New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-10-10
RCSCOE Combines TRAITS OF CHAR
ACTER.

From The Hour.
Senator Copkling was born 1929 at Albany. where
his father. Judge Conkiing, then resided. lie
received an academic education, stusled law, and
went TO Utica IN le46. There he has resided evei
since. :.
Judge Conkline had three sons Aurelian. Ro scOe
and Frederick. They all grew TO be men of fine
appearance and great physical strength Anrelian
the largest OF the brothers. being tOnsidrraDly
over six feet iii height, d-shouldered, and 0i
powerful build. Even in early life they were all
men of strong character, OF remarkable self-rell-
ance and inclined to be disputatious. They were
politicians before they were voters. and az they
never agreed about politics among themselves, 1t
used to he said of them that thew were too ndepen-
dent to belong to the same party. Aurelian acted
with the Democracy. while Roscoe was wing; IN
clincd toward Sewardisn, and FREDERICK Silver
Grey" Aurelian died many years ago, roscoe Is az
the head of the Republican party, and colonel
Frederick A. Conklng. after afhliating with the
Liberal Republicans is now III accord WITH the
Roscoe Conkling became prominent at the bar
when quite young lawyer He hlled the Once OIL
District-Attorney In Oneida county III Io33 when u
only twenty-one years of age. He was Mayor OF
the City Of Utica eight years later lie was always
an effective speaker, and took an active part III
politics His boldness made HIM popular with his
associates of his own age while his dignifed style
and sound sense recommended him to those OF more
advanced years and wider experience. On one oc-
casion when Roscoe was quite yonng. bis father.
Judge Conkllng, was announced to speak at po-
ltical meeting in Livingston County. When he
came forward on the platform, the chairman IN
troduced him az Judge Conkling. the father OF
Roscoe COnkling." The Judges dignity was
attended and after the meeting he took the chair
man TO task for the manner of the introduction.
The old saying "llke father like son. certainly
holds good in the of the COnkllng family. The
old Judge was proud, reserved. and uncOncerned
al out the good opinion of Others, and his sons in
berited this disposition. Aurelian was the most
companion able of the three but even he had an APP
pearance of haughtin ess which was repellant to
strangers. Roscoe Conkling's lofty bearing has
been often criticised yet his seeming arrogance dis
appears among his friends. and he possesses In no
ordinary degree the qualities of charming com
panion He is a sturdy hatcr and makes no effort
to conceal his feelings when he dlslikes person.
"Expediency is word not to be fOund IN his
vocabulary He would not conceal or repIess his
were the assured price of dissnu ation. HIS
friendship is as steadfast and loyal his enmity is
bold and uncompr0mislng.
He makes il "a rule OF iife never TO accept any
favor or attention involving the expenditure Of
money except in the way of that social intercourse
which is usual among all classes Not long since.
on the occasion of visit to this CITY he was down
on Wall-st. in company with State oincer and
another friend They were going up to the Fifth
Avenue Hotel and .he State officer called a hack,
made bargain with the driver to take them for
dollar and half, and when they reached the
hotel paid the man that amount. Mr. COnklng
drew 80 cents from his pocket and handed IT to the
State officer who expressed an unwllhngness TO
receive it. Sir" said the Senator. always pay
my own hack hire You will lie good enough to
take that money! The tone was unmistakale,
and the silver coin was quietly transferred to the
State officers pocket. Mr.. Conklmg carries the
trenes that when attending political meeting lie
will not allow hotel bill, railroad fare or even
the price of conveyance, 10 be settled except out
of his own pocket.