Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-05-17
CONKLING AND PLATT.
Views Of the Press and Politicians
on Their ResignatIOns.

NEW YORK, May 16-The EUening Post
says of the resignation of Senators Conk-
ling and Platt; "To-day for the first time
since the organization Of the government
the State Of New York is without represen-
tation in the Senate OF the United States.
The first comment on this proceeding is
that it is genuine surprise. If the report
was less circumstantial 1t might be a
very ingenious invention of some practical
humorlst In Washington. Until the Sena-
tors shall vouchsafe an explanation OF their
course there is wide room for conjecture as
to its meaning. 1t is hard to conceive Of
any theory consistent with dignity and
manlinass, which are the most obvious
qualifications of their high Office. If
they are seeking sn Endorsement of their
conduct by means of reelection, the expert
ment is dangerous one to make with a
Legislature which little while ago unani-
mously approved the nomination Of Robert
son."
The Express says: This double resignation
fills the city with excitement, and specula-
ton is rife. The Senators refuse to
talk. They evidently feel deeply.
1t has precipitated a crisis. Conk-
ling and Patt Of course appealed to
the Legislature of New York, whose 'Dri-
macy they have maintained. Can they be
re-electedp? Some of their friends say
'yes,' emphatically; others hang their
beads. The administration men say mo-
but are evidently doubtful and shaking in
their shoes. COnkling' splendid audacity
10 refusing to be crushed in the coils of the
administration anaconda, leaping into the
arena and seizing fate by the foretop, ,awak
ems admiration. The odds are against him.
What If the Legislature should elect Depew
Il - fI,of IL
Collector Merritt was found in his Office
at the custom house, and being asked to
give his opinion Of the designations of
Messrs. Conkling and Patt, said: "The
designations are great surprise to me, and
| suppose to every one else" He was
anxious to know the opinions expressed on
the street.
Surrogate Calvin, on being questioned,
said: Il think it an undfgnifed and puerile
action, which kills the future political life
of those gentlemen. base my opinion on
a similar transaction years ago in the Demo
cratic party. think their action emanates
from disappointment at their failure to tres
pass on the executive prerogatives."
Other judges were seen, but refused to
express an opinion, as they had not heard
that the report was confirmed. The gen
eral opinion prevailing is that for whatever
cause the Senators resigned they would
both be re- elected to the Senate.
BALTIMORE, May 10 Commenting on
the action of the New Z YOrk Senators, the
american to morrow will say; "If 1t should
appear that Mr.. Conkling has really imper
illed his return to the Senate by the Legisr
lature which has already indors ed
Judge Robertson, he will receive credit
for a Quixotic proceeding out of which no
possible advantage can inure to him. II
on the other haud, rs seems more than
probable, Mr.. Conkling has simply set
up an Albany man Of straw to
replace his Washington mau of straw
that the President bowled down
long ago, he would be laughed at without
the excuse of Qlixoticism, and he will
justify the conclusion that there are more
angry boys at the capitol than can be found
in the White House or the Cabinet"
The Gazetfe will say "The resignation
of Senators CoAklilg ard Piatt is direct
appeal by those Senators to the Republican
Legislature OF the State OF New York from
the action of President Garfield in the mat
ter of the appointment of Judge Robert
SOM
The Sun will say: "Whateyer deliberate
purpose may underlie the action of Messrs
Conkling and Platt, it may be safely
assumed that 1t has reference solely
to the game of politics which the former
is just now engaged in playing. 1t
is simply one more move upon the
political chess board. 1t is intended as a
check to the President. Whether 1t will
prove a 'checkmate' remains to be seen,
and 1t may well be doubted. As an exhi-
bition of mere pique and temper the move
would be simply childish, and
would rather detract from than add to
Mr. Conkling's reputation for political sa-
gacity and ability. He has good reason,
indeed, to apprehend, lest the country at
largeS the great mass OF plain, sensible
people. may take this view, and see moth
ing more In it than an undignifed explosion
of nersnna1 anger and disensti :,