Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-04-01

aside, and if Conkling wishes to cross swords
with him over this matter he will receive the
onslaught with firmness.
The dispatch quoted, taken in connection
with subsequent events, leads to the conviction
that the President has fully considered the
question of antagonizing Conkling's interests,
and, knowing that sooner or later the conflict
must come, has decided upon precipitating it
at the threshold of his administration. 1t dis
poses of the rumors that the nomination was
made on the suggestion of Blaine, for it was
decided upon before Blaine had been consulted
on matters affecting the administration. 1t is,
no doubt, gratifying to that gentleman, as
would any nomination be that struck a blow
at his old enemy and rival, but it was mani
testify Mr. Garfield's own selection. Judge
Robertson was chosen because he represented
that large body of his party that is opposed to
the machine rule of Conklng, and that resented
the effort of that manager to violate all the
traditions of the republic by forcing the nom
ination of man for third term IN the execu-
tive Office. For the time being he represents the
progressive element in the party that is chatting
under the restraints imposed by the machine
politicians, and is constantly growing
larger and more powerful both among
the people and among the office
holders. 1t is an element that controls and
keeps within the party lines the thousands
who are anxiously looking for reform and
vainly hope to effect it within the party. In
time these progressionists may become ma
chine men and as deserving of repression as
the Conklingites now are, but at the present
time they are much the better of the two.
1t is safe to predict that Conkling's efforts
drawn will not succeed. The President has
acted with his eyes wide open. He knew that
Robertson led the revolt against Conk-
Ing at the Chicago convention, and for that
reason was distasteful to the New York boss,
further knew that a struggle for supremacy
between himself and Conkilng was as newt
able as struggle between new school
teacher and the bully of the school, and he
has chosen to have it out He has treated
Conkling with consideration-giving him all
the favors he thought he was entitled to re-
ceive-and now proposes to show him that he
must no, expect to be the boss for four years
TO come.
Conkling and his henchmen are preparing
for the fray. 1t promises to be an interesting
one. AS it simply involves the turn out
of one set of Republicans from office, and the
appointment of another set in their places
who may be quite as bad as those now draw
ing nutriment from the public udder, Demo-
Gratis have no interest in it save to stand by,
enjoy the fun and see fair play. There can
be little doubt, however, as to the outcome.
Garfield holds the whip row. Conklng may,
by combinations with other Senators, prevent
the confirmation of Robertson, but his victory
will be only of short duration. He can be in
jured by other appointments; the nomination
of his favorites can be withdrawn or their
offices made so uncomfortable as to compel
their resignation. He can be practically d.
vested of all following in his own State by a
studious disregard of his wishes, and in vari-
Gus other ways his lot rendered an exceed
ingly unhappy one. But he has little choice.
If he submits to Garfeld's dictuIn his in1u-
ence will be paralyzed, and if he fights he
will be beaten. In short "he'll be damned if
he does and be damned if he doesn't" 1t is
Hobsons choice.