New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-10-07

the dispute. But it was unavoidable
that the quarrel, though modified some
what in its vigOr by events, should run on,
and that it should make its appearance on the
Convention floor. 1t was entirely natural and
logical, too, that the parties TO it should take
the names of the leaders whom they followed,
and should be known respectively as Gar
fieldr and "Conklingn Republicans.
The contest, then, between the two wings OF
the party had been expected; and when any
Republican expressed a hope OF harmonious
action it was not by any means meant that
there was any hope or expectation OF the two
wings coming together without some clashing,
and probably test Of strength; only that the
outcome of the Convention would be such as
would be, upon the whole satisfactory to both,
and insure united action in the coming cam
vass. This being the height of the Republican
hone. it was the hope and confident eXpecta
ton of their Democratic opponents that the
fight would turn out to be what is sometimes
described as ga fight for funeral" Hap
PLY, they were disappointed After all the
heat and passion that had been engendcred-
as some of US think, unneceSsarly-by the
action of our late Senator's the delegates OF
both wings and even the contestants for
seats came together, bent each, of course, upon
securing for his own side whatever advantage
was possible, but bent above all on avoiding
serious disturbance or division, and on having
the proceedings crowned with results that
would insure harmony and success. 1t was
early apparent that the Conllling Republicans
were IN a very positive minority in the Con-
yention. even when all the seats which were con-
II fI'v,Vv, ~N~rfn
careful and accurate classification OF the elected
delegates had made this clear beyond ques-
ton. and the Conklng men were sagacous
enough 10 recognize the fact and philosophical
enough to accept it gracefully. Still, holding
the vantage ground of a majority OF the State
Committee, they made the most of it, and
used all the opportunities it furnished them
The rulings o. the State Committee, though
perhaps what might be expected under the MS
chicyous assumption that all is fair IN politics rs
in war, gave reasonable grounds OF complaint
on account of their manifest partisanship and
unfairncss and the possible mischief of cstab-
fishing such prcccdeuts But the majority con-
fdcnt that in the end their triumph was secure
were content to wait their time in patience
On both sides the disposition was to come to
test vote with rs little friction rs possible,
and. whatever it should hc. abide the result
Hence it happened that TINS Convention I'M
like the majority of such bodies, came
without wranging, but with simple
statement of the situation, to the test
vote on temporary chairman. The de-
fcatcd accepted their defeat with composure,
and the majority, without any signs of exulta-
ton over their success, took the Convention
from that moment in hand
Differences concerning the rights of dele
gates to seats were taken to the Committee on
Credentials, and, with much less acrimony than
might have been expected, there adjudicated,
the decisions of the committee being received
with general satisfaction and no signs of dis
affection. The contest over the reorganization
of the party in Ncw-Iorb and Brooklyn was
very earnest and animated without being
bitter. Ii resulted in the continuance of the
existing system with what we are still obliged
10 consider many glaring faults and incOnslst-
cncirs This was triumph Of those who are
known rs the "machincn men, otherwise the
ConLiiug wing of the party The loss of the
measure is to be regretted, but the agitation OF
the subject by the press and in the Convention has
served an excellent purpose in drawing attcn-
ton to the evils and abuses OF the eX-
i,Iing SYSTEM Meantime, il is only far
10 tie supporters of the machine to say
that there is some show Of reason in their
claim that many of the Republican voters in
the city who complain that the existing ASSOC
Citations are in the nature of close corpora
tons have practically DISTINGUISHED them
selves by their lack of interest in politics and
their neglect 10 enroll themselves mt the
uropcr time. The machine men assert that
the organization is open to AL Republicans who
are wiilin, 10 take the trouble 10 enroll them
selves There may be some truth in this. AT
any rate, let it be tried. one thing Is certain
that if all the Republican voters in the city
took the interest in the management of polid
cal affairs tina; the active politicians do, there
would be a different state of things in the
party in this city. The majority can have the
control if they have the disposition to take it
and this difficulty being composed, one great
obstacle to unity and harmony would be re-
moved.
Upon the whole the party may be cOngratu- 4
lated upon a very successful and satisfactory
issue out of what threatened TO be Il trouble
some complication. There is nothing now in
the way of IL hearty and vigorous canvass and
a successful result.
The sharp fross of two nights remind MS that the