, 1881-04-03
CUNNING CONK.

Row HIS vAuLrIS>i AMBITION o'ERLEAP
ITSELF, AND FELL UPON THE OTHER SIDE
OF THE CUsTOM-uoUSE.
Special Dtspareh to The Chicago 1Stbuns-
NEW YORK, April IA story that appears
to be we'll authenticated is told here to the
effect that the recent appointments OF Col
1ector Merritt and Judge Robertson were
really due to cunning plot OF Senator
Conkling, which overreached itself. When
Conkltng had his long Sunday talk with
President Garfield about the New York ap-
pointments,-so the story goes,-he named
the Stalwarts whom he would like to till the
vacant places, and was agreeably surprised
to find the President ready and willing to ac-
cede to his request IN each case. Encouraged
by this he ventured, after long pause to
speak about the Custom-House, but only to
the extent of saying that he supposed Mr.
piration Ut his term, unless, indeed la1ld this
was said in careless way), lie should prefer
an acpointment abroad in lieu Of his present
place. This remark, intended to draw the
Mr. Garfield than that he did not contem-
plate any change in the Custon-House az
present, unless in the event OF Mr.. Merrltt's
resignation.
THIS Is ALL THAT WAS SAID
about the Custonl-Housc.
As soon as the "Stalwart" appointments
had been sent to the Senate Mr. Conklng
wrote a letter to Merritt, in Which he said
that it was understood in Washington that
changes we're to be made in the Custom
House, and that, as Mr. Merritt desired all
appointment abroad, it would afford MN
(Conlling) great pleasure to give him all the
aid in his power. On receiving this letter.
which was sent by special messenger, Mer.
ritt thought, as most of the 'halt-breeds !"
did at that time, that every thing had been
Collector were numbered. Instead Of com
muuicating with Conkling, however, he sat
down and wrote letter to the President, i'll
which he said it had been intimated to him
and asking If it would be agreeable to tender
him the London Consulship.
THE PRESIDENT REGARDED THIS AS A v1H-
TUAL RESIGNATION
of Aferritt's position as Collector, and he fol-
lowed it up the very next day by sending in
his name as Consul to o-LOnd0n. accompanied
by Judge Robertson's name for Collector III
his place. -...-,
Merritt was delighted at the prompt grant
ing of his request; but OIL visiting Washing
ton and learning that change in the Col.
lcctorship had not been contemplated until
he suggested it, his joy was materially less
"smeli rat.' It was too late. however, to
get out of the trap into which he was led by
Conkling, and he was distinctly informed
that it was the Consulsllip to London or moth
ing so far as he was concerned.
Is for Senator Conklins, those who are ac-
ouaintcd with the facts are Inclined to think
tfat the less be says about the subject the
better. He succeeded in creating yaca 1lcy II
the Collectors Office, but the plot 1dnt w15e p5s
shaif-breeds y say he has no occasion to
blame the President, WHO acted in straight
forward manner from the beginning. oen,
ator ConlsIing HOW wonders WHY Merritt did
not wri1e to him instead of the President
AN ALBANY SPECIAL
says: :" It is believed here that unless positive i
con1rary, no effort will be made to pass the
resolution reconsiderug the, vote approving
KObertson's nomination and recommending
his confirmation. Two Stalwarts who voted
for the motion as it lies OH the table to-day
assured me taat 1ney, would not @ vote to re- re-,
consider the action Of the Assembly II the
resolution was taken from the table. News
they nave received from their districts con
vinces them that they will not be sustained e, IN
making fight for Conllinc against the Pres
ifif1ltH