Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-06-03
COMBINES STRENGTH AND POLICY.

COMBINES STRENGTH and POLICY.
A member of the New York legisla-
ture, who is now voting against the re-
turn of Conkling and Platt to the United
States Senate in obedience to the dicta
of his constituents, was asked the secret
of Mr.. ConklIng's confidence in his ulti-
mate success, and replied:
1t comes FRI m knowledge that there are
tn rty or thirty-five members in the legsla-
ture who, like myself, would be glad 10 vote
Tor the return of the Senators if we were to
follow the dictates of our judgment and incli-
nation, and who will vote that way If it comes
to question of adjournment or the reelection
of the two men. We are praying that they
may stick until that becomes the issue. Ii
Conklng can hold his men for few weeks,
his election and that of his colleague will be
assured. We are classed administration,
but our hearts are on the other side. That's
what makes Conkling feel strong.
The answer is not only candid but a
truthful one. Conkling is strong in the
knowledge that his past course is approved
by a vast majority of the people of the
State of New York. 1t is nevertheless a
fact that influences have been brought to
bear upon the members Of the legislature
that have no place in the politics of the
State. The federal administration has
exercised its power to the utmost to create
public sentiment adverse 10 Mr.. Conk-
ling and his confrere. Appointments
have been make with that end in view,
and general endeavor has been
made to create the impression that, no
matter how great man Conkling may
have been in the past, he has no influ-
ence with the present administration, and
that those who desire political preferment
such as the President can give, must look
elsewhere than to Conkling for recon-
mendations.
1t may be perfectly legitimate for the
President or his ministers to use the pub
lie patronage for the purpose of furnishing
an enemy. The GLOBE will not discuss
the question save to remark that it is
small business, and that the sooner the
parties engaged in it retire, the better it
will be for their future reputation
There is no question of the fact that
Mr. Conkling is by all odds the strongest
man in the Republican party. in New
York. If it shall come to a personal
canvass of the State he will be able to
demonstrate his strength in most en-
phatic manner 1t will be his policy, if
it shall appear that an election by the
present legislature is impossible, to post
pone choice until such time as the peo-
pie may be afforded an opportunity
to express their views on the
subject He can then confidently
appeal for a vindication of his
course, and if it is given he can claim
that it comes from the only tribunal COM
petent to pass final judgment upon the
acts of any public mantle source of all
power in republic.
If the members of the present legisla-
ture of New York were permitted TO vote
according to the dictates of their own
consciences, there is no doubt but they
would return both Conkling and Platt to
the Senate The next legislature of the
State, if it shall be Republican, will do
so. OF this there is no question. Mr..
Conkling must either secure his own re-
turn within ten days, or he must have the |
legislature adjourn without day, and the |
question relegated to the people