New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-07-18
TIE CONTEST NEdRLY ENDED


1t is the general belief that the struggle at
Albany will end, not later than Wednesday in the
election Of Mr.. Lapham. portion of Mr. Conk-
ling's supporters have promised to vote for him
no longer, and they have stronger reasons now
than before to join with the majority, since it is
settled that Mr.. Miller will be a Senator from
this State, and will have the large influence
which his position naturally gives. If the Leg
lslaturc should now adjourn without elccting a
Senator for the short term there would be no
other Senator to represent the wishes of the
Republicans of NewYO The recommends
tons of Mr.. Miller would have the weight legit-
lmately belonging to them as those of the only
Senator from this State, at least until another
session of the Legislature should be held The
Stalwarts arc not likely to prefer this state of
things when they have opportunity TO secure
representative of their own number by elect
ing Mr.. Lapham.
This is not the only consideration which
tends to prevent longer delay. The supporters
of Nh. Conlllng begin to see that if they 90
further they are likely to fare worse. Even if
the Legislature should now be adjourned the
question would go to the people with no
chance whatever of the election of Mr.. Conlx-
ling. Should division among Republicans
end in the choice of Democrat Mr.. Miller
and would have great influence as such with a
Republican administration. But the Garfield
Republicans would naturally appeal to the
people for the election of another Senator of
their own number, and would undoubtedly
command the support of a large majority
of Republican members elect. so that any
caucus held ut the opening of another
session would be likely to nominate Mr.
Depcw, or some other earnest supporter Of
the Administration, as the regular Republican
candidate. In plain terms, the last chance to
obtain in the Senate any representation of the
Stalwart clement in this State is by the i'm
mediate election of Mr.. Lapham. His nomina-
ton, with that of Mr.. Miller, was offered in
good faith by the supporters of tho Admins
tration, as q means of harmonizing the party
and giving fair consideration to each of its
elements. and if accepted by the election of
both ut this session, will undoubtedly have
that effect.
1t would be extremely bad policy for any
friends of Mr.. Conkling to insist upon prolong-
ing. the controversy and taking it into the fall
campaign. TO the party it would DO an act of
objectionable treachery. Bad blood would he
the result i'll many districts the organization
of the party would be impaired and the result
would be almost certainly fatal to every adhe-
against him, already very strong, would be
greatly intensified by snch course. Surely,
enough has been done already to ruin some of
the most active Republicans in the State by
their devotion to this mans personal interests,
and, since he seems to have no care for the
interests or the future political existence of
his friends, it would be wise in them to take
some thought for themselves.
The talk of a new caucus to select somo
body in place of Ne. Lapham comes from men
who have but little political sagacity. We do not
see how 1t could be brought about honorably
unless Mr. Lapham should voluntarily withdraw.
Those who have voted for Mr.. Miller can find
no logical escape from the support of Mr..
Lapham. They say that they supported Mr.
Miller as tho candidate of a Republican caucus:
but Mr. Lapham was also unanimously nOmi-
mated at the same meeting They say that
they find Mr. Miller supported by a large ma
jority of Republican members but that is also
true of Mr.. Lapham. If one is needed in the
Senate both are needed to restore the Repub
lican majority which was broken by the resip-
nations of Mcssrs. COnklng and Platt. No
man who has voted for Mr. Miller can defend
himself for an instant before his constituents.
if he keeps the control of the Senate in Dem
ocratic hands by refusing TO vote for Mr. Lap
ham.
All these reasons justify the belief that the
contest will probably terminate early this week.
Let it end by all means, in such manner rs
to restore as far as possible the harmony of the
Republican party. But it is important that the
determined support of every Republican men,
Der should be given to the bill providing for
special elections of Congressman. Speaker
Sharpe was right in saying that the Democrats
in Congress would probably resort to any
trickery within their power in order to secure
the organization of the House. 1t will not be
in their power to make any trouble, if the proper
certificates of election of successors to Messrs
Lapham and Miller are delivered in season.
To this end, n bill substantially like
the one offered 10y Mr.. Mills ought to be passed
at once-the more because it is needed in
other cases, well as tn fill vacancies caused
by the election of Senators. No Republican
can excuse himself for opposing or delaying
such measure, and it is hard TO see how the
Democrats themselves can oppose il, since
they already have vacancy TO be filled in
one district, that of the late Mr.. Wood. In
any event, there is no propriety in leaving the