New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-09-18
THE DEFEAT OF JOHN T. SMYTH.
THE PRESIDENTS NAME NOT USED IN THE CONTEST
EXAMINATIONS AND RUMoRs.

EXAMINATIONS AND RUMoRs.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THg TRIBUNE.l
RIcHFIELD SPRINGS, n. Y. Sept 1.-The sudden
defeat in Albany of john +. Smyth by the men to
whom he has been teaching politics for years con-
tnues TO be the chief topic of conversation among
the delegates already at the ground and those
on incoming trains. This not only because of the
mast relations between Smyth aud Draper. Luby and
Rentey but because Of the declarations made that
the movement against Mr.. Smyth was undertaken
with the direct approval of President Arthur Luby
in an in terview in to-days albany AJgHs denies that
he used President Arthurs name in the contest in
Albany County, and Mr.. Draper also denies
all reports of interference Dy President
Arthur 1t is evident, however. that the
shadow of the National Administration was
caused in some way to fall over the contest IN
Albany and an interesting explanation is given by
leading politician who was willing to talk more
freely than Mr. Smyth himself on this branch of
the subject. Thu, was that Colonel George Bliss.
who is not friendly TO Smyth insllgated the oppo-
sit,on partly with view, the Republicans be-
lieye to laying the foundation for legislative sup
port for Secretary Folger. who it believed wOuld
like TO be Senator Lapham's successor In 1885.
CAPTAIN Brackctt, the Treasury Special Agent
and Mr. Moore his chief clerk in Albany, and
Smyth's friends claim to have evidence that these
officials set the Albany Surveyor of
Customs and Collector of Internal Rev
enue at work against Smyth. The intimacy
of Bliss and Folger, who live In the same house In
Washington was thought 10 lend some color TO this
story 1t is also understood that the relations be-
tween the President and Mr. Smyth, while they
were so close not long ago that Luby and Bentley
were appointed on the sole request aud recommen-
dation of Snyth. are not much more cordial now
than those between the President and Ex-senator
ma hat Dram
NAV lave been aided in this contest because it was
thought that he would be more active in
getting delegates for President Arthur next year
than for Smylh.
Mr.. Smyth arrived here late this evening
and talked frankly to TRIBUNE corre-
spondent about his defeat. lie admitted
that the movement against him had been
a complete surprise to HIM and that Drapers
treachery had wounded him deeply 81 hardly fee!
like saying that had an affection for him. said he
al don't like to gusb, but had feeling very much
like It, lie had been withme for years. l had al
WAYS stood by him and regarded hin almost a
son. The district conventions were to be held
Thursday afternoon and evening. l had heard
hints dropped that he would like to be State Com
mitteemap had had enough of 1t. and was glad
TO sec him have il. wrote him letter Oh Thurs
day morning saying that was not candidate and
that would be glad to see him chosen. As soon
at bo received it he came into my office and
thanked me. saying that he hoped would
always consult together. This struck me as little
| peculiar considering what our relations had
always been, but did not dwell upon 1t in my
mind. There was some further talk. and said that
| should like to so delegate TO the convention.
His reply was that he saw no objection 10 that.
Then knew that there some treachery on
foot. and that the first suspicion
that ever entered my mind l found
afterward that ne tad been engaged in this scheme
for months.
"some Of my friends say that they find 1t began
last spring and yet lie and those other men have
been until within few days coming to see and
getting fayors from chairman OF the State
COMMITTEE supposed that our relations were
th, same as ever. They came tn my house and
talked over MY plans and every word that i SAID
was being used against me. IL Is an act OF stupid
trcachery, because Draper would have been State
Committeeman anyho~ If he had let matters
alone. can only account for 1t on the suppostion
that he thought he would be stronger In the COM
mittee II he seemed to 60 in on the anti-Smyth cry
which no -alsed without moments warning