New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-09-27
THE SPIRIT OF THE CONVENTION.
The SFlhll Of 1hE UNIV ENAAON'
A STRIKING CONTRAST TO THE DIsoRDERLY PRO-
cEEDINGs AT sYRACUsE-GREAT INTEREST IN
TIE Observation-Disclosures APPLAUDEp.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

CEFDINGS AT SGRACUSE-GREAT lNIhkEoi IN
TIE sPERCHEs-LEADERs APPLAUDEp.
BY TELEGRAPH TRIBUNE.I
SARATOGA, N Y, Sept 26.-Whle to the in
different observer the proceedings of to-days con-
ventiop with the exception of the notable speeches
of Senator Conkling and Mr.. Curtis may have
seemed tame and uninteresting, they were full of
hope for earnest Republicans by reason of the very
harmony which deprived them of incident. There
was absolute harmony from the beginning to the
end except in the choice of candidate for Judge
of the Court Of Appeals, and there the difference
was as between friends. There was only one vote
taken during the day and that was the first and
only ballot for candidate The platform
was adopted unanimously, both by the com
mittee and the convention. Mr. Curtis, who was the
chief person from whom opposition if there was to be
any, was to be expected the sole speaker in its
favor, and Senator COnklings speech was received
with acclamatiOns from his opponents as well as
from his friends. There was no Conkling can
didate for Judge, and no anti-COnkling candidate.
The good temper of the convention was not for
moment disturbed by any of It's members, and the
delegates dispersed not only with the best of feel
ings towards each other but in the strong convic-
ton that fol the first time in several years the Re
publican ticket has had an excellent prospect of
beng elected
When the chairman of the committee on resolu-
Qress at Syracuse as cOntrasted with the conduct
of this convention he expressed thought that was
in the minds of many. Not only in the harmony of
its proceedings but in the character of its member
ship was this gathering striking contrast to that
in Syracuse 1t was subject of general remark, not
so much among the delegates as among outsiders
who were more likely to be disnterested. that this
was one of the most intelligent and thoroughly
respectable Republican Conventions of recent years.
- NS.uO
machine has some reason to be proud of its manu-
facture.
The keynote of the campaign was struck as soon
as the chairman's gavel fell. When Mr. SmYth
called the convention to order and asked what its
pleasure was, there was q somewhat unusual pro-
ceeding. Instead of having the customary
nouncement by the chairman Of the State Commit
tee that temporary chairman had been named by
the committee Henry K. Pierson, of Albany, rose
and made brief address When he said that the
convention had met in grave .criss and thati the
ouestion which it must face was whether the Nation
should pay ITS honest debts in honest coin, there
was great outburst of applause which was re-
peated when be declared that the time had come
to place the Republican party of New-York in the
front rank in this great contest. He moved that as
the shortest method of expressing their sentiments
they make Senator COnkling both temporary and
permanent president of the convention, a motion
on which the vote consisted of series of cheers.
Mr.. CoNKIING's SPEECH.
When Mr.. Conkling appeared on the platform he
was greeted with standing cheer. As soon as the
enthusiasm of bis followers had subsidized he began
his speech with that deliberate and impressive
utterance which always commands the keen atten-
ton of his hearers. But it was by no means such
speech as that at Rochester last year. That was
made at night In the glare of hundred gas jets
and before a brilliant audience closely packed In
greatha that to-day was made in the gray day
light with sullen sky outside and inside arespon-
sve but not an electric audience. Audiences do not
thrill easily at IL o'clock IN the morning. Then,
too there was none Of that intense hostility which
sureharged the atmosphere at Rochester last year.
What there had been here had been carefully
drawn off by the usual conductors, and the air was
comparatively lifeless 1t was public and not
personal speech, and there was no chance to show
feeling if there had been feeling to show. Then,
too its oratOrcal effect was considerably marred by
the necessity under which Senator Conkling la
bored Of having TO read the greater part Of
il from proofs. If there any therefore, among
the spectators who had come with the expectation
Of witnessing any such vivid display Of oratory as
that OF last year, they must have been 5orey dis
appointed.
But to the convention the speech was thoroughly
acceptable and was received with every demOnstTa-
iOurnment the address was everywhere commended
not only as the most prudent speech Mr.. Conklmg
had ever made, as regards his abstinence from all
illusions to vexed questions, but as an admirable
campaign document for the instruction of doubtful
voters. The moderation and good temper with
which it discussed the doctrines of the inatiOnists
WereeulOgized by many who accustomed to criti-
else Mr.. COnkling-thOugh they usually act with
him--as tine very wisest method of conducting such
debate. A flaming speech denOuncing the sup
porters Of all such ideas, it was said might have
been hailed as a moro pronounced declara-
ton for hard money, but its arguments
could not have been so effective IN exposing the
sophistries of the new school OF finance. AS an
Illustration of the favor with which 1t was received
i need only be said that when the Senator con-
siaded he was rewarded with a long cheer. many
delegates rising to join in it, among whom Mr..
curtis himself. while George II. Forster was among
those who cheered the loudest. The speech gave
ali the denial which was needed to the rumOrs that
mad found their way even into some Republican
newspapers that Mr. COnkling was preparing to
Heoge on finance in order to conelliate the Green
hackers.
must not be supposed, however, that the
speech ran on over one unbroken level. There was
ne same force of gesture and significance in nfee-
s.On as fit had been freely spoken and there was
oue amusing interruption, which the Senator turned
- good account. 1t occurred when he was showing
.ow many million dollars more In coin the present
contracted currency is worth than was the expanded
slsncy Of the war. when o person arose near
- PACK end Of the hail. and asked how that
e-sa'ed the workinRman. His anxiety about the
s1ngnan must have been entirely unsel6sh, for
~oAAo nothing Of the appearance Of one, and If no
60. son OF toll he had found the profession suf-
too -