thought
by him that the disclosure Of this offer
might somewhat interfere with these aspirations;
tnat 1t would be said tnat he declined so as to
keep himself among the prominent Presidential
candidates, as the lie appointment OF Chief Justice
virtually takes its occupant out Of political life.
SO the offer was kept silent and it was allowed to
be extensively circulated that 1t was only rumOr
growing out OF the friendly feelings exist
ing between the President and the Senator.
Now however, circumstances have brought 1t to
light. The leaders of the party might not then
have deemed 1t OF especial benefit to any other
than the person thus hOnored; but, with the re-
cent dfvugement, 1t has become OF the greatest
political Importance. IL is imperatively demanded
that Mr.. ConKlng shall accept the position, and
the sentiment Is so strong on the subject that If
lett to the Senate he would probably be nominated
and confirmed by reclamation.
Popular Interest in the Chief Justtce-
ship-Thc New York Delegation Fix on
william A. Wheeler rs senator Conk-
lfng's Successor.
The extraordinary interest manifested through
out the city tonight in regard to the nomination
OF Chief Justice pervades all circles and the ques-
ton most freely and almost unanimously asked ls,
"Who IS going TO be Chief Justice9" This anxiety
IN the popular mind as to the forthcoming nominee
is so great that 1t extends even to the colored
people, who, with an instinct peculiar to them in
many things, especially In what pertains to their
welfare, are more solicitOus than their white
brethren for the reason that they know many legal
questions which have bearing their race will
come up to be decided by tile Supreme Court OF
the United States.
That COnkng is to be the coming incumbent of
the office Is evidenced by the fact that the men,
taken up consideration OF the matter, and are to-
night casting about for the best to be the sue
cessor OF the present United States senator from
Central New York; and their consultations have
resulted In the choice Of William A. Wheeler,
OF Malone, Franklin county, member OF Con-
gress from the Eighteenth district, who is con-
ceded by them to be the best man, as he
combines in his good general qualifications
those OF a clear republican record, popularity and
more party strength than any other available can
didate. Conkngs presence In New York will be
turned to advantage in consulting the leading men,
bers orthe Legislature, to agree upon suitable safe
ands trong be his successor. 1t is true some
of COnkiing's friends that he is in New York
toattend to professional business, but this will
serve as cover to screen the Senator from public
attention. and divert the scrutiny which since his
enviable distinction has followed his every move
ment but, with the exception OF reference to his
is iav0rabiy treated, and no unkind or adverse
opinion seems to exist against him. It Is believed
istration and increased safety to the republican
ship, which has been bufreted about considerably
OF late ON dangerous coasts, and threatened with
wreck in the breakers. His yOnth alone is men,
toned as bar to public satisfaction with the
fitness and expediency Of his nomination.
President Grant Thinks the Republican
Party Overwcighted-The Southern
States to Settle Their Own QuarrcIs.
Perhaps the most Significant speech the Pres-
dent has ever made OF political nature was adj
dressed last evening to some prominent repub
leans who called upon him at the White House.
The President Id begin to think that 1t is
time Tor the republican party to unload. There has
been too much dead weight carried by It, The sue
cess OF our arms during the rebellion and the
confidence that the republican party was strong
enough 80 hold UP any burden nave imposed all the
dsaAeetion In the Gulf States on tie admnstra-
ton. am tired OF thus nonsense. Let LOUISIANA
take care OF herself as Texas Will have to do.
do MT want any quarrel about Mississippi state
matters to be referred TO me. This nursing OF mon
strosties has nearly exhausted the lie OF the
party. am done with them, and they will have to
take care Of themselves"
Will the President Veto the salary Re-
peal Bill :-Southcrn sentiment Against
Reducing Official Pay.
The southern members are especially anxious to
know about the signature by the President Of the
bill known as the Salary Repeal bill. 1t is asserted
that the President will veto IT, as 1t Is direct slap