The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-05-21
WASHINGTON.

/ AVN
OF course the all.absorbing topic of the
week at Washington has been the republican
family quarrel between the Garfield crowd
and the stalwarts. With all the patronage at
his disposal, undoubtedly Garfield held the
winning hand; yet knowing how Conkling
had been abused and how he was maddened
to desperation, there was good deal OF sym
pathy for him and more fear of what IN his
fest over a week ago that the confirmation OF
Robertson was inevitable and that not over
three or four republicans would have the nerve
to vote against him. the caucus kept meeting
day after day absorbed IN efforts at pacication
and compromise Committee after committee
were sent to the President to beg him to with.
draw Robertsons name or consent to postpOn,
ing action on the case to next winter, and all
the committees failing to move the President,
members one after the other individually wait
ed upon him, but all to no purpose. Finally
| on Saturday it was agreed that Conkling's
committee should report the name of Robert
son to the senate on Monday, and that on
Tuesday the vote should be taken on his con
firmation. Conkllng promised to make no
tactious opposition but there was CLEAN In
his eye that BODIED mischief. What did he
meditate-what was he up to?
| Monday came and as the senate met, all was
anxiety and strained attention, But the bolt
fell in way none had remotely anticipated.
The Wee President laid before the senate the
brief misslves announcing that Gambling and
Plat had resigned their seats in that body
Fad a mine exploded under the senate the as
constituent could have been no greater OF
course the senate was in no frame for business
The members gathered IN little whispering
groups, and whether a motion to that effect
was put or not, 1t mechanically adjourned for
the day.
After caucusing and sleeping on 1t, however
the senators decided not to change the pro
grammc agreed upon, and 1t was decided tc
have the name of Robertson reported from the
Committee on Commerce on Tuesday and to
confirm the appointment on Wednesday, and
If possible to get through with all the Other
business OF the senate before the week was
out so as to adjourn before Conkling and Plat
could be reelected and returned to the senate
and thus far this plan has been closely pursued
Robcrtson's name was duly reported on Tues
T day and on Wednesday voted upon, the con
firmation being carried by but four negative
votes, all the democrats voting for it.
t The business of the senate since then ha
been of little Importance. Such other nomlna
: tons Of minor importance as the Presiden
sent in were promptly confirmed. Only on thu
) name of BIllee Chandler, for solicitor general
) there was halt, and though the COMMITTEES
reported him without recommendation, ant
: Edmunds made furious speech against him
8 it is now an even chance whether he will no
|, be confirmed, in which event McVeagh will
probably leave the cabinet i'll disgust.
e The only other surprise the senate has hat
since Conkllng's resignation was the receip
t of missive from the White House an Thurs
f day sending back the New York nomination
of Conklings friends which two weeks ag
i. the President in buldozlng spirit had with
drawn. Whether the senate will also confirm
. these, and whether under the circumstance
l Conklings friends Will accept the appoint
ments thus rendered, is still an unsolved cor
t undrum.