The Portland daily press., 1881-05-23
CONCERNING CONKLtNG.
Conference of Stalwarts in New
York Yesterday.
MR.. CONKLING DECIDES NOT TO
WITHDRAW FROM THE CONTEST.
Vice President Arthur Threatens to
Resign.

NEW YORK, May 21-A conference of
Senator Conkling's friends did not take place
tonight as expected. The Senator had re-
ception in his parlor at the Fifth Avenue
Hotel, however, and although representatiy es
of the press were not admitted or granted in
terviews, it was learned that the Senator re-
fused to say much regarding the matter of his
candidacy for reelection. The lobby of the
hotel was crowded during the evening with
politicians Of every stripe apd condition. Stall
warts, half-breeds and Democrats jostled each
other, anxious for the least bit of political
gossip. Many admirers of the Senator sent up
their cards. but only small proportion were
granted au audience. Ex-senator Platt ar
rived early in the evening.
Among those who we're seen going into Mr.
Conkling's parlor were Ex-Minister Stoughton,
Fire Commissioner Vancott, Ex-Congressman
Lawson, Senator Jones of Nevada, Sta te
Senator Strain, U. S. Marshal McDougal, A.
B. johnson of the Republican State Commit
tee, Ex-Police Commissioner Erhardt, Ex-
Congressman Einstein, Elihu Root, Ex-
Marshal Payn, Jake Patterson, Ex-Supt
Smith, Collector Gould of Buffalo and Barney
BigeliD. Vice President Arthur was not seen
about the hotel,
One Of the strongest adherents of the ex-
senator in the Republics IN ranks in this city
was met by the reporter in the corridor of the
hotel. In response to questions asked him by
the reporter, he said: "Senator Conkling has
come on to this city for the express purpose of
talking over the matter with his friends here.
Ilo VIII pidCe himself IN GncH HanQS. Ii
they urge him to seek denomination, and
he sees that his reelection is sure, he will 20
to Albany and make a strong personal fight;
but you can rest assured that he will not take
this step unless he is perfectly confident of
success. He will however, remau in this
city until Tuesday probably, and discuss the
matter fully. There will probably be caucus
OF his friends tomorrow night. The general
belief among his friends is that he should and
will be reelected. The course of the Demo-
rrar fo1x
bill, yesterday, indicates, 1 think, that they
will, if the proper overtures are made, vote
with the stalwarts in favor of Conkling. I
know this much, that the ex-senator will be
strongly urged by his frinds to stand for re-
election, but whether or not he will consent to
run do not know. If he does not, he has an
offer OF an annual income of $4,000 If he will
Join prominent firm of lawyers in this CITY,"
The reporters informant refused to give the
name of this firm.
In the corridor the reporter afterward met
Gov. Charles Foster of Ohio, who said: "The
only question is whether tie President will
stand by the prerogative of his office. be-
lieve that the sentiment of the country is
practically unanimously with the administra-
ton: The President violated no pledge to
Conkling, but may have broken a pledge,
more or less hastily made, to Platt, because he
consulted Conkling, but did not keep his
pledge to Platt and consult him. 1 do not
know how the contest here will turn out, for
there has always been a charming uncertainty
about party lines in this state.
ALBANY, May 21.-Gov. Cornell and Comp
troller Wadsworth are now named as the pos
sible Senatorial candidates
BUFFALO. May 21.-A good sized meeting of
friends of the administration was held at St.
James Hall this evening which was presided
over by Mayor B. Bush. Speeches were made
by 5. = Rogers. A. Wickman, j.. Pennsfeld
aud others. Resolutions were passed endorsing
the action Of the President in appointing
Robertson, and members of the Legislature
were asked not to return Conkling and Platt
The stalwarts fired 100 guns to-day in cele-
bratiOn of the confirmation OF Gould as collec-
tor of this port.
New York, May 21.-The Troy Times
Washington dispatch says Vice President
Arthur proposes to resign his office if the legs-
lature does mot return Conkling and Platt TO
the Senate.
A Washington disyatch to the Philadelphia
Times says Conkling, before leaving Washing
ton, had all his personal effects packed for
shipment and his property advertised for sale
NEW YORK, May 22.-The Tribune of to-
morrow will publish the following: The fol-
lowers of Mr.. Conkling met on Sunday after
noon at Vice President Arthur's house in this
city. The two ex-senatOrs were present and
received assurances from a number of office
holders OF support in case they should become
candidates for reelection. Letters and tele-
grams in answer to a communication sent out
by Mr.. Conkling were received from various
parts of the State Mr.. Conkling decided to
become a candidate and Mr. Platt decided Just
as Mr.. CoDkling decided. They will probably
go to Albany and solicit votes and their friends
will attend in large numbers to assist them.
The administration Republicans still state
that Conkling and Platt cannot be reelected.
Fifty-two Republicans are said to be already
pledged against them.