New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-13


PIoN-BEIIEF THAT AN ALLIANCE HAS BEEN
FORMED BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT, MR.. CONK-
LING, GEN. BUTLER, AND SECRETARY FIsH-THE
OBNOXIOUS NOMINATION TO BE FORCED THROUGH
THE SENATE If Observation-Disclosures FISH AND
GEN BUTLER OPENLY LOBBYING FOR MR.. Gus H.
ING-0NE OR TWO SENATOR'S WON OVER TO THE
ADMINIsTRATION-AN EXCITED DEBATE ANTICI-
PATED
IBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUSH.l
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12.-The appearance of Senator
Conklng the Senatorial champion Of Mr.. Cush-
ing, to-day, leads to the belief that he has formed
an alliance, offensive and defensive with the Presi-
dent, to head off all aspiring candidates for the
Presidency during the remainder of Gen. Grants
term. He has joined hands with Gen. Butler and
Secretary Fish, and supported by the two Senators
from Massachusetts, hopes to drive through the
Senate one of the most unpopular nominations the
President has ever made.
The canvassing over Mr.. Cushing's appointment,
which lasted until midnight on Sunday, began again
early this morning and has continued without cessa
tion all day. A caucus of Republican Senator'S had
been called before the meeting OF the Senate, to
determine upon the order of business. The suggcs-
ton that Mr.. Cushing's nomination would come up
then was Indignantly denied by some Admnistra-
ton Senators, who repeatedly asserted that the
Senate never held caucuses nominations. But Mr..
Conklngs strength lies in being able to control his
fellow-Senators through the machinery of the eau
GUS and he introduced the subject after it had been
decided to pass the Salary bill to-day The mention
of Mr. Cushings name is said to have caused great
excitement. Several Senators protested that Mr..
Conkling had right to introduce that subject.
and that the caucus was not called for any such
purpose; but having once been mentioned, it was
impossible 10 prevent an expression OF opinion, and
- n e Al
nation continued until II O'clock when the Senate
met and the caucus adjourned.
The first sign of a lobby in Mr.. Cnshngs interest
on the Senate floor the appearance of Secretary
Fish, who remained in the Chamber for some time
and conferred with several Senator's Mr. Conklng
does not work openly in the eyes of all the world
and 80 the galleries were spared the sight OF his
going from seat to seat and hboring with men who
are opposed to Mr.. Cushings confirmation. But
the work which Mr. Conkling would not do
Gen. Butler was ready for. He left the
House early in the afternoon; indeed he was
scarcely in his seat all day and walked over to the
Senate and began business III earnest. lie hrst
directed his efforts to members of the Judiciary
Committee who are reported to be undecided. and
one after another he either drew them aside to one
of the sofas behind the bar of the Senate or attacked
them in their own seats. OF those outside OF the
Committee Mr. Morton, who is not disposed to con
sent to Mr. Cushings confirmation, received the
most Of Gen. Buffers attention.
kWhat Mr. Buffers arguments were, IS not posi-
rively known Some strange reports, however,
came up TO the galleries late in the day, which
were credited 70 him. For instance 1t was said that
Mr. Cushing had been a good Republican ever since
1860 that he had been especially sound since the
close of the war. lie was the author OF the Four
al of no
prime movers in the impeachment of johnson" said
another {" Won't Butler assert next that he wrote
the Emancipation Proclamation aud all of the re-
construction acts T. asked senator 10 "hom 'hesc
stories were told
The actual situation has really very little changed
since last night. one or two men, among them MIR
Cameron have been won over from The opposition
and one or two whose position was doubtful nave
made up their minds. The split III the Republican
marty seems to unite the Democrats who, OF course
find Mr. Cushing much more acceptable than the
Radicals do and the majority of whom, other con-
alterations aside, would be pleased at the coniirma-
ton of a man who was dstasteful to the majority Oh
the Republican party. 1t is hardly expected that
vote will be reached ON the nomination for several
DAYS as if Executive sessions are held and the APP
monument considered it Will be long and holly
debated.
VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.
OPINIONS OF LEADING REPUBLICANS OF THE HOUSE
REGARDING THE PRESIDENTS SECOND CHOICE
ALL TIE REPUBLICANS WITH LESS THAN HALF
DOZEN EXCEPTIONS, AND MORE THAN HALF THE
OPPOSITION AGAINST TIE CONFIRMATION OF MIR.
CUsHIyG-BEIIEF THAT THE NOMINATION Will.
FAIL OF CONFIRMATION BY CONSIDERABLE MA
JORITY.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.I
W,sUNGTON Jan. 12-There can Ibe no doubt as
to the standing of the Republicans in the House on
the question of the nomination of Mr. Cushing to be
Chief-Justice. Unquestionably large majority of
the Republicans are openly arrayed in opposition to
the Presidents second choice, and If MIR. Cushing
had 70 submit TO vote of the House instead of the
Senate the chances are that he would not stand the
shadow of a chance of confirmation; and IL the
opinion of members of the House Is
TO be believed, there is no possibility
of his confirmation in any case. The nomination
has been the only interesting subject of discussion
on the House side of the Capitol to-day. and 1t has
taken the place of all Others, including finance,
civil rights salary grab and other current issues.
Republicans do not hesitate to fexpress their oppose
ton TO Mr.. Gushing, and more than half the Demo-
Gratis in the House say that they would not vote for
the nominee if they in the lSenate. If the
sentiment in the House is to be taken as trust
worthy. there is not the slightest chance Of Mi.
Cushing's confirmation.