The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-11-03
senator conhiins in the state Cam


Senator ConkIing in the state Cam
Mr.. Conkling has borne a less con-
spicuous part in the canvass now about
to close than was expected OF him by
friends and foes. His successful effort to
nut MIR. Cornell at the head of the State
ticket seemed to commit him to most
energetic participation in the canvass. He
has disappointed expectation in doing
so little for candidate whom he
not only forced upon the party, but
is understood to have forced upon
the strenuous body of his own attached
supporters. Even General Arthur qnes-
toned the expediency of nominating Mr..
Cornell, and is understood to have con-
sented to it at last only on the condition
that Senator Conkling would devote all his
zeal and eloquence to its support before
the people. General Arthur seemed to APP
prehend that the administration at
Washington and its supporters IN
this State would give such candidate the
cold shoulder; that the election of Mr..
Cornell would be more than doubtful, and
that it would require the utmost exertion
of Senator Conkling's talents to save him.
The result shows that Mr.. Conkling is a
more astute politician than any of his
lieutenants Having succeeded in nomi-
mating Mr. Cornell the canvass was found
to take care of itself.
The most surprising feature Of this truly
remarkable canvass is the strong support
given to Mr.. Cornell by President Hayes
and the leading members of his admins
tration. What was less to have been ex-
pected than that Secretary Evarts would
come to New York to speak in be-
half of Senator Conklings nominee. and
that Secretary Sherman would advocate
the election of former subordinate, whom
Office as a means of rectifying abuses?
There was no necessity for strenuous exer-
tons on the part of Senator Conkling after
his candidate was SO cordially accepted by
those from whom GOODNESS at least, if not
active opposition, was expected. Was
Mr. Conkling shrewd enough to fore
see this result? Perhaps it re-
quired no great amount of foresight.
He knew we'll enough that no republican
candidate for the Presidency could be in
different to the success of the party in New
York. We have had every leading aspirant
here making speeches for Mr.. Cornell,
in spite Of the awkwardness of such
a course to some Of them. If New
York is lost none of them could
afford to have it said that it was lost in
consequence of their negligence or indiffer-
ence. On the other hand, if New York is
saved every aspirant to the republican NOM
ination would naturally wish to share the
credit of having contributed to the re-
suit. Accordingly Mr.. Sherman has made
one of his most dexterous, Mr.. Evarts
one of his most witty, Mr.. Blaine one Of his
most powerful and captivating speeches to
promote the election of Cornell. Instead
of trying to mortify Senator Conkling by
defeating the candidate whose nomination
he forced in such apparent contempt
and defiance of the administration they
have all turned in as one man to
help him. Horace Walpole once said, with
his usual felicity OF phrase, "This is Pitts
doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes,"
We may transfer the same phrase to Conk-
ling. During this singular canvass he must
have felt a grim satisfaction in seeing
Evarts, Sherman and Blaine doing his work
for him and making any efforts of his own
needless.
Mr.. Conkling is personally responsible
for no part of the ticket except Mr.. Cornell,
and Mr.. Cornell is the only part Of it
which seems reasonably certain to be
elected. Mr.. Curtis, who advises the
scratching of Cornell, has unwarily sepa-
rated himself from the other supporters of
President Hayes. He stands in political
isolation. He has destroyed his chances
of being delegate to the Republic
can National Convention and has put
himself outside of politics, or at least out
side of his party, for the present. Senator
Conkling will not regard his triumph as
any the less gratifying in seeing Mr. Curtis
thus left out in the cold. Luck seems to
favor Senator Conkling; but what We call
luck perhaps consists in the quick sagaciiy
which sees opportunities and the skill and
courage which seize and profit by them.
Why the Ctes Rebelled.