New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-05-20
Mr.. CONKLINGS FUTURE.

his CHANCES FOR MISCHIEF AS PRIVATE CITIZEN
Ills RIDICULOUS ATTITUDE If RETURNED TO
THE SENATE.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
WASHINGTON May 19.-The Washington dis
patches sent to THE TRIBUNE of last Monday, the
day on which Mr.. Conklng's resignation was made
known to the public, contained the following
paragraph:
One Republican Senator at least thinks Mr.. Conkling
would he glad be released from the cares ana duties
OF public life and devote himself for the remainder OF
his days 10 law practice.
Mr. Conkling has not since made any sign of his
purpose not to reenter official life, but the growing
probability that gnominious defeat awaits him at
Albany if he consents the contest there for
a denomination to the place he has abandoned
makes il probable that he will make virtue of
necessity and seek rather to name and subsequently
become the power behind his successor. His posi-
tion as nm outsider would have certain advantages
for mischief and revenge and mischief
and revenge, it is thought by those who
know him best. will bc the impelling mo-
tives Of his immediate future. He would in
the first place be the under dog in the fight ana
rs such would command that unrcasonlng sympathy
which always goes out TO the unfortunate. however
much they NAV merit their fate. Then the ire
sponsbity of private station for offensive opera
tions against those in conspicuous public places to-
victories will furnish him a political stock in trade
for future operations which WILL in his hands not
BE- cthought contemplate outfit.
Mr. Conkling is a shrcwd and astutc schcmcr
With an orphaned Vice-Prcsidcnt all his own. and
with powers which all the world acknowledges to he
remarka Lle he may, without disclosing his handi-
work hope as private citizen 10 fomcnt di~cords in
the Republican party in his State, II not in other
States and jeOparliIe the success of the party at
its next National election that all who are timid aud
willing Ia BE- suhsrrvicnt will rise mp and call upon
him 20 come forward as its savior from destruction
and defeat That nc would not hesitate 10 coacsc"
with factions Of the Democracy, or with the Demo
cratic party at large to secure his ends his recent
coGuctting m the senate with his political opponents
is proof.
TO come back TO tho senate after that body has
manifested 90 conspicuousy its sense OF relief at
getting rid of him and his chickering's, and its hearty
good will toward the President bN confirming MS
entire list of nominations will not bc pleasant or
dcniicd The Scnat' has made II 10 he seen very
plainly that its members are content to give thrir
advice and consent To the President As u body
by the voice Of its majority; ana not as
individuals and shoTld Mr.. Conkling return rs a
member Of the body he must utterly abandon the
issue which he has raised and bc content with "Nrr
cisiug the influence of his nd dual vote. or. main
tanning his principles again throw mp his posiion
Whenever the President makes nomination to
ciates approve. Surely. Mr.. COnkling cannot
abandon principle for which he has suf-
fered 50 much and maniicstly therefore
the hints which his friends are throwing out re-
garing the brilliant fortune which certainly awaits
him as "a private lawyer, should be- needed. Proh,
ably his mind has not been fully made mp IN rgaTu
to the matter as yet but If the indications from
Albany be not entirely misleading. the law ONCE
and the rather than the Senate offer the most
promising field for the exercise ~ the ex-senator
varied and brilliant qualities for the immediate fu-
turc,