Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-05-05
Especial to Boston Advertiser. I
The Senate Struggle.

The secrecy of senators about the proceed
ings both OF the caucus and committee, con-
corning which there is, OF course, much in
terest. stimulates speculation and invention,
and some very eXtravagent statements have
obtained currency and perhaps too easy
credit. One dispatch, which has gone far and
wide and provoked much sharp comment.
states that the committee informed the Presi-
dent that Mr.. Conkling had promoted the
deadlock in defence to the wishes of his
New ork constituents, who hoped that de-
lay would result in a withdrawal of Judge
Rubertson's nomination, which they earn
estly desired in the interests of party har-
mony. 1.-The committees thereupon," so the
statement runs, asked the President whether
it would be embarrassing to him to Withdraw
this nomination and have all the rest of the
nominations promptly confirmed" There is
the best authority for saying that this state
ment Is wide of the truth, and could not have
emanated from anybody who was present at
any interview of the committee with the
President. The evening paper here to-
night gives what purports to be summary
of an elaborate letter on the situation
written by the President to Senator
Dawes. The document would appear to cover
all the subjects that have been suggested as
being under consideration by the Senate
committee. No less person than General
Swain, who holds confidential relation to
the President, is freely quoted to-nigh. as
authority Tor the statement that the President
wrote this letter to Senator Dawes, and the
summary of its points, as given in the Star. is
correct. neither the same person is author
lty for the paragraph referred to above is not
certain. Whether or not the President has
written such "A letter to Senator Dawes those
who say he has perhaps know. Senator
Dawes is himself authority for the statement
that as TO any letter received bv him from
the President the Star is mistaken in its re-
port of its contents. The Star however, was
not first to publish report of this letter, al
though It's report is more full! and elaborate
than that sent out by telegraph last night.
The opinion that George &. Gorham will
never again be secretary OF the Senate is
gaining ground. His course in connection
with the star-route frauds and his attacks on
the administration have persuaded many sem
ators that he is a burden they cannot attempt
to carry. 1t is reported that General Hawley
denounced Gorhams case in vi-orou,
speech IN the caucus this afternoon. and that
many senators assured him OF their agree
nent with HIM IN sentiment. 1t is doubtful
whether the republicans would all SUPPORT
Iorham II vote were taken now, and there
are those who declare that no vote will be
taken on the resolution naming him for sec
rotary at this session, bnt that. after the
Presidents nominations are disposed OF, the
Senate will adjourn until December, when a
new caucus will be held, and at least one
new nomination made. This is kind of
talk that Is growing more common since the
true quality OF the star-route iniquity has
been developed. But 1t may have no other
basis than the speculation OF outsiders Cor
ham himself is becoming sensitive to the crit
iclsm on him, and his paper Tomorrow will
contain an elaborate apology tor his political
course in California.