The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1881-05-13

EThe difficulty over the Robertson
nomination is simply this: Judge Rob
ertson is one of the purest and ablest
citizens Of the state of New York.
His popularity among his constituents
is such that he has repeatedly carried
his district when candidate, notwith-
standing that 1t is Democratic district.
g, He is as independent as he is able, and
does not train as submissive vassal of
the mighty Conkling. Hence the lat
ter, In obedience to law of his nature,
regards him as a personal enemy to
be beaten, Inundated and insulted
when the opportunity offers. At the
Nam York aiaia Rer-Ii'~~" Oo"'O"-
ton to choose delegates at large to the
National Republican Convention at
Chicago, Conkling endeavored to have
the Cunt rule" adopted, that is, have
the entire delegation of the state Gin
structed" to vote together at the Nation
al convention. Robertson, who was
elected as a district delegate, denied
the authority Of the convention to bind
the district delegates, and with many
Others who followed in his lead, asser-
ted the individual independence of the
delegates. This division in the vote of
New York state made possible the de.
feat Of Gen. Grant, and the nomina.
ton Of Gen. Garfield,
This spring the president, for rea-
sons which are to him sufficient, and in
recognition of Judge Robertson's abil.
ity and services to the party, has nomi-
mated him to the great Office of collec-
tor OF the port of New York. His fit
ness Is universally conceded. The
New York legislature even passed res
olntions endorsing his nomination for
Its eminent fitness. The whole coun.
try knows that he is a fit man thus to
be honored. But Senator Conklipg
chooses to regard Robertson as a per.
sonal enemy, who might injure his
own "primacy" in the state of New
York. For this reason he seeks TO de.
feat his confirmation. He knows that
II the nomination of Robertson were 10
come before the Senate his confirma-
ton would follow as q matter of
course. Hence he has resorted 10 all
manner ofdevices to keep his nomina.
ton from being voted upon. He has
sought to have the Republican sena.
tors In caucus to commit themselves to
q rule that If nomination in any state
Is objected TO by single senator from
that state, 1t shall be rejected. This at.
tempt to nullify the presidents appoint
Ing power not being received with @ ;
fhusiasfic favor by senator's who are
mindful of a home constituency that
believes In defending every constitu.
tionai power Of the executive against
legislative encroachments, Conkling
has been endeavoring to elk things. y
so that the committee on commerce.. To
which Robertson's nomination IL refer.
red, and ofwhich he Is chairman, NAV
neglect to report, thus letting the mat.
ter lie without action until the regular
session next December. This plan the
president met last Friday, by with
drawing all the principal nominations
for the state of New York, except that
OF Robertson. AS all the other nomi- !
nees were conspicuous friends of Conk.
ling, this vigorous action introduces a
decided disturbing element In Conk-
hinge little game. The result Is vet N |
be seen. IL 10 not doubtful, however,
that Conkling will be utterly defeated
Ia bis unprincipled attempt TO male
the Senate his accomplices IN his HIGH
handed attempt to set his selfish de.
signs M against the conatitrs,os.s,