The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-07-14
conlxlIng,s Years


In almost every group that gathers
to discuss the tragedy Mr.. Conkling's
fight against the Republican party il
denounced. II is n common expires,
sion that the malignity engendered by
his attacks on the President and the
party made it possible that the frenzy
OF a murderous wretch like that of
Charles j. Guitteau should be in-
famed to the point of assassination.
Conkling's friends represent him as
being much disturbed by his know
ledge of this feeling. He read the ed
itorial in the Courier journal, quoted
in yesterdays Tribune. and said to
a friend he thought 1t was hard he
should have to bear such condemna-
ton.
One man said in +. a loud voice to.
day, Roscoe Conkling is morally
responsible for the assassination OF
the President" Conkling's friends
were very uneasy over such expressions
OF opinion, and denounced them.
Whether from this cause or some 9th
err, it was conpicuous that there was p
marked change in the police arrange
menis to-day. Hotel proprietors also
keep a door man at each one of the
entrances OF the hotel except the main
entrance, where a private detective,
porter and other employees are always
on hand. There are generally one
policemen on the sidewalks about the
hotel. To-day, however, there was
a policemen stationed at each entrance.
In addition, Capt. Williams, in citl~
zens' dress, walked the main entrance
for hours at a time. Inspector Thorne
stood at the main entrance most of
the day; while President French re-
NAMED with Conkling. Police Com
missioners Nichols and Mason were at
the hotel most of the time.
In the corridors, mingling with the
crowds, were police detectives, in citi-
zens' dress. Other persons who bore
the appearance of detectives were
present. and always lowering about
where three or four men happened to
be engaged in conversation. The
police officials denied that there was
any special significance to this remark
able display of force on a quiet day,
when everybody was SO anxious for the
life of the President. President
French said the precautions were taken
by Inspector Thorne on his own res
possibility. inspector Thorne said
he had taken especial care to protect
the hotel because it was a holiday, and
a time of great excitement owing to
the shooting of the President. As the
hotel was q central point it was de-
sirable to have a number of policemen
there. Capt. Williams was reticent in
regard to the matter.
The officials refused likewise to give
any explanation of a mysterious meet
ing at police headquarters the night
before. The hotel men generally
could not give any explanation of the
display of the police force and the
presence of the detectives. One said,
however. that threats had been made
against Conkliug's life, and he desired
protection, as IN case the President
should die the people might become
greatly excited. Whatever was true,
the explanation Of the presence of so
many detectives and policemen the
general belief of those who were aware
of the fact was that it was due to Conk-
ling's fears. The fact that Vice Presi-
dent Arthur took detectives with him
to Washington was also commented
upon as of like signiicance'-Ctncin-
matt Gazette.