The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-04-06
THE WAR OF THE FACTIONS.
COnkalng Will Rule or RuIn-Dzsagree.
ment Among the as TO the
Policy to Pursue-Cnnkling Wlll
Draw Strength From the
Democrats

Senator Conkling is determined to wage a
relentless Wal against Robertson and the ad-
mlnistration. He holds Secretary Blaine
responsible for the nomination. Conkling K
poets to be defeated and realizes that Robert
son will be confirmed, but says there is q prin-
ciple involved, and he would make the fight
if he knew he would be the only senator
who would vote against Robertson. It is
said that Conkling will not wait for an exec
utive session to proclaim his position and an
tagonize the administration, but will take the
opportunity in open session, SO that his posi-
ton will be put before the country correctly
and not mlsrepresented IS it might be if he
stated it in executive session. Conkling holds
that it is his duty to oppose Robertson that
his confirmation would be a step toward dis
organizing the present Republican organiza-
ton il New York, and that Robertson's ad-
ministration Of the Collectors office would
a%ntagonize the present Republican organiza-
ton, disrupt the party and cause its defeat in
New York. Conkling feels it his duty to pro-
tect and maintain the present Republican or
ganization, which has WOE victory after VIC
tory in New York, and says there is no d.
vision of the Republican Senators in regard
to Federal appointments. They asked for
no special appointments, but the President
gave them distinctly to understand that no
Objectionable men would be appointed.
Conkling further holds that though he will
probably be beaten in this first contest, the
fight will go outside of the Senate Chamber,
and that if Blaine be permitted to take charge
of the New York Republican party and APP
p%ointments, he and his supporters may run
in 1884 and elect the Republican ticket then
if they can. It is positively asserted that
eight or ten Democratic senators will vote
with Conkling.
The Evening Post thus comments on the
situation in the Senate: Under the guidance
of Conkling the Republican members Of the
United States Senate are daily impairing
their standing before the country by keeping
step with Readjuster Malone, Of Virginia,
the camp followers of Gorham and Riddle
berger watching the column move forward
with the interested attention which charac-
terizes the class of patriots to which they be-
long. Gorham and Riddleberger are doubt
less great men. Gorham, at any rate, we
know to be an unprincipled political scoun-
drel. But the question is whether or not it is
worth while for the Republican party to lose
it's character on their account.
The Chicago Journals Washington special
says: 4 leading Democrat says the Demo
Gratis cannot afford to vote for Robertson's
confirmation with both New York senators
confirmation ever been made when both SEN
ators from the State where the appointment
is to be made, have said that the nominee is
personally Objectionable to them. This SEN
ator believes that nearly all the Democrats
will be found voting with Conkling. The
friends Of William E. Chandler assert posi-
lively that he does not intend to ask the
President to withdraw his nomination. IF it
Chambers friends in the Senate feel conf
dent of his confirmation when a vote is
reached. The National Republican is crlti-
cising Garfeld's action regarding Robertson's
nomination very severely, and its articles ex-
cite comment. Many senators do not con-
ceal their apprehensions Of a break in the
party over the New York nominations.
In the present status of the contest be-
ro~J-J:~n --1 &La Arnsrsc{rnA9Nn n
number of Democratic senators certainly in
tend to vote with Conkling. The Democrat
ic senators are divided IS to the best policy
to pursue before the time for action arrives.
The Democrats will hold a caucus on the
subject, and unless it shall appear plainly
that party policy dictates g. solid vote, one
or the other, each senator will be left to vote
as he chooses. Conkling will in all proba-
bility get fifteen Democratic senators, who
hold that to defeat Robertson is to open q
way along the line between the administra
ton, prompted by Blaine and Grants stall
warts. It is evident that Conkling has more
strength to back him in the Senate Chamber
than is supposed. A rumor prevailed this
afternoon of q conference between Conkling
and Pendleton, looking to an early executive
session.
u =. Bonds.
WASHINGTON. March 31.-It is understood