New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-06-01
AN ANTI.GRANT CONFERENCE.
MAJORITY OF THg NATIONAL COMMITTEE DE-
NoUNCE THE UNIT RULE-THEY TAKE STEPS
TO INSURE FAIR PLAY IN THE CONVENTION.

NoUNoE THE UNIT RuLE-THEY TAKE STEPS
TO INSURE FAIR PLAY IN THE CONVENTION.
lax TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUEBl
CHICAGO May 31.-Tbe attempt that was made
yesterday to bridge over possible trouble in the
| temporary organization of the Convention on
Wednesday by having an agreement in advance by
| the leading factions upon some candidate for tenn
| porary chairman who should be acceptable to all
was not successful. Although Mr. Conkling, when
the subject was brought to his attention, spoke OF
II as matter of no consequence and one that could
be easily arranged, his followers probably by his
advice, refused to accept either Of the gentlemen
whose names had been suggested, but said that
there were others, any one OF whom they would
agree to. No compromise which gave the Grant
men the choice of q temporary chairman could, Of
course be accepted by the anti-third-term party.
They are in a majority IN the National Committee,
and they think they will also be able TO control the
Convention. They can, therefore, choose tenn
porary chairman without consulting the wishes OF
Senators Conkling and Cameron and their assOci-
ates, and it was great concession to the latter to
submit names to them at all. 1t was done solely in
the interest of harmony.
As soon as it became apparent that the Grant men
did not intend to accept the olive branch held out
to them, the anti Grant members of the National
Committee arranged for O conference, In order that
some definite place Of procedure might be agreed
upon TO be follow ed in the meeting Of the National
Committee tonight The conference was rather
slow in assembling, and there was a little tempo
rary alarm at the non-appcaraEce of several OF the
Southern members, who had given assurances that
they would act with the anti-thirdterm people, but
who it was said. had been seen in conference with
the Grant leaders. The air has, indeed, been full Of
rumors for the last two days of peculia: and cgt-
male influences to be used to win Southern delcga-
tions to the hirdtcrm cause. and it was, for tine
feared that the detection had really begun.
The alarm was only temporary. The Southern
men finally appeared, little late to be suro, and
the meeting was called to order The following
named members of the committee were present:
Haralson, Alabama Jewell, Connecticut; Finneil
Kentucky; Devaux, Georgia; Martin, Kausasi Root,
eaihs Michigan Forbes Massachusetts AvcrlI Min
nesota Buchanan, Mssissippi; Chandler Ncw-Iamp-
Oregon; Colbnr, Vermont; Mason West Virginia Aid.
rich, Rhode Island Enos Wisconsin,; McCornlck. Arr
Beaitic. Montana; Ekins, New.Mcxco; Mcfridc Utah
Jacobs, Washington Territory; Carry, Wyoming.
The meeting lasted about three hours, and all the
questions likely to arise in the National Committee
tonight were fully discussed. The form of the call
for the National Convention, recognizing rs it does
the doctrine of district representation instead of
that Of States exclusively, fully considered
and unanimously approved. This call, written by
George C, Gorhanl, Of California. and signed by
Senator Cameron aud Secretary Keogh has given
the Grant men end of trouble. When it was
prepared, no one, OF course, anticipated that the
adoption and enforcement of a unit rule would be-
come a question of such vital Importance in the
Convention. carefully drawn resolution was pre-
pared. approving the form of the CALL and it was
unanimously agreed that it should be presented to
the committee tonight for its adoption.
The next subject considered was the unit rule.
On This question the gentlemen present were equally
agreed. A resolution embodying their views was
submitted and adopted. 1t recites the precedents
established by the National Conventions from the
organization of the Republican party to the pres
ent The refusal of all previous Conventions to
recognize as binding upon district delegates the In
structons given them by State Conventions. or to
enforce any orders made by the same body that
the delegation vote as a unit, are noted. In
view Of this unbroken line of precedents. the
resolution declares that tie right Of every
individual delegate to cast his vote in
accordance with his own judgment is one that has
always been Recognized in National Republican
Conventions, and that IL ought now TO be main
tanned. This resolution will also be presented to