New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-05-31
THE ANTI-GRANT SIDE WINNING.

has become less defiant. The cOlored dele
gates are changing sides.
THE ANTI-GRANT SIDE WINNING.
SENATOR CAMERON YIELDING ON THE UNIT RULE
GENERAL GARFIELD ORGANIZES AN ANTI-GRANT
MOVEMENT AGAINST 1.-THE TEMPORARY
CHAIRMANsHIP VIRTUALLY wREsrED FROM THE
GRANT MEN.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNR.l
CHICAGO, May Ex-senator Cameron has ap-
parently been very much disturbed to-day at the
threatening attitude of tho National Committee to-
ward him. Two or three days ago, when 1t was
first seriously proposed among the ant-Grant peo-
pie to adopt effective measures to prevent MIR.
Cameron from placing the machinery Of the Con"
vention in the hands Of the thirdterm party by the
enforcement Of INIT rule in the preliminary pro-
ceedngs, the Senator was defiant. he refused to
say to any one what. course he should
pursue in case the question should arise,
and remarked that he should not cross the
bridge until he came to 1t. He should
perform the duties incident to his position in
cordance with his own judgment. He would not be
driven out of the Craftsmanship of the National
Committee for political reasons, although he would
resign il q majority of the committee desired to
have him do so. At that time he evidently felt
strong In the official position he occupied and did
not believe that a majority Of the committee could
DO induced to interfere with him. either to instruct
or remove him.
The events of yesterday and last night have made
q deep impression upon Senator Cameron, and con-
vinced him not only that majority of the committee
is not in accord with him. but that its temper is
such that it will not be tried with. majority Of
the committee is not only anxious to take the most
effective measures to prevent the third-term men
from gaining an unfair advantage. but most of that
majority are so indignant the very suggestion
that they are eager to resort to heroic treatment
and turn Mr.. Cameron out Of the chaIrmanship OF
the committee without ceremony, and would do so
if it were not for the influence Of moro cOolheaded
and prudent advisers. They say that they will mob
trust Mr.. Cameron that the only safe course will
be to fire him out" In advance, to use the slang
common in the hotel corridors to-day.
Early this forenoon Mr.. Cameron began to send
for members of the National Committee, and to talk
over with them the questions that are discussed
with so much vehemence on all sides. He opened
the conversation with one member Of the commit
tee from Southern State which has sent Grant
delegation here, but who himselfis Blaine man,by
asking HIM if the chairman Of his State delegation
would not make good temporary chairman.
"No. sir,n replied the committeeman, with q great
deal of emphasis. He remarked later in the day.
when describing the interview, that Mr.. Cameron
must have thought that he batting his hook for
n gudgeon. Senator Cameron expressed the hope
that there would be no trouble or division in the
National Committee but left the impression on his
visitors mind that he proposed to drive bis policy
through unless he was fOrcibly prevented
Another member Of the committee who arrived
to-day received two kilograms from Senator Cam
eron before he reached Chicago, and message to
call on him this afternoon In the course Of the con-
versation which took place Mr. Cameron showed
very plainly he dreaded the conflict which he
seemed TO anticipate. He said without equivoca-
tion that he did not believe that the commit
tee had any right to instruct him in relation to his
duties IN calling the Convention to ORDER and that
he should not feel bound to obey any of it's direc
tions, At the same time he expressed wish that 3
conflict might be avoided If possible, and
asked the gentleman if he did not think
fbat the friends Of the leading rival
candidates could agree upon some man TO act as
temporary chairman and thus prevent contest
over that election. During the interview the con-
vorsation drifted into discussion Of the qualities
of the several candidates, and the gentleman came
away impressed with the belief that Mr. Cameron
did not feel much confidence in the ability OF the
third.term managers to secure General Grants
nomination. The Senator spoke Of Mr.. Edmunds
as stronger in the East than IN the West, and in
deed as rather o weak candidate on this side
Washburne aud the elements of strength which
he possesscs mentioning especially his popularity
among The German-Americans. Speaking OF Mr..
Blaine Senator Cameron said that he had made q
mistake in interfering in General Grants own State,
and added that neither Of the other candidates had
attempted to prevent Mr.. Blaine from carrying
Maine solid, and he (Cameron) had advised the
Grant mon to keep their hands off Of Ohio. The
replied that when the nomination |
depended on the vote of Illinois, Mr. Blaines friends
we're Obliged to make o fight there give up the
contest. Besides it was not great virtue for the
Grant men not to mako demonstration in Maine |
OF Ohio, in neither Of which States had Grant (
enough supporters to carry Congressional District
if indeed he had enough to carry a single county.
To another member of the National Committee, |
who is believed to have o leaning toward Mr.. Ed |
muuds. Mr.. Cameron Is reported to have suggested
that Senator Edmunds desires the nomination of
General Grant because be believes him to be the |
stronRest candidate, and that Mr.. Edmunds's
friends therefore, ought not to join with the anti
Grant people in any effort to defeat him. From
these conversations, and from many other signs, 1t
ia very apparent that Senator Cameron is very |
anxious to escape conflict with the National Com
mittee, and at the same time that ne 10 unwilling
TO surrender any advantage which MS posltion |
gives him. He appreciates how importantlt IS thae |
tho thrd-term managers shall DO In position 70
force through any programme they may agree upon, |
and vet he fears that the National Committee may |
take the power away from them.
AN ANTI-THIRD-TERM CONFERENCE.
While Senator Cameron has been quietly at work |
bv the peculiar methods Of which he Is such |
master. the anti-Grant people have not been
idle. meeting Of some Of the friends OF
Blaine, Sherman, Edmunds and Washburne was
held at the Grand Pacific Hotel this morning TO con-
slider the plan suggested by General Garfield, and
outlined in dispatch to THE TRIBUNE last night.
Among those present were Messrs. Hale, Hamhn'
Fr1e. William T.. Chandler, General Heath and B.
w Huston of Michigan. Rusk Of Wisconsin, and |