Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1881-04-01
The President and the New York Senators.

There are rumors of serious trouble brew
ing between the President and senior Sena-
tor from New York, or, as some accounts
say. both the Senators from New
York. 1t is asserted that less than
forty eight hours before the first batch
of the recent New York nominations was
sent in to the Senate, Mr.. Conkling had
three hours friendly interview with the
President, in which the Senator made but
one request Of the President. namely. that
Mr.. Garfield would confer with him concern
ing the Federal appointments in his State
whenever he was inclined to approach the
subject. To this request the President gave
what Senator Conkling, it is said, under
stood to be a cordial acquiescence.
Less than two days after this the first batch
of nominations was sent in to the Senate.
Neither OF the New York Senators. it is
claimed, had been consulted with reference
to any of these nominations, and while all
five were Conkliug men. two of them would
not have been selected had the New York
Senators been consulted. Next day came
the nomination of Judge Robertson. equally
without notice TO or consultation with either
of the New York Senstors. Mr.. Conkling, it
is reported, made no attempt at the time to
conceal his surprise and anger at the APP
pointment and he has taken time to consid-
or what he will do, only to be confirmed in
his purpose to defeat the confirmation OF the
appointment, if he can. 1t is reported that
Senator Plat, Mr. Conkling's colleague. had
An interview with the President on Monday,
in which he suggested to President Gar
field the ACCESSIBILITY of withdraw
ing the nomination OF Judge Robertson
as the only way Of preventing a rupture be-
tween the administration and the New York
Senators. lie received no encouragement
that the nomination would be recalled. Since
then, it is said, Mr.. Conkling tells his friends
that there is nothing left for him to do ex-
cept fight the President Il might as well
resign my place in the Senate to Robertson,
he is quoted by near friend as saying, as
HlloW tlllS " Phso "t"oos Pac
test"
While there is necessarily good deal OF
guess work in the Washington gossip on this
subject, there is also evidently sufficient
basis of truth to the statements regarding
MIR. Conkling's attitude. The New York
Senator, as all know, is not only very able
man, but he is wilful, self -assertive and i'm
perious, beyond any other man in public lie
in this country. When he considers himself
struck, he strikes back, no matter who his
assalant may be. lie has also an active fight
on his hands in his own State The acknowl
edged leader of the party in the Empire State,
there is still a considerable wing of the
party who do not believe in him, do not
like him, and propose to secure his
downfall rs soon as they can, though
they have nobody 10 put in his place
who can begin TO all his shoes. Mr..
Conkllng Cannot be expected TO forget this
lie is hound to keep up his side of the fight.
for his way is not to conciliate opponents but
to conquer them and he, as amy one who
knows him must be sure, will not allow the
Colectorship of the port of New York, with
its immense political power, to pass into tho
hands of an opponent Of himself and an ad-
herent OF Mr. Blaine, without a struggle.
The President. it is said recognizes the
fact that there is TO be war and accepts the
situation Nothing can now prevent IA bitter
contest over the nomination but Judge Rob
ertsnn's voluntary declination Of the appoint
n.rnt 1t il reported that efforts are in prog
rcss /. bring about this result.