The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-05-10
GARFIELD'S COURSE.
1t Causes Much Stir at Washington
Various RumOrs AfiOat.


WASHINGTON, May 5.-The message
Of the President, Withdrawing the New
York nominations, which are regarded
as belonging to the stalwart wing of the
party, ls the only subject of public in
terest here tonight Every body is talk
ing and speculating about it. A Wes-
tern Associated Press reporter, in seek
ing reliable information, saw represen-
tative men OF both sides The Presi
dent is firm and determined He has
been urged by close friends for some
time to take aggressive measures, but be
hesitated, hoping that some way Of
maintaining harmony in the party con-
sistent with his honor and dignity might
be found. He could not surrender any
particle of his executive prerogative so
he has held by not Withdrawing Robert
son or consenting to any compromise.
He expressed himself on all occasions
as anxious to do full justice to both
wings of the New York Republicans
When Conkling carried into the Rspub-
lican caucus his policy which was d.
rectly antagonistic to that of the ad
minisration with regard to rebelism, the
President felt compelled to take some
action. Vice President Arthur and SEN
ator Platt we're at the White House this
morning by the Presidents request, and
he talked frankly to them. When the
President learned positively that nothing
short of permitting RICHARDSON'S nom
lnation to lie unacted on would satisfy
Conklng. he Informed Arthur what he
intended to do. When the message ar.
rived, Arthur was in the Vice Presidents
room in the rear of the Senate Chamber
A Senator went in and told him of the
message. Arthur replied that he had
been expecting that message. Senator
Hale said tonight that the President
ought to have taken this step several
weeks ago. The Presidents purpose is
declared to be to fill all the New York
federal Offices with persons who will not
fight the administration for Conkling.-
He does not intend to make any war on
Conkling in New York, but at the same
time he will no. put the power ia Conk.
ling's hands for him to use against the
administration. It-is reported the nom
nations were withdrawn in order to per-
nit Conkling to Gil the places With men
of his choice.
A Western Associated Press reporter
went to high authority in the admins
tration and made special inquiry on this
point. The reply was that such re-
port was not true; that the administers
ton had been reluctantly forced into
this fight, as Conkling had declared wal
to the knife.
One Of the most distinguished Repub.
licans Of the country and trusted friend
of Conkling, said also that the Presi
dents message was no peace offering
and if it had been that ConkIing woult
not accept it; that the Republican part,
of New York, as represented by Conk
ling, would condemn him il he did no
resist Robertsou's appointment to tn
bitter end, and that Conkling would no
compromise for every other Federal OF
ice IN New York and let Robertson be
come collector.
When the message was read in th
Senate Conkling was reading pape
and did not look up He knew befor
hand what it was. His friends who hav
talked with him tonight say he is not di:
mayed, but he is confident the stalwar,
) will rally closer around him; that h
considers the message as an implie
warning to the Republican Senator'S
that if they don't vote for Robartso
their patronage will be cut off, and tbs
the "honorable Republican Senators ca
not be bulldozsd in that way"