Morning journal and courier., 1884-12-08
BLAINE TALKS OF CONKLING
And Tells the Whole Story of Their
 Quarrel.

Quarrel.
 ALBANY, Dec. "A Washington special to the Press and Knickerbocker relates an ] interview with MT. Blaine by gentleman who holds high position at the Capitol, 8 l staunch Republican and warm admirer of
 the defeated candidate. MT. Blaine confessed frankly that his defeat was Conkling's vic- tory and gave the following narration: 'The coldness," MT. Blaine said, "between Mr Conkling and myself is of long standing, dating back to the time we both were in the House of Representatives. He has opposed my politicaLadvancement ever since that time. Of course 1 retaliated, but more M a defen- sive Way than otherwise until Mir. Conkling
 assumed an antagonistic position toward the late President Garfield, when I took the of fensive and opposed MT. Conkling's return to the Senate after he had resigned his seat
 It is a mistake to say that MT. Garfield op- posed MT. Conklings return. He was entirely careless concerning the matter. He said he cared nothing for any annoyance that gentleman might attempt against the administration. The fact is MT. Garfield in
 tended that his administration should be such as to merit the approval of the country and he did not believe ConkHng or any other one man could successfully oppose it. But could not bring myself to look upon the mat ter in that light and brought to bear what opposition could to Mir. Conkling's return to the Senate. As he had opposed my politi- cal advancement had a perfect right to re- taliate in kind. He was defeated and thus ofto cto 4ho oI of4I 4Ia
 tional convention when I was put in nomina- tion by my friends. I had doubts as to the propriety of my taking the position with so powerful an opponent at large. But was assured MT. Conkling had turned his back on politics; that he would take no part in the canvass for either the nomination or the election. In addition to that I was visited by committees and written to from all sections of the country urging me to consent to the use of my name before the convention. I finally yielded and and still the assurances came. Meantime had taken pains to learn the feeling of MT.
 Conk1ing At first he was quite reticent, simply saying that he was at present Fdevot- ed to his profession and was out of politics. , Later on he expressed utter indifference as to the nomination with the exception of saying that The hoped the convention would nomi- nate man. This was interpreted to me as meaning that he would rather see me nomi- mated than President Arthur. I confess that my vanity was touched by this explanation and felt some relief The convention met and I was nominated. The campaign opened auspieiously. The October result in Ohio
 elated us all. Still had misgivings con corning New York. I went to Ohio and the West it is true, but those who thought or still think underestimated the importance of New York are much mistaken. I was extremely
 desirous of visiting New York and so informed the National committee. Just then the announcement was made that MT. Conk- ling would speak. was in Indiana when this announcement was made and you will
 recollect that it said that I was broken
 down-was siek-or was becoming unman- ageabIe. These reports were not exactly
 true, but will confess that the report con corning Conkling broke me up considerably.
 The first report concerning him did not state on which side he would speak, but I felt sure that it would not be in behalf of me. I was bound eastward, but I halted to learn definitely what were MT. Conkling's intentions I was informed that he was
 willing to enter into compact with me, the substance of which was that should stay out of New York State. If I would not agree 1 to that, he would make no speeches. But if I went on the stump in that State he would | follow me and do all he could to defeat me. H. fho1.o a1 | between himself and me as to who was held | in the highest esteem by the Republican par | ty of New York. He was willing, he said to | suEmit the question to the people now with | out argument but if wanted to argue it he would most willingly meet me. I was will | ing to argue the matter, but agreed to abide I the decision of my friends. After con sultation it was decided to do nothing l that would tend to bring 8 new l issue into the campaign and one which could not be dignifed into anything l of greater magnitude than personal or a | family quarrel. This contented Mr. Conk- ] ling and he remained out of politics, govern l ed by the necessity which has compelled | him to devote himself to his profession | The question went to the Republicans of 1 New York State, as MT. Conkling wanted it,
 and he won the victory. And now I must frankly say, MT. Conking has had his re- 1 venge do not say kept him out of the CO ! prevent his return, and he has prevented my
 election to the presidency. I am glad did not go into New York. With MT. Conkling fol | lowing me and with such fire in the rear as
 he is capable of delivering the result, l
 think, could not have been otherwise than it
 has and we have both been spared the con-
 temptation of what we would have said. ]
 am content. My election was not to be, un- der the circumstances. I came very near
 carrying New York State, but might have just as well lost it by one hundred thousand.
 I feel satisfied that all was done that could
 be done. Only MT. Conking could have given the State to me and he would not. l Perhaps could have secured his return to
 the Senate, but would not. But he has
 beaten me three times to my once. He pre-
 vented my nomination in 1876 and 1880 and
 defeated my election in 1884"
 Mir. Blaine evineed not particle of feeling
 during the entire relation. His demeano1
 was even more than usually frank and mat
 ter of fact.
 IN FULL SIGHT OF LAND
 1 A Large Steamer Goes Down O6 Holy