The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-06-19
Republican Leadeship

In general the president is usually con
sldered' and actually is, the leader of tn,
+ party that placed him in power. But sucl
Is not the case at present with Hayes il
regard to the republican party. Senate
Conkling is the real leader. 1t is possible
and in fact probable. that a man of differen
characteristics and a greater amount O
individuality, had he been in the position
OF Hayes, would have maintained tb,
leadership which naturally pertains to the
position. But the president has failed t.
90 this at every point, and to-day he stands
IN the unenvIable condition of being the
head OF the nation by position without
positive party support or even a respect.
able personal following. This result is
the natural consequence of his policy, or
more truly speaking his want of definite
pollcy,and of his peculiar notions in regard
to the presidency. He has on several
occasions expressed the idea that the ex-
ecutive is merely to execute laws, and that
congress should legislate without being
Influenced by presidential wishes express
or implied. He has Voluntarily and ex.
pressly Ignored leadership and sunk his
position to mere subseryieDcy to congress
slonal dlctatlon. If he ever was master of
the situation he has voluntarily abdieated
1t Is true that in the earlier part of his
administration he made show of ATTEMPT
ing to carry out his former pledges in re-
gard to civil service reform, but as all his
appointments, and his nominations to Office
which required senatorial confirmation,
were made in the interest of those who
had helped him to office or were to be re.
warded as personal friends, even his
civil service reform has fallen into de-
served disrepute, and his endeavors in
that direction have apparently ceased,
Civil service reform was made merely the
means of getting his personal friends and
faVorites into office, and this too in some
cases IN open disregard of personal fitness
and against the personal remonstranees of
influential and prominent republicans.
The senate soon tired of civil service re-
orm which had no higher end in view.
and brought this one sided rewarding of
mere personal retainers to a sudden end. |
The amiable obstinacy of the president
vas forced to succumb and the senate |
compelled him to yield submission to sen
ltorlal preferences. The man of all others
Who first and most openly opposed the
course OF the president was Senator Copk
ing, and the spoils of the New York Gus
om house became the bone of contention
oyer which the contest first assumed
iehnlte shape and form. As all the world
Knows Conkling gained complete victory,
Ind with it such perfect mastery of the
that his subsequent course IN the
enate has been one of undisguised con-
empt for the occupant of the White
louse. Mr. Conkling's victory achieved
Iurlng the present session of congress has
'een one of the most complete ever gained
y the senate, or by any combination
I senators, and it has borne its fruits. It |:
las made ConkliDg the leader and master
t his party in the senate, and apparently
he leader of the party throughout the
ountry. The note of triumph and of de
ance was clear and distinct when Conk
ng declared that the fraud and corruption ,
Hayes and his coterie in connection
nth Louisiana, if known to the public :
'ouid be sufficient to cover him with i
hame and lnfamy. a