Daily Republican., 1882-05-23
MIR. CONKLING Speaks.
His action in tho Iato Senatorial
COntesT.

COnlosu.
The New York Herald of Monda
says:
AS the controversy in reference t
Mr.. Conkling's course during the Sens
torial contest last year has been recen,
y renewed, and grave charges q
corrupt bargains" ETC., have beel
made in this connection, represent
alive of the Herald recently called OF
the ex-senator with q view of obtain
ing the facts of the case within hi
knowledge from his own lips. Thougl
we'll. l.known to be averse to interview
MIR. Conkling consented in the presen
instance to be questioned and the fol.
lowing conversation ensued:
Reporter-Have you seen the articl,
originating with the Kingston Free
man last Friday making charge.
against you in connection with las
years Senatorial canvass?
Mr.. Conkling-Yes, it has been shown
me.
Reporter would be glad to know
what you have to say about 1t.
Mr.. Conkling-My habit has been
never to reply to slapders, however
1oul. have for years silently endured
newspaper assaults most cruel in char.
acter and having not the slightest foun.
datlon in fact. 1t may be that this
habit of silence has encouraged calum..
ny; friends tell me 1t has, and. as Won
ask 1t, will say something of this par
ticular libel.
1T seems to consist Of three parts or
of three charges:
"First-That became q candidate
for reelection of my own head and not
oy the advice and wish of party asso-
ciates.
"Second-That friends and support.
ers from time to time urged me to desist
and withdraw, and that refused to
10 so.
"Third--That corrupt bargain was
ABOUT to be consummated for my elec-
lion and that of another person, and
hat l was party to this bargain.
The term corrupt bargain Is used BY
he Kingston paper, but for some rea
ION Is changed in reprints in other pa
'ers to questionable means.'
Each of these charges is without
ruth, and positively against truth.
My name was used for re- election
md went to Albany because of the
|rgent advice or request of all those
With whom had opportunity to con.
ult. My going to Albany was one of the
lost 10 uctant acts of my life. l did
OF 60 there to solicit votes; 1 never
sKed any man to vote fer me. NV
resence there was insisted on by 9th. |
rs ON the ground that it was due 10 all |
nat Information and explanation
Mould DO given respecting the resigna-
on and the causes which led to it, and |
lat such information should come di-
'ctly from me. So much as to the first
large.
'Second-Not one of those whose
ldgment had been given in favor of
y standing for reelection ever advis-
or suggested a withdrawal. On
10 contrary, though l repeatedly
ade the suggestion myself, not
10 OF the friends whose advice had de-
rmlned my action eyer approved or
scented to any course other than the
le pursued.
"Third-No bargain, corrupt or other
lse, to which was a party, was ever
ade or proposed in the whole course
the Senatorial controversy. know l.
no fact giving color to such an allega- I
IN. If there be such fact it is un.
lown TO me. Ii
NOW you see you have made me I
eak my habit to let pass in silence I
Q numberless falsehoOds which have y
ade me their target. a
'Onlya day or two since l was told b
1t story is going the rounds that t
ne time ago, in Cleveland, 1 grossly v
suited number of leading citizens
10 were polite enough to offer to escort n
to Cincinnati. The story is very k
Sc and vicious, and many others still a
rse might be mentioned. 1t is i'm. z
'slbie, however, to follow up and II
~ these lying accusations" ii