New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-05-09
UyWISE THREATS.

When Collector Merritt was confirmed, TWO
year ago. Senator COnkling had threatened ana
protested AS stOutly as he does now. Iheh' rs
now. there were Republican Senators VINO Wo'c
afraid it would "smash the party, II tie sen
ator from this State failed to have " ms pr
macy rec0pnizedr On the other hand al tiia'
time. as now thero were Republican Senators
who felt that il was irksome to have both inc
President and the Senate ruled by the threat
of one man to make trouble If he could not
have his own way. General Merritt was con
frmed, in spite of Mr. Conlling's utmost efforts,
and it is well known that the Republican party
of New-York has not in consequence been as
rupted or defeated. It was stronger al 'ie
last election than it had been before for many
wears. It's strength was due, III part' 10
the fact that the autocratic disposition OF one
man had not been permitted toe ostra-
cize and punish those members oil the
party who had dissentcd from him. Senator
Conkling himself was forced to maintain ms
own position in the Republican party by ener-
getic and successful efforts for Its ticket Tor II
was known to all the world, as to him, that II
defeat should befall the party here he and ms
friends would be thought responsible for 1t,
and their influence in the party would be de-
stroyed.
Senator Conkling Is not wise to threaten
again. Republican Senators have reason 70
feel entirely free to act according 10 theH
Judgment in respect to every nomination OF
the President. The idea that dire disaster TO
the Republican party viii surely come II Sen
ator Coukling is not allowed 10 have every
thing his own way, win be. and onght 10 he
much less potent now than it was before. lhe
Rennblicans Of New-York do not feel that ne
represents them to their credit when he i'm
niles that they viii turn the State over 10 the
Democracy. or suffer it to Dee turned over to the
Democracy by anybody. because all The nominees
for Office in this State have not been chosen
from one element or wing of the party. On the
contrary, it has been the boast OF those he-
npblicans who are Mr. Conkliug's chief support
ers that they never hesitate nor wayer 10 their
support of the party. II docs not please them
to be told that they are likely to betTay the
State into Democratic hands, because ut.
Conklng can get granted only ninety-nine ont
of one hundred wishes On the ground that
their fidelity WIS unswerving. they have asked
and obtained nearly every place OF honor OF
emolument which could be given 70 any he
nnhlicans of New-York. Il is no credit to
these men to say that they are going to prove
uufaithfnl because one Office, not now filed by
one Of that element, Il not to be flied By one
of that element for some years 10 come.
Nor is there any personal objection to Sen
! stor Robertson on the part OF those Republl-
cans who have been Senator Conblngs sup
portcrs. The prompt and unanimous passage OF
/ resolutions heartily approving his appoint
| rneut in q Senate and "a House crowded
with representatives Of the most stalwart 10
pubiicanism Of the State, and the warm com
mcndation of the appointment IN large ma
ioTitv of the Republican Journals throughout
the state show what the feeling toward him
Wa and is. It has been frankly recognized
| by those who are Mr.. COnkiings friends, that
| the minority OF the party ia also justly emit
lied 70 some consideration IL Is their almost
unanimous feeling that, among AL he Repub-
irans of that minority, not one il more dc
serving OF recognition and honor than Judge
Robertson. They admire and support Sena-
tor Conkling, and yet they feel that in this
matter his course is not calculated to promote
the unity of the party, 10 make it strong or
| to do Justice between its members.
The plain truth Is that, in opposing the con-
| 6rmation of MI Robertson, Senator Conkling
4
Iicans of New York. Even many Of the jour-
nals which advocated the nomination OF Cen
eral Grant as earnestly as 1HE tribune
opposed it, dissent from the course Of Senator
| Conkling. and therein represent the feelings
of majority Of those who have been his sup
porters. The question IA asked very signif-
cantly by an Albany paper Does Mr. Conk-
| cling ever receive kilograms IN cipher Did
| "he receive one not long ago y Translated
| "did il read: Il think the nomination OF Judge
"Robertson should be promptly confirmed for
"the healing and good of the partyf' Did
"Mr. Conkling resent this as an endeavOr to
| "teach him the a 3 c. of his duty r
Whether these hints have foundation In fnct OF
not. il is an open secret that Governor Cornell,
the official head Of the Republican party In
this State. has not appeared impatient 10 see
the Legislature rescind Us resolutions APPROX
inc the nomination OF Mr. Robertson. Bepub-
Hcan Senators at Washington may rest assured
that the Republican party of this State does
not desire TO brighten OF TO bully them into antag
onism with the President On the contrary.
the great majority of the Republicans Of New
| York feel that the President has sought 20 ac'
ustly and fairly toward all classes Of his sup
norters. and that no ought to be sustained III
| that endeayor.
|
Tux NEW NULLIFTCATTON