The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-10-01
sstur:sy. October !. iss.

The correspondent Of the Chicago
Trf1uns stated that it seems to be the i'm
preston Of the best informed Of the repub-
lican politicians, that the changes in the
Cabinet win be radical. It is predicted
that Blaine win be retained if he win con
sent to, that Conkling win be made Secre-
tary of the Treasury, Jones of the Interior
and Bliss take MacYeaghs place; that
James and Hunt win have 10 60. but that
their successors are not named
All this may be more or less true, but
back of it lies the fact that sweeping
changes win be made Conklfng would
no doubt prefer the Treasury 10 any other
Department, for there lies the greatest
amount Of patronage, for although he is
no shining light as financier, he does UNI
derstand the handling Of the spoils; and
besides the power which he would thus at
tain, the Secretary of the Treasury, holds
il in his hands to control the money mar
ket, and he could thus make it necessary
for the money power TO conciliate him, q
necessity which he would use to the ut
most. Whether Blaine would cease to
stay in the State Department is an open
question, for by doing so he would put
himself in the position of subordinate to
the stalwart faction, and thus throw away
his leadership Of the half-breeds, and con-
sequently his chance of nomination in
1884 from their hands; but it is extreme
ly doubtful whether the half breeds Will
have any nomination to offer then, il the
machine is worked in the meantime to
the extent it viii probably
be. Many states which have always been
considered half breed strongholds!w III ex-
perience change of heart now that a stall
wart 10 President and the haIf-bree rings
which have been managing local affairs,
will give place for stalwart ones.
Window and Kirkwood win undoubted
ly have to go. They, while in the Senate,
voted for Arthur's removal, and it is not
supposed that he bears them any too cor
dial feeling Blaine did not do this, and
consequently he can remain. Jones is spo-
ken Of for Secretary Of the Interior, because
he is friend of Arthur's, and If he would
resign his Senatorship it is thought Mackey
could be elected in his place, thus securing
q republican from that rotton burrough.
This may not be the outcome, but there is
no doubt that some change win occur.
Lincoln win, it is presumed, stick.
There is another change in the republi-
can camp, which will go at the same time,
q change in the political rings which man
age local politics throughout the country.
There are state rings, district rings county
rings and city rings, which by the aid of this
machine have directed party action and die
tated party convention. They all got their
support from the spoils system and as evil
deneed by the late Albany matter were
active in all party rows. They all looked
up to the administration as their head, and
without administration aid could never
have exerted the influence they did. These
rings will yet exist, but their complexion
viii be changed. They were formerly half
breed but Arthur and Conkling can be
trusted to see that they are now stalwart.
A notable example of this will be Iowa,
where certain clique have managed af-
fairs and all held Office, a change to the
stalwarts will be an unpleasant surprise to.
the postmaster patriots. The change from
half breed to stalwart administration
will be slow. but it will be exceeding sure.