Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-05-17

government has, IN measure, Ooeh
compelled to stand still for the past two
months, while the world looked On q,
the miserable, pettifoggiug, pusillani-
nous prostitution Of the great purposes
for which our government was estab-
lished.
CoSXLrSG has done the right thing II
his purpose in resigning is to relinquish
the trust and get ont OF the way OF the
public interests and out of sight OF the
people he has Inundated. GARFIELD
would do we'll to follow his example If
he had a like patriotic purpose and no
higher conception OF the dignity OF his
position than that OF acting the part OF o
mere ofiice-jobber.
But CoNELISG is not seeking to get
out OF the way, bat strange to say, is
seeking by this course to yindicate him.
sell before the country.
In other words, he hopes to drag the
people of mis- State down to the Level OF
his own disgrace, 10y procuring from
them an Endorsement OF his course. He
has no idea OF throwing away his hold
upon the position which he has relln-
auishsd with an air OF nonchaiance.
Doubtless, ne h.s an understanding
with the puppets who control his Legs
lature that be shall be returned. The
vscillating character of the Republican
LEGISLATURE OF his State has been shown
by their formal and unanimous approval
OF RoBgRTsoN's nomination when 1t was
made, and then at CoSKLING's instiga-
ton, informally and almost unanimous
10 Disappearing the same action.
CoxKLISG may so back to the Senate,
but he will go shorn OF much OF the in
fluence ami standing before the country
which he has heretofore been accorded.
Along with his admitted ability the
country had been accustomed to accord
him craftsmanship, manliness, and
high sense Of propriety. He has shown
himself to be child, base partisan,
and an insane bigot.
But whatever may be thought OF
CoSELISG, GARFIELD deserves no better
Judgment at the hands OF the country.
lie is responsible for the Inauguration
Of the "snoils system" which - AZ thr
bottom OF the whole business. Had he
been actuated by the high motives
which we would expect from a Presi.
dent, and honestly endeayored to lift
the public service to higher plane,
he would have held the advan-
tage, and there would be no di-
vision OF sentiment in his
party and in the country as between
him and CoNELISG. But he chose a
conflict with CoSKLING on a low level,
far beneath the dignity of the office OF
President. He turned out an uneXcep-
tionable Collector in the middle of his
term to put in al ayowed enemy OF
CoNELISG, which could scarcely have
any other explanation than a design to
deprive CoSKLING OF his chief source Of
political power in his State, There is
ground, too, for the belief that he had
bargained with CoSELING and not lived
up to it; that he has deceived him; that
he has endeavorcl to play game of fast
and loose with the New York Senator in
the matter OF patronage, pretending to
beiriend him, while having the
sinister design of undermining
and destroying his political influence at
home. He throws sop one day in the
shape Of several nominees for small Of
fees who were CoNKLrNG's friends, and
next day dominates to the Office of
chief political influence, his most in
yeterate enemy. And as proof that his
nominations in each instance were dis
tinctly understood and intended to be
CoNKLING and anti-CoSKLISG, he with
draws the former when there was pros
pect of defeat OF the latter.
1t is low level, We say, upon which
to decide between these contending par
ties. We are glad that it matter with
which the Democratic party has no
concern. Ii is family fued with which
the Democrats have nothing to do, and
with which they cannot with any pro-
priety interfere in favor OF either party.
Let them cut their threats ad Hbitum.