Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-12-01
THE sTALwART RESTORATION.

Garfield Forgotten-His special friends
IN Political Disgrace-His Policy in
Contempt.
Col. A. K. Mcclure, editor of the
Philadelphia Times, has lately been in
Washington, and in his editorial cor
respondence to the journal over which
he presides gives an interesting and
graphic description of the change
which the death of the late President
Garfield has brought about in the ad'
ministration policy of the government.
Stalwartism, with President Arthur in
complete subjection to the inhuen-
ces of the stalwart leaders, Grant,
Conkling, Cameron, Logan and Jones,
seems to be re-instated in full power,
and will control the administration TO
suit their own views and purposes.
The following is Col. McClure's letter,
dated Washington, Nov. "A, 1881;
The intelligent observer OF political
events who visits Washington now,
need not draw upon his memory to
learn that Garfield is dead. Only a few
brief months ogo, the courtiers OF power
shouted their huzzas to Garfield as the
rising sun, and all Washington jostled
itself 70 pay him homage. He was the
undisputed choice OF the people had
been elected President By 4 narrow pop
ular majority but his title was accepted
by ell as fairly awarded. and party lines
had almost effaced after the heat of the
contest, on the general trust that Was
reposed in the Chief Magistrate. His
inaugural address was welcomed by the
nation rs in happy accord With its pro.
gress and destiny. and his Cabinet sssur.
red all Who hoped for an elevated stan.
dard OF administration that they had
not wholly mizjudged the Executive.
There were those who did Aot share
the enthusiasm Of the people, but they
were silenced by the powerful senti.
ment that sustained the new departure
of the government. Grant was sullen
Conkling was naughty Cameron was
not confident, and the leaders Of the
spoils system were all slow to proclaim
their faith in Garfield, but the great
mass of the people gave to the Pref.
dent generous trust that was uncom.
mon in our political history.
THE BATTLE WITH THE sPonsxES.
How Garfield long sought TO concili-
ate the leaders OF the spoilsmen 10 hsr.
monte the political party that elected
him, and how signally he failed, are
we'll known TO all. He wss not an sg.
gressive man; on the contrary, he was
inclined to weakness on approaching .
sharply defined issue within the house
of his friends, and he forbore TO the ut.
termost rather than make the breach
absolute between his administration and
those who would rule or ruin. But his
amiable weakness was the cause OF his
precipitation into position OF defiance
toward the heroes of the spoils system.
lie reluctantly yielded more than was
due to Conkling rather than give even
the semblance Of cause for disruption,
and the appointment Of a mum Der
Of ConklinR's followers 10 impor.
tant Offices in New York, forced the
crisis that left Garfield no alternative
but 70 give battle or surrender without
conditions. II was the appointment Of
Conkline's MarshaIs, Attorneys and Col.
1ector Of Buffalo that made the appoint.
ment Of Judge Robinson . supreme
necessity to che administration from
being hopelessly engulfed In the mael.
strom Of the spoilers. And when the
necessity came; when generosity and
amiability we're interpreted as cowsr
dice; when the victoFs sneered and the
vanquished sorrow, Garfield accepted
the challenge to battle, and he was then
grandly heroic.
sTALHART DEsPEHATfos.
The thrilling events which followed
the nomination Of Judge Robinson are
yet fresh In the memory Of the entire
country. Conkling and PIatt resigned.
hurled their defiance ~ the Executive
who had dared 10 assail the spoiIs sys.
tenn, and political circles weSc consrIsed
because Of The threatenSd rtvol.sion.
The imperial Senators returned 20 Ne~
York, where the message from Grant In
Mexico, cheered them In their rebellion,
and with them went Vice. President
Arthur to Hrestle with the Albany lob.
by 10 regain the seats they had thrown
aside with al the contempt Of q Cmsar
refusing : province when he could rule
Rome. IN the midst Of the conflict, the
assassin came upon the scene and The
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