New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-20
~ FENrON CONFIRNIEn.

"''
Mr.. FENrON CONFIRMED.
ARguARKABLE FIGHr Is TIIE SENATE IL WHICH
NR. CoNKLtNG CARRIES TIRE DAY FOR FENTON-
GPoEsBECK AND WALKER ALSO CONFIRMED.
Thy rEIEdRAru TO THE rRmUEEl
WASHINGTON, June 10.-The most important
action taken in executive session to-day was on the
nominations OF ex-senator Fenton, Mr.. Groesbeck
aud Mr. f. A. Walker, to represent the United
States in the Monetary Conference, provided for in
the Silver bill
A good deal of opposition to the three gentlemen
was expressed to-day on both sides of the chamber
The case of Ex-Governor Fsnton was first taken up,
hut II was laid aside temporarily, and the case Of
Mr. Groesbeck considered. This gentleman was
confirmed without division. All opposition ceased
when certain explanations were made and certain
papers exhibited which showed the information and
opinions of the gentlemen. subsequently Mr..
Walkers nomination was taken up and confirmed.
The appointment Of Ex-Governor FentOn seems to
have been Objectionable from the start to those who
originated and voted for the clause in the
Silver law providing for the commission. The
Finance Committee was opposed to ex- Governor Fen
ton, and at first was not very favorable to any Of
The nominees The chairman and some other mem-
bers of the committee called on the President and
stated their views but the President did not see &c
to make any changes
When, therefore the appointment OF Ex-Governor
Feuton was taken up this afternoon, There was very
general opposition Nearly all the Senators eX-
pressed their ideas of what required of tho
commissioners. Inasmuch as the United states
had proposed the conference, 10 was said
il was Of the highest importance that
the seutiment OF the bin should be
represented by the commission, and IL was thought
that no doubt ought TO exist as TO their opinions.
40 a.
gonally. On the contrary, ho was spoken of in the
highest terms of respect but the silver did not
seem to be satisfied in regard TO his position on tho
silver question, aud they were not willing to
take any chances. Mr. C0ulling was not present
during the discussion. After a long consideration,
during which no Senator spoke In favor of the con-
hrmation. the nomination was rejected but ont Of
consideration for the distinguished nominee no vote
was taken by yeas and nays, and the Senators gem
orally wanted understood that the rejection carried
with it no disfavor of the Senate.
The President, who has occupied his room at the
Capitol all day was quickly informed Of the action
of the Senate. and during the evening sent iu the
name Of Charles b. Lawrence, Of Illinois, formerly @
member Of Congress, and more recently brought
into prominence as member of the Louisiana Com
mission.
1890 A. N-The most extraordinary executive
session Of the Senate has just closed When the
last session closed early in the evening Ex-Governor
Fenton was rejected aud Mr. Lawrence nominated
in his place SIR Coukng was absent during thecon-
sideration of Ex-Governor FcutOn's name, and when
be returned he learned that bis former colleague had
been rejected. lie became very much annoyed at
this action and pronounced it a snap judgment The
name Of Judge Lawrence was then taken up for
consideration, but there was very little prospect Of
his confirmation, and the further consideration
Nv Ia lfrI0
being necessary to carry him over to the next
session The Senate then went into legislative
session, and then Immediately back again TO execu-
tive session Several votes followed, and Mr.
Conklings friends, the friends Of the Administra-
ton and the friends Of Ex-Governor Fenton united
for the first time
Senators Morrill,, Burnside, Hoar and other gem
tlemen sought the President in his room and urged
the withdrawal of Judge Lawrence. Mr. Conkling
was open in his advocacy Of this course, and so
many seemed 10 be ina favor Of 10 that the President
acceded aud Ex-Governor FcntOn's name was re-
turned.
A dozen roll-calls for as many different objects
followed. Speeches for and against Ex-Governor Fen
ton weremade. aud finally, to the surprise Of every
body. and u silence the most profound Mr.
Conkliog took the floor. A more powerful
speech was never made in executive session
Considering the previous relations existing between
Mr. ConkEng and ex Governor FeutOn, the speech
was especially astonishing He not only advocated
the confirmation Of Ex-Governor Fenton but he
threw himself with an his power and eloqucnce into
the personal defence Of the nominee, and said
he should not be struck down as distinguished
citizen Of New-York without his honest protest.
Heappeaed personally TO Senators. calling their at
teution 70 Governor Fentons services to theState
end Nation and said ne would fan short Of his duty
did he fail to speak in Nr. Fentou's behalf Mr.
Conlling outdid himself ia earnestness and force,
and his speech IS spoken of as far Outstrippng m
power and eloquehco hisdeence Of Collector Arthur
and Naval Officer Cornell several months ago.
Az half-past ~ q vote was taken and Mr.. FeutOu
was confirmed by two majority the vote standing
rs 20 -. motion was subsequently made to re-
consider, but this was promptly tabled.