Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-04-20
Roscoe COnkling.
In later letter from Washington, Colonel
Clark, referring to the editor of the Messei-
gers comments upon his previously expressed
views of the Conklinp controYersy SAWS.

In later letter from Washington, Colonel
Clark, referring to the editor of the Messen-
gers comments upon his previously expressed
views of the Conkling controversy, says:
81 used to think Just as he does about this
Conkling matter till studied the issues from this
standpoint. Much of all these
troubles proceed from the superstition that Conk-
ling is political dictator. People who ought to
know tell me that he is not. He has kingly in-
tellect and for that people who differ from
him fear him but he is social, frank, hearty,
conciliatory with his friends, and sturdy a re-
publican that he frowns upon all political methods
that In his judgment weakens the party, as an
organization, in its constant and unrelentng fight
with the democracy. The very nature Of his long
service here, confronting an INSCRIPTIONS and
ever active foe, has made him a believer In party
discipline, on the theory Of rewards and patron.
age for he takes human nature as he finds 1t and
abhors hypocrisy. The senate being part Of the
appointing power he thinks the senators from
the different states ought to be consulted-not
necessarily followed, but at least advised with
in regard to appointments within or from those
states. Who shall say that he is not right? 1t Is
true that the office OF collector at the port OF
New York might properly enough be filled from
some other state, for is port for half the coun
try; but since the appointment is made from
New York, and since the political patronage Of
the office Is immense, and confined almost or
quite exclusively to that state, say 1t ought not
to be used against the majority Of the republican
party in that state. 1t has been, to some extent,
beyond doubt; under Robertson, who is an active
politician, 1t will be great deal more. What
good can come of this? Can the republican party
at large afford to suffer ACKNOWLEDGMENT in the
pivotal and essential Empire State? Can they af-
ford II that were possible, to drive Senator Conk-
ling out Of the party, or will they gain anything
by wagging him into ofishness or sullen silence?
Look at the fight between the two parties for a
moment, contemplate his power, behold the conf
dence Of his friends and the dread Of his enemies,
and then ask il it is worth while to strike him
down from behind. As have said once before,
he is not perfect; he has traits that many dislike
in him las who has not?) and ! grant that there
may be an honest difference OF opinions as to his
views Of party organization and methods. But
are we so strong that we can afford to quarrel.
How many Roscoe Conklngs can the republicans
spare and still be able to cope with their common
foe? In conclusion upon this subject because !
do not conceive it to be the object Of this
pondence to argue points with anybody, much
less with the editor,) wish to make and approve
a brief quotation from a leading journal. The
New York Times, which certainly cannot be
fhRhrgsd %t s3fak s 70" nm Sfpa95 S9nknT IN
it says that To make vacancy for the purpose
Of giving place to such man as Judge Robert
son. from what has been assigned or that is con-
ceivable, was not only useless folly-it was an
unjustfiabe violation Of essential principle Of
sound administration, perfectly well understood
and professed by the president himself.