Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-22
Ex-Presidential Critics.

Thera are living two ex-presidents Of thi
nation, each in the full possession Of uns
bated physical force and undiminished mer
tai vigor The senior ex-president is but
trifle more than four years removed iron
the responsible duties Of the chief magis
tracy and the junior less than as man,
months. Each stands high in the estimation
of his countrymen, and each has had expe
riences that give decisive weight to his ut
terances on the course and developments o
public events. Each has freely expressed
his views in relation TO the controversy be
tween the president and the New York sen
ators, or rather the senior New York sena
tor, for the vital interest in the conflict
grows out Of Mr.. Conkling's prominence in
II and his former pre-eminent rank in his
party. Recently we published a caustic
criticism by Mr.. Hayes upon the course Of
Mr.. Conkling. With characteristic partial
ity and unfsirness, press largely subsidized
in Mr.. Blaine's interest, gave only so much
of Mr. Hayes expressions as reflected unfa-
vorably upon Mr.. Conkling, suppressing his
comments upon the course Of the assailants
of the latter. The first reports Of Mr.,
Hayes criticisms were inconsistent with
that fine sense of fairness even in the treat.
ment of an enemy which has distinguished
Mr.. Hayes public life. lie did say that Mr..
Conkling is monomaniac on the subject Of
his self-importance. According to later au-
thority he also said:
But he is a man Of the greatest intellect and
his personal following In New York Is wonder
fully strong and exhibits remarkable fidelity
Should John Sherman resign in similar contin-
gency would wager that he could not obtain two
votes for his return. Roscoe Conkling receives
thirty.fve. | think him foolish to resign, but
President Garfield has acted ill-advisedly in his
views OF the executive prerogative believe the
senator OF state Is representative OF the peo-
Pile OF that state, and as such his advice and
wishes should be consulted In matters pertaining
to the interests OF that people. senator would
not truly discharge his trust should he look with
resignation upon an encroachment upon his right
and duty to influence national action affecting
his state. But all | have said OF Conkling's AFRO
gance and fondness for dctaton can be repeated
OF Mr. Blaine. He Is equally arrogant, and
equally DESTROYS to obtain exclusive control. lie
has the sense OF self-importance developed to the
40 49, -. 10y h"oio VI tho
artifce than Conkling's. There is one great an
.itness IN tne pnohc character OF hetwo men, and
II REBOUNDS 70 the cIedit OF MT Conkling. No
man ever has accused him OF jobbery, or charged
upon him dishonest official act. But there have
been few instances OF political trickery or corrup-
tion In which Blaine has not been charged with
implication. His railroad jobs have become a
constant basis OF assault against him. 1t would
not surprise me II the star route exposures would
involve , nun OF some friend IN the frauds have
Ietu great deai ABOUT this being hght between
T vi, ana Conklng IL Is nothing OF the kind,
!, me contest rs between Blame and Conklng, and
y, Was arranged tnat Conking should be crushed
at the very beginning OF the administration. !
am convinced OF this fact
The senior ex.nresident with unAipcb;ro
WIN" on"ino"ins
fidelity to his friend, now the under dog in
tbe foht with characteristics bo,ast,, ord
W e"' WIZ" '""' "o' ''''0 nones'y anu
frankness says;
,.,. A.,
am with Messrs. Conkling and Plat in the
present contest; MIR. Conkling is my friend; he
me- peen warm supporter oil mine; but for all
mat 40 not owe MN near so much to-day as
n Al. s.a.s