The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1877-10-04
CONKLING AND CURTIS.

"A Dramatic scene IN the New York Re-
publican Convention, Ora phicalIy Depict
ed by George Alfred Townsend.
George William Curtis took the plat
form about 8 O'Clock. He was applaud
ed, and began very hoarse. He asked
that the second resolution be read again.
and took drink of water while it was
read. He then read resolution through
an eye-glass, we'll written by himself, and
perspicuous. He made speech on this
resolution, clean cut and eloquent at first,
and, after time, wordy and ineffective.
Curtis manner was classical and lyceum-
like, and his face expressed nicely and
devotion, but not manly energy. At
times he appeared to lose his points in
listening to his echoes, and people re-
marked that the unknown Forster was
more effective than his colleague The
latter. however, tempted no personalities
until toward the close, when he said that
efforts had been made to defeat him as
friend Of the administration, for patron
age had attempted this.
Curtis finely referred to Conkiing as
" intoxicated with the fattery of favor
ties, or blinded by his own ambition"
He said 'God-speed to the President.
Curtis then gave sour testimonial to
Conkling, and then remarked CT am
a Hayes Republican" He showed him
self to be no weak rival of Conkling-a
natural man Of speech and discussion.
Hamilton Ward then delivered
speech, and attacked Curtis directly,
and referred to Hayes being escorted
through the South by the commander Of
the Black Horse Cavalry, while the Re
publican Governor of South Carolina
was a fugitive in Punishment. He used
scriptural quotation, intimating that
Hayes was an apostate. Ward again
brought forward Gen. Grants name. and
it was received with furious applause.
Giles W. Hotchkiss then made a quaint
speech. He attacked Schurz and Evarts
direct. For years they had been attack
ing Republicans, and now they were Civ
ing the party it's shibboleth. One year
ago, at Saratoga, the doctrinaire element
had it's way, and the Republican party
was buried under a Democratic ava
lanche. Andy Johnson's supporter,
E7arts, was now the Presidents adviser.
The Republicans of New York State
were sore all over from being too much
with. Mr.. Curtis was
small man, not able to get the support
OF any large body of men, and envious
Of big men who did. Hotchkiss kept
everybody laughing.
Seymour Dexter made speech in favor
Of Hayes policy, fine military speech,
saying that he carried a musket during
the war, and was glad to see the leader
IF the Black Horse Cavalry escorting the
President through the South. He was
oudly applauded.
Mr.. Curtis arose and stood in the |
aisle. Conkling slowly arose aud took
he platform. Curtis continued stand
ng. Forster, Curtis colleague, inter-
posed motion. Conkling tried to
speak, but Curtis insisted. Conkling
descended from the platform disgruntled.
Curtis here sought to wreck the force of
Jonkling's expected speech by anncunc-
ng in advance that it would be highly
powerful. Curtis said he had not intro
luced a frebran0. but torch-a torch
le still held. He spoke well, but too
engthily.
Conkling was uproariously hailed as
lie arose. His speech was more than an
lour long-was the greatest speech he
yer made before political convention,
nd the most extraordinary instance of off
land, critical oratory probably ever made
n this country. It's Conklingism was its
butts general sweep, per-
ect dlctlon, manly bearing, and invinci-
lie fearlessness held everybody spell
ound. Mr.. Curtis got up only once to
pologize, as he saw the thunderbolt
orged for him. l.
The venom of this speech was con-
ontrated. It's chastity and elevation of
lyle yet relieved it from all dema- {
oguery or mere point The
locution of Conkling, considering it's
'ngth, was an extraordinary instance of