Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-10-03
president Arfhur,s Ordeal.

Just in proportion as President Gar
fields powers and skill as party leader,
aided by Dir. Blaine's adroitness, would
have enabled him to hold his party to-
gether despite whatever reforms he
might have set on foot, so, it is likely,
viii his successor fall short Of doing so
if he resolves on pursuing a similar
course. How he can escape doing this
without inviting an injurious judgment
upon the party at the hands of the peo-
pie, it is difficult to see.
President Arthur, judged from his
utterances, is sincere in the intention, TO
the best Of his ability, to execute the
purposes of his predecessor. 1t is in
this belief that patriotic Democrats are
among his sIncerest well wishers. But
by none is he more distrusted
than by the ardent supporters
of the late President in his own party
and particularly by the half breeds Of
New York. These last are actuated in
their suspicious by the course Of the stall
warts of that State led by Mr.. Conkling,
President Arthur's whilom protector and
patron. Mr.. Conkling, not content with
his wretched defeat in the Assembly, is
engaged in pursuing vindication at the
hands OF the people, and, if half breed
orgens are TO be credited, where
logic will not avail, the argument of the
prize ring is being employed by his
faithful henchmen. Furthermore, he is
credited with being in possession Of proof
that will make the success of his oppo-
nents. when it comes to be exhibited, far
more humiliating than the defeat that
overlook himself. The coming State Con-
vention cannotbe harmonious, and must
leave legacies of hate and hostility that
will survive for years to come.
Despite the fact that President Arthur,
a former stalwart, now holds sway, the
Republicans of New York appear to be
for the most part resolutely committed
to the programme which contemplated
the smashing of the Conkling machine,
and to save the Empire State to the party
in future, the carrying of which under
the most harmonious circumstances is
but problematical, President Arthur
must placste them; and when he does so
he arrays against himself his former
friends. 1t appears at present that it is
to be war to the knife between the fac
tons of the party in New York Even
an equitable distribution Of the spoils
does not appear TO promise much, for the
stalwqrts are fighting not merely for ex-
istence, but for victory also.
President Arthur has not yet made up
his Cabinet. Yet, when he comes to do
so he will require most cOnsummate
diplomacy. If he fills it with Garfield
men a howl viii go up from the stalwart
ranks, and, if with stalwarts, he will
forfeit the respect Of the oppOsi-
ton aud awaken the disgust
of the Democrats. Neither
will a mixture do. One will overbal-
ance the other, or, if not, there will be
lack Of harmony. Throughout the
country the supporters of the late Presi-
dent VIII be apt to demand too much Of
his successor, and the machine will ask
favors that he cannot safely grant
No President ever had a more trying
ordeal before him, and, though his aims
may be high and his purposes pure, I'M
less there Is a universal burial of fac
tional distrust, the outcome of his ad-
ministration cannot fail to be hurtful
to the sway of RepublIcanism- The
country will be the better for
any benefit that President Arthur may
work it, and it will survive the qusrrels
of warning factions. Meanwhile the
first duty of Democracy is to country,
the next to party. and, if the signs are
not woefully misleading, it will befound
that, under the coming regime, the per
Torrance Of the one will be the fulfill
ment Of the other, and that in deserving
the confidence Of the people it will reap
its reward.