New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-06-09
CONTRASTS or HISTORY.

. LETTER FROM TnUHLow wrED-TnE pE>nL'cKS
AT WASHINGTON AND ALBANY--THE CONpt CT
OF SENATOR'S SEWARD AND CcNKLiNG.
r. ne Edttor Of The TrtbWne.
SIR. The influences which produced deadlock
for nearly two months in the Senate of the United
States, now being supplemented ct Albany, marx
eras in the political history Of our country equally
unparalleled and demorahzing. Having failed IN
an obstinate effort To defeat the nomination ~
Judge Robertson Mr. Cohklng resigned his seat Ia the
Senate Thlswould have been matter that concerned
himself alone if his action had not changed the po-
htlcal complexion Of one branch Of the National
Government But Mr.. COnkling was not content
with giving tho Democratic party temporary control
nj the Senate Unable to restore himself "a the seat
hc vacated he now seeks by a1utb@r deadlock to
give the Democratic party permanent control OF
the Senate In 1850 Davis, Shdell, Mason
benjamin. TooInhs, etc, resigned their seats III C"n-
eress to inauguratc rebellion against the Govern
ment and Union. In 1881 Mcssrs. Conklng and
Platt resigned their seats in the Senate either to
"budoze" their own reelection or 70 facilitate the
election of Democratic successors. The treSsons
of 1860 and 1851 diiIer only in degree. DAVIS be
trayed his country. Conkling betrays his party.
Mr. Conklings prctext for resignation was that
the President nominated Judge Robertson, an
emipenty proper and capable man. for Collector
III.
gate TO the Republican Convention, he acted with
the majority OF that Convention against the nonina
f,op of A third term candidate for President " rs
that justification. excuse, or even decent pre-
text for his resignation II the President had
wroneed Senator Conklng. instead of running away
he should have remained ia his seat, seeking his win
6ication where lie had been wronged.
Contrasied with the course pursued by another
New-york Republican statesman on two memorable
4 IL.
and fidelity paw better than mock heroisln.
In 1919, when General Taylor was inaugnra'cd
two eminent Newly Wings were PRESIDENTIAL as
pirants William II. Seward was in the Senate
while Willard Fillmore was Nicc-Prcsidcnt. Du
mig the canvass confidential relations had grown
I'D between the candidates for President and
Vice President; and on their arrival at Wash
ington General TAYLOR conferred with Nicc-lics-
ideut Fillmore about New-York appointments
Not only was Mr. Hugh Maxwell appointed
Collector. Zebedee Ring Surveyor, bat Mess
Hail and Haven. Mr. Fillmores law part
ners were appointed Judge and District
Attorney, and Mr.. Foot, Bniial0 editor. 10 ioc'l1n
mission Senator Seward who had not been con-
suited in relation % any Of these nominees, all of
whom had been selected from the wing Of
the party opposed 10 him, ad Of rcSignmg his
seat voted for their confirmation General Tsy or
however soon discovered that he had Disseminated
unusly and ia all his subsequent appointments
Senator Seward was nOi only consulted but Coui.dCd
In
Tn 1860 when Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated Mr.
Seward passed from the Senate Chamber 20 the
State Department Immediately Hiram barney
was appointed Collector, Rufus :. Andrews
Surveyor and George DenniSon Naval OnIcer.
Ia these appointments tho Secretary of state
was ignored The Republican party in this state was
then divided between Radicals and Conservatives
Secretary Seward representing the Conservative and
Secretary Chase the Radical element These APP
pointments were distasteful to Governor Seward,
but instead of resgning he devoted himself zeal
ously and choerfully to his duties. Mr.. Lincoln
was not long in discovering that he had made a
great mistake so that after the first two months Of
ais administration the closest and kindeSt personal
relations existed between the President and his Sec
Rotary Of State. This contrast reveals On the
hand an enlightened and patriotic statesman and
the other a dOmineering aud selfish politician.
While there is nothing to surprise in. and nothing
TO hope from, ex-senator COnkling the conduct of
Viee-President Arthur is 80 utterly inconsistent
and In such strange conflict with all his political
anteeedents as to astonish and bewder his real
friends. Those who knew General Arthur
Intimately for nearly twenty-five years. az
did, esteemed him 80 highly as to be greatly
panied in finding him using the high of
Ace bestowed upon him by the Republican party in
pfotracted efforts at Washington and III Albany first
70 deprive the Republican party of its majority in
The United States Senate aud next TO destroy its
bendancy in the State of New-YOrk. Dark indeed
hDst be the delusiOn which thus beguiles and mis-
lads man who labored so long and so zealously to
ANTE, harmonic and strengthen the Republican
party. T.w.
Aer- York June g, 1881.