Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-05-26
WHAT A sPECpACLEi

the man in the White HOUSE, who went
there, it is claimed, with more exper.
fence and better knowledge OF public
matters than sAy other man who ever
entered il, finds himself confronted with
divided and disguised party, split and
widening into irreeoncilable factions,
with no united and hearty support from
any but the lowest and most sordid els
ment OF Office seekers bound together
only by the cohesive power OF public
plumber, with many OF the most influ-
entail leaders Of the party which elected
him ahenated aud embittered, and with
q bristling enemy even in the person OF
the second officer OF the Government,
chosen on the same ticket.
1t has been many years, il ever, that
such spectacle as this has beer wit.
messed at Washington.
Only a few days ago IN the city Of New
York, caucus OF the chief opponents
OF the President was held at the Vice
Presidents dwelling, to agree upon
measures for installing in the U. s.
Senate one OF the most influential and
able enemies OF the Administration, aud
the Vice President was the chief coun-
sellor in this movement.
Next to Mr.. CoSKLISG, We say, the
Vice President, who was elected ON the
same ticket with the man now in the
White House, is the most conspicuous
opponcn, of the Administration; and if
CoSKLISG and PLArr 90 back to the
Senate he will be largely responsible for
the emphatic rebuke TO the Administrs-
ton which that return will carry with
il.
II GARFIELD hal made this breach in
his party in a struggle for a principle
the people would be with him. But he
need not labor under any delusion in
this matter. The country, and his own
party as well, understand the issue. On
the mere question OF constitutional
right, there is no difference or dispute
as to Presidents right to appoint any
fit or competent man to Office. In
neither legal nor moral sense has a
Senator any right to dictate to the Pres
ident whom he shall nominate. He has
a right to vote against the nominee, and
to induce other Senators to join him by
all proper means. There is no dispute,
nor misunderstanding we say, in the
country as to the rights which the Pres.
dent and Senator respectively possess
in he premises.
But upon the use which GARFIELD
made OF his right in nominating Ron
ERrsoS, the people think as lightly Of
his principle as they do OF his policy.
So also in declining to put himself
under the control Of the New York
bosses, ii that were his sole aim, there
would be no lack Of applause from the
people Of all parties, but the people say,
the country says, that cabinet ring TO
dispense offices as personal or partisan
rewards, is quite as Objectionable as a
Senatorial ring 10 control them for the
same end An administration machine
To run the custom. houses and post
offices IN the interest OF
second term, is quite as bad
as a New York machine run 10
keep Senator in power. II is worse.
1t is degrading the government. 1t isa
prostitution Of all that has been held
good AMI great in our theory Of govern
ment.
GARFIELD deserves defeat. He rich'v
deserves Tire rebuke which the New
York Legislature has the power to ad.
minister in returning CoSKIISe to the
Senate. CoSKLINe ought to be returned,
not for his own sake, but for the sake OF
the rebuke, and Tor the sake OF keeping
the elements in contact which should be
allowed to fight themselves to death,
and thus purge the public service.