The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-05-25

members. 1t is L CURIOUS laCt tnaI many OF
the Conkling men are complaining that
Conkling asks them to place themselves il
the awkward position OF opposing the ma
thew were eagerly asking the voters to elect.
NEW York, May 20.-The Worza's Wash
| ington special says: The news Of the Re
| publican detection at Albany stimulates the
waning interests here over the New York
| complications. 1t has for the moment
turned the Republican rif-raff strongly
| against Conkling, and it is remarkable how
| many second rate politicians are hurrying to
| declare themselves as having always been
| with the administration. The scramble to get
| with the majority is like the deseItion
| by rats of a sinking ship. Accustomed to
power and domination for years, Conkliup
| without it now has the opportunity to realize
| how little his splendid talents and personal
| influence has had to do with binding men to
| him. He is left for the moment with no DO
| litical following, and having chosen to make
but few social friends in public, only these
remain by him. Indeed, not one of these has
| vet expressed the opinion that Conkling took
anything but a blundering course in resign
ing, and such sympathy that he gets seems to
be inspired solely by private considerations.
Even Logan says it was q blunder.
luC L IUtSS II I'll q VIZ
tually unanimous opinion of the. people of
the State that Conkling and Plat should be
taken at their word and be allowed to retire
to private life, is having its effect il the leg
~islature. Actual contact Of the members
with their constituents will probably COM
plete the work of conviction, which is all
ready well forward, and put an end to any
talk about ''vindicating the ex-Senators by
reelection" The miscalCulation of the
drift Of public sentiment made by Conkling
is simply amazing, when his long experience
| in public life, and his assiduous study of all
| the elements OF popularity are taken into &C.
| count. His disregard of any means OF in
forming his friends in the legislature OF his
| intentions is characterize Of the man, there be-
ing but one course possible in his estimation
for any good Republican in such an emer-
gency. But the unWaVering, unquestioning
fidelity which alone could justify his conf
dence in the issue Of his appeal to the people
has passed away. And the leader who
thought he was playing in the role of a hero
and martyr, is in danger Of being laughed at
az q mere posture maker.
The Inter- Ocean's New York special SAYS
there was q gathering Of a few Stalwart
leaders at the Fifth Avenue Hotel to
consult with Conkling and Plat and the va
rious leaders il the city and others when
they come. Vice President Arthur is also
expected. John OBrien, one Of Conkling's
firm supporters was present tonight. He
had just com from Albany. He said the
"Half-breeds' were claiming a great deal
mOre}in reference to the State Legislature
than they had a right to-. He admitted that
it was possible that enough Republicans
might stny away from the legislative caucus
to prevent Conkling and Plat getting enough
votes to secure their reelection at the start.
but the opposition would fade away as it had
before, and in the end both the ex-senator
would be reelected. Thus far the friends OF
Conkling have done nothing looking toward
his reelection, as they were not definitely as
surcd Of his intentions. Members of the Re-
publican State Committees to night said that
Plat resigned because he thought it would be
uncomfortable for him to continue il oppo-
sition to the President. He did not resign
before Conkling and then withhold his resig-
nation at the latter's request, but they acted
concert throughout. Plat, he continued.
did not intend to be a candidate for ~re-elec-
ton but the course matters are taking now
at Albany have about forced him to the con-
clusion that, in self-defense, it will be neces-
sary for him to become a candidate. The
same was true of Conkling. But they would
not enter into the canvass until after the con
s%ultation which Wonld be held On the sena-
arrival from Washington.
The tide is now against the senators, but
next week when their canvass is open there
will be a reaction.
The Tribune says: Since the departure Of
Conkling, the business Of the Senate has adj
vanced rapidly and smoothly. The senators
do not appear to miss Mr.. Gorham's stgreat
constitutional issue" upon whom or which
there was expended SO much %eloquence and
wasted SO many days. They miss Conkling
with q sense of relief.
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