New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-08-28
WADSWORTH'S CANDIDACY.

FIECIING wADswORTH DELEGAIEs-AN AID
MINIsrRATION sTALWARr TO 81 NOMINATED FOR
GOVFENOR
rFRoM A SPECIAL coRRE5roNDENr OF THE TEIRUSE.l
RoCHFsrrR. Aug 26.-There was n dramatic
scene in the Republican state Convention OF 1879
hitherto not described. which now fairly demands
relation. After the nomination OF MI Cornell ior
Governor and OF Mr.. Hoskins for Lieutenant-Goy-
ernor the delegates ran of to congratulate Mr. Cor
nell on his nomination and the chairman OF the
convention was compelled to adjourn himself for
two hours Upo reassembing the delegates went
on to nominate candidates fvc the other state
Offices During the recess a number of young dele
gates headed By Hamilton Fish, jr., had thought of
attempting 10 nominate another young
man. James W. Wadsworth, then Assem-
blyman for Controller Mr.. Wadsworh,
who was III Saratoga was of consulted
He ha come 20 the convention without a thought Of
becoming candidate; but when Mr. Fish said
familiarly: "Wlll you consent. jim" he replied,
laugmngly: Yes; III consent
The canvass forvotos for Mr. Wadsworth was at
once energet;cally begun and was carried on with
great success. The fact that Mr.. Wadsworth was
a candidate was kept a secret. however, from the
machine" which had candidate in John c.
Churchill, of Oswego. The vote IN the convention,
however showed AZ once that the machine" for
the moment had los. It's grip on its followers
Nearly all the machine" Kings County dele
gaiton and a large proportion OF the equally
machine" delegation from New-York voted
for Nadsworth II was wMle the convention was
thur swiftly drifting along toward the nomination
of Wadsworth that the dramatic incident occurred
of which mention has been made. Mr.. John F.
Smyth, then superintendent of the Insurance Depart
ment was observed to arise from the midst of the
Albany County delegation, who sat near the plat
form, aud walk 10 the opposite side of the hall,
where Roscoe ConklIng was seated, also near the
platform. Mr.. Smyths face was apparently dark
with anger as he bent over and talked IN Mr. Conk-
ling's ear The result of the information given to
Nj ConNling was quickly seen in the dispatching
By him Of several messengers ou. into the body Of
the hail where the delegates were seated. Thence
forward no machine " COnkling delegate voted for
Wadsworth but all voted steadily for Churchill.
Yet Wadsworth had meanwhile gained too many
votes He was nominated by q good majority.
What Mr.. Smyth said TO Mr.. Conkling
that was so unfavorable TO Mr.. Wadsworth
is Of course unknown. II was rumored at the time
that he SAID something like this: Isn't Wadsworth
getting too much headwayi Some Of our men are
not voting straight on this nomination. If be Is
nominated it will be considered a victory over our
side. He il well known all over the State now as a
bitter opponent of yours. He refused to attend the
Il ,
tor. saving that if he should attend it he would
vote against you. Every time he gets a chance he
| attacks our men. Last winter he went out Of his
! way TO attack me introducing resolutions attack
! ing nv administration Of the Insurance Depart
! ment.'
| 1t is interesting to recall the circumstances
Of Mr. Wadsworths refusal 20 attend the Senatorial
| caucus. Mr.. ConkIng was at the height of his
power, and was confident Of reelection that he
remained In Washington. Still Alonzo b. Cornell
was present in Albany, as he had been for a month
before to see that strong opposition was organ
lied against Mr Conkling. All went smOothlyj
there was no opposition. Mr.. Wadsworth was
known to be intensely hostile to Mr. Conkling
He was therefore told that Mr. Conkling would
feel especially grateful 10 all the Republican MEM
bers if he should be unanimously renomnated for
Senator " That does not matter" said Mr.. Wads-
worth warn you that if | attend that caucus l
shall vote against him" Alr. Wadsworth was not
further urged 70 attend the which was held
| in the Assembly Chamber of the new Capitol Mr.
Wadsworth did not attend il. Through its open
doors while it was in progress be could be seen
walking 10 and fro in the LOBBY. with his shoulders
squared as though ready for conflict II anyone
should attempt 10 drag him within.
Mr. Conkling it is now loudly proclaimed by some
stalwart politicians forgves Mr.. Wadsworth and
seeks to heap Goals of fire his head by nominating
him for Governor of New-York. Neither the for
giveness nor the kindly intention is believed in
here Mr.. Wadsworth lives at Geneseo. in the
County of Livingston, only few
miles distant from this city. and great
interest is taken here III his political career that
of neighbor. This neighborly feeling would un-
dOuDtedly secure him large vote IL thi, part OF
the State Ii he should be nominated for Governor.
II il midsummer madness" however, the
I.a.If. hot
| Conkling intends to use his influence In the Repub
can stale Convention 10 secure the nomination of
| NJ Wadsworth for Governor. The same opinion ls
held by the leading politicians of syracuse, Utica
| and ALBANY Conversation with them shows that
! they think the talk Of some Stalwarts lately
in favor Of Wadsvorths nomination Is utterly
| insincere. II has one purpose, namely: to induce
| the running of Wadsworth IL the districts con-
! trolled by Garfield Republicans Governor CorneUs
! denomination 1t is known is favored by many Car
field RcDubcans. II the vote OF these districts can
! be divided between Cornell and Madsworth the
stalwart programme will be successful. 1t Il seen
by Mr. Conkling, President Arthur ex-senator
J Platt. and other leaders of the Administration
marty. that Governor Cornell will have many Stall
,vort d.legates-men who would usually be with the
Administrations There is therefore IN the opinion
| Of the Administration, danger Of Mr. Cor
! nelr, reuomluation if he receives the votes
| Of all of the Garfield Republicans ana
of some OF the Stawarts. II Is therefore necessary
! - divide The tarleld Republicans vote hence
! the niuts that Nadsworth NAV oe 2ccrptfu d. 'no
! ADMINISTRATION candidate against Cornell;
There IS a sure test Of the sincerity OF these pro-
! fe-sous OF intrres in Nr. WaGsworth. IL is test
| oftrn made by Republican politicians Just now
v-1cr they say: Z" " hat district controlled by IN"
! %Iraual Administration has ected delegates IN
! srructcd 10 vO,e Tor Nads"oIih nomination I
| il then pointed out that Tie Albany county ceir-
! o,t+s Wbo through John r. smyth are directly
t,r prcsideut Arthurs orders, were not instructed
| To vote tor W adswoIth' anu, III lsg',