New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-04

to be close and exciting. If the COnkling leaders
succeed in making the fusion they desire. the final
contest will probably, from present appearances
narrow down to these two-the CoDklng candidate
and Mr.. Depew.
Who the Conkling candidate is likely to be is as
dark yet as ever. Some say Mr.. Platt, and many
Mr.. Morton, and few Governor Cornell. But it is
not apparent that anybody really knows. 1t will
not be easy to get Mr.. Platt out of the way, Mr.
Crowley if the show the atters candidacy makes is
a reality. There was furry of Crowley talk thin
morning. well-known Conkling man said that
General Arthur earnestly desired Mr.. Crowley's
election. This is generally believed. with the COM
paniOn statement that Governor Cornell is just as
warmly in favor Mr.. Patt. This gentleman went
on TO predict that Speaker Sharpe would pack the
committees in Mr. Crowey's interest. and declara-
tions could be heard on all sides that Mr.. Crowley
was Senator ConklinGs candidate. But Mr. Platts
supporters veheInenty deny this One of them said :
That is oil untrue. Senator COnkling has ex-
pressed no preference and is not likely to express
any. He will let this thing work ITSELF"
1t is noticeable that the men who are
recognized as special friends of General Arthur are
outspoken for MI. Crowley, and it is the opinion of
some shrewd observers that it is a genuine canvass
to be pushed to success if possible.
On the other hand,it Is thoughtthat this is merely
demonstration against Mr. Platt. 1t has already
resulted in bringing about direct rivalry between
the two men, and the plan is on this theory to make
the contest so sharp that third candidate will be
necessary and thus Mr.. Platt will be forced out. IL
is certain that an attempt to construct committees
in Mr. CrOwley's interest would make trouble, mas
much as Mr.. Platts friends have been quite ear
nest In support of General Sharpe the Arthur
There is plainly marked feeling against Mr..
Crowley on personal grounds even among COnkhng
men. He is Roman Catholic, aud that fact makes
some unreasonable prejudice against him. He is in
an unfortunate position financially, and there is
good deal of talk about the absurdity of n Senator
from the great State Of NewYork being in that sit
uatiOn. 1t is fact also that there is some feeling
among C0nkling men against Levi p Morton, be-
cause he is not an original Conkling man. Ii has
veterans not tho recruits Mr. Morton is in some
sense a recruit 1t stated to-day that Mr.. Nor
ton was one of the membeTs and financial hackers Of
the Republic Reform Club which was formed III
1876 by Republicans IL New-Iork City TO oppose
Senator CODkling's nomination Tor the Presidency,
and which sent an address TO the Cincinnati Con-
vention, presented there By George William Curtis.
The story that Mr.. Morton was offered the Secre-
taryshiD of the Navy, with the unders anding that
il should continue under President Garfield, and de-
clined it. is revived with an appendix. lt il now
stated that no has r1cOnsidered tins decision and
will accept. If this should prove true. It would
simplify the situation Some of his friends however
evidently expect to see him here next week,
looking after his interests in this contest
Chauncev NJ Depew will arrive here tomorrow,
no dOulr to begin active canvass. The light then
Will thlckeu.