The New York herald., 1879-08-26
POLITICS AT THE SPRINGS
COLLECTOR MERRITT'S VIEWS.
The Probable Complexion of the Re-
publican Convention.
CONKLING AND CORNELL
A Quiet Rebuke of the Admins
tration Contemplated.
AVENGING THE VICTIMS.


than over the foreshadowings of the democratic
gathering at Syracuse. the near approach of the
meeting of the former body brings it into promi-
nence as a topic OF conversation and conjecture
among the politicians
The question TO what influence will predonl-
inate in the republican Convention is scarcely an
open Mr.. Conkling will beyond doubt be the
monarch of all he surveys. There has virtually
been no fight against him in the State. The
Borehead clique in the city that has been
chronically crying out against "dictation"
has really no strength there. and is not known in
tho rural districts. It's leaders are without fol-
lowers. and except in single district. they have
never been able to accomplish the election of
single delegate against tho regular organization.
The administration republicans, far respect
able opposition. have stood aloof and done abso-
lutcly nothing toward gaining strength i'll the Con-
vention. Hence Senator Conkling is the undisputcd
leader OF the delegates who will assemble in Sara
toga on the I'D of September, and the only inquiry
Of interest is How will he his power and on what
line will he decide to fight the worry important battle
OF the present year? 4
COLLECTOR MERRITT IN SARATOGA.
Collector Merritt was seated in the court room in
the City Hall yesterday morning, listening to the
sparring between President Jewet of the Erie Bail
way. and Mr.. Simon Sterne. the ambitious volunteer
who has undertaken tho somewhat difficult task of
settling the freight tariff difficulty and managing all
the railroads Of the State equitable principles in
the interests of the public Afew minutes converse
on disclosed the fact that Collector Merritt is in
terested in the commerce of the State and in the
medicinal qualities of the various mineral springs,
and that his visit to Saratoga has no connection
whatever with political matters. Nevertheless,
General Merritt is plain, blunt man. who does not
hesitate to state his honest views on any public
question when they are asked.
Tho overshadowing Importance Of the approach
ing election to the interests Of the republican
party" he said els unquestionable. and my belief
is that the Convention will be composed of men of
Intelligence and integrity. whose will be die
tated by an honest for the good Of the
party and of the country. Tho delegates will, no
doubt. be generally what known as Conkling
men; but they will also be republicans. and hope
and believe that their object and tho object of their
leader will be to select candidates who will give
strength to the party through their merits"
''Win the administration republicans have
fsvorite candidate in the Convention?"
81 suppose all republicans administration re-
publicans in fact. although some may have real or
fancied grievances as must always be the where
patronage has to be dispensed Certainly the federal
officers will have candidate because they are faith
full to the policy of the administration which objects
to having any local candidates. AS for myself have
taken no part whatever i'll the election of delegates
and shall take none in shaping the action of the
Convention. If 1 had not been officer
OF the general government should, an
active politician. have entered warmly into the can
this year, being impressed with its impor-
tance and with a OF the danger that, should
the republicans lose New York this year, the enc
mics OF the Union may obtain control of the federal
government next year. But as do not desire to use
the federal patronage Tor political purpose hold
nloof from the preliminary work of the campaign.
have confidence, however, in the good sense and
n, ,f
cations, except i'll few instances where they have
been instructed for Mr.. Starin. will come to this
place free to act rs their judgment Dictates and be-
eve they will select candidates, personal
sderations to crafty secret malice i'll WILL but
for the good OF the party with view to carrying
the State"
will the republicans receive aid from the dissat
isfed portion of the democratic party?
ut Is probable that some idea OF that kind may
have entered some republican minds but the sooner
they get rid OF it the better it will be for their party
The democrats will have quarrel in their Conyen-
Ton that Will prove or any value aid to the
publicans."
''Or course you are not here on political business
General?'
"Of course not. The fact is, this is only flying
visit came late last night and leave tomorrow
morning. Not much time this for political busi-
ness. especially have not talked with politi-
clan yet naturally feel deep interest in tho ap-
proaching election because know it one OF great
importance to the party but must trust the good
sense ofthe active workers to give US ticket that
cess on its ers wthent Puse au to nns sue
hope OF aid from the democracy
Despite General Merritt's hopefulncss It seems to
be toloraby certain that the nomination of the Rc-
publican Convention will have in 1t some spice OF
malice toward the administration. Unless some
change takes place between this time and the meet
Ing OF tho Convention. OIL September 3, growing out
OF tho increasing prospect of settlement Of the
democratic difficulties and the retiremcnt of Gov.
prnor Robinson, Nr. A. b. Cornell will most likely
be tho republican nominee for Governor cioss
friend OF senator Conkiing and General Arthur de-
Bcribes tho situation rs follows:--
''Senator Conkiing insists that while the admins
In lRafd du a. Crs&.r
eame over to the side OF the staiwart republicans
Its previous efforts TO destroy the republican party
tnd build up sometnng else ON its ruins should not
bo forgotten and the earnest efforts of those who
stood In the breach to defend and preserve the old
organization which had saved the Union should not
go unrecognized or uniewarded. Two individuals
who did excellent service in defeating attempt to
der the federal government and sacrificed their
own interests for the salvation OF the party.
They were marked for destruction by the
sngered administration. and removed
from their positions in the teeth OF tho
civil service reform prctensions Of the administra-
tion. Ono OF theso was Collector Arthur and the
other Naval Ofhcer Cornell. Senator Conkling pro-
eorrcd that G~i.eral Arthur should be tho candidate
for Governor asd in this he was backed by tho most
influential republican politicians in tho State Gen.
era Arthur would no doubt have had much strength,
the leading republican journals. as well as the work
tion. But he very positively declined to be
didate. There were dissensions in New York
tho Importance or which ho greatly exaggor-
sted. aud he did not desire to put himself for
ward ut such a crisis In tho rartys history at tho
FISK OF tho slightest want OF harmony
IN tho ranks. 1t would have been an
easy matter for him to have elected u
large majority OF the delegates. including solid
vote from New York city, but he positively refused
10 go into tho canvass ut ali. Mr.. Cornell remains,
anu MIR. Conkling now thinks II duo to that gentle
man, as well as to the principles bo represents and
to which he made martyr. that ho shall DO the
republican nominee"
WILL SENATOR coNKLISe COME TO THE rRoNr2
1t will be seen from these remarks, which arc from
Aroiiabe source that Mr. Cornell Is at the present
moment Senator Conkling's choice for Goyernor II
Is very well known that there is feeling against
MIR. Cornell, however, and while the Senator's adj
vice will bc followed the question IL asked Will he
come to the front and make such a fight for Cornell
as will render ii certain that ho really desires that
candidates nomination. prominent republican,
alludang to this matter, to-day said: -
"a great many people who don't want Cornell
And regard him az weak candidate will not credit
ceivc the nomination unless he comes to tho front
aud demands IL. doubt the cxpedioncy of nomi-
mating Cornell myself and certainly shall not beeye