New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-07-09
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE, SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1881

his resignation, unless, on the one hand, he
intended to withdraw from political life alto
gether, or, on tho other hand, deliberately
| intended to make mischief, and to break down
the Republican party, if it should refuse to
submit to his will. Mr.. Conkling cares so
little for principles, for questions of public
policy, or for any interests of party that do
not personally concern his own advancement,
that he might easily have resigned in fit Of
sourness and disappointment, upon finding
that he could no longer control the patronage
in this State. 1t is possible that this was the
real cause of his resignation. He did not care
to serve either his party or his country unless
he could serve himself, and knew of no way
to serve himself unless he could control the
appointments. Possibly he did not then expect
to be reelected, and cared not a snap Of his
finger whether the Republican party was left
in minority not.
Afterward came other designs, prompted by
most unwiso and selfish advice. Creatures who
have no political being except as his instru-
ments pressed him to become q candidate for
reelection, and assured him that he would be
chosen without question. His nordinate van
ity was reused by the prospect of returning to
Washington with a vindicatiOn." Once out
OF place, like many spoiled children, he
grleved for the toy that lie had thrown away
The SenatOrship seemed large and important
as soon as he had ceased to belittle it by
treating 1t as mere opportunity for the dis
trlbutlOn OF spOils. He was persuaded to run
In the belief that he could dictate terms by
merely appearing at Albany. The whole
Legislature, he told, would get down on
its knees to beg him to return to the Senate.
That Mr.. Conkling yielded to this ad
wee Is even more conclusive evidence than
his resignation Of the fact that he never was
truly worthy of the honors and trusts which
this State has hcaped upon him.
Once in the contest, MIR. Conl1lipg's intoler-
ant, domineering and insOlent temper began to
rule him rs he met opposition The
opposition was far greater than he had ex-
pected. Legislators did not get down on their
knees in sufficient number. He was obliged to
buttonhole men who were supposed to belong
to him, and even 90 beg them before NE could
get their votes, and with many he failed even
then. Mr.. Conkling became angry He wanted
to tear down n party which had refused to
PROSTATE itself before him. In this spirit he
has bargained with Democrats to prevent any
election, has maligned some Of the worthicst
members of the Legislature, has set on foot
most cruel ISLANDERS regarding the President,
and has done all that he could, for many
weeks, to make future Republican success in
this State more difficult.
The Republican party may well rejoice that
1t has formally rid itself of such n leader by
the action of Il caucus of Republican members.
There are times when the binding force of q
caucus may be usefuly employed. This is orc
of them. Since the Republican party. through
its customary and recognized methods has de-
clared that it wants nothing moro to do with
Mr.. Conkling, it remains for individual MEM
bers to decide whether they will take their
stand as boltcrs and Deputy Democrats, or
yield to the will of the party and help it to
| retain its power.