The Indianapolis journal., 1884-12-09
CONKLING's VICTORY.
Mr.. Blaine Admits that the New Yorker
COmpassed His Defeat.
Washington Special to Albany Press and Knicker-

Mr.. Blaine Admits that the New Yorker
COmpassed His Defeat.
Washington Special to Albany Press and kncker-
booker.
1.-The codness' Mr. Blaine said, "hetween
Mr.. Conkling and myself is of long standing,
dating back to the time both were in the
House of Representatives. He has opposed my
political advancement since that time OF
course | retaliated. but more in "a defensive way
than otherwise, until Mr.. Conkng assumed an
antagoniStic position toward the late President
Garfield when took the offensive and opposed
Mr.. Conklings return to the Senate after he
had resigned his seat therein. 1t is a mis-
take to say that Mr.. Garfield opposed
careless concerning the matter He said he
. cared nothing for any annoyance the gentleman
might attempt against the administration. The
fact is MIR. Garfield intended thathis administra-
ton should be such to merit the approval of
the country, and he did not believe that Conk
ling or any other one man could successfully op-
pose it. But could not bring myself to look at
the matter in that light, and brought to bear
what opposition l could to Mr.. Conkliugs re-
turn to the Senate. AS he had opposed my po-
litical advancement, | had a perfect right
to retaate in good kind. He was de-
feated and thus matters stood until the ap
proach of the national. convention, when
was put in the field for the nomination by my
friends / had doubts as to the propriety of my
taking the position with so powerful an oppo
nent at large. But was assured Mr.. Conking
had turned his back on politics; that he had
taken no part in the canvass Tor either the nomi-
nation or election In addition to this l was
visited by committe 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 | had taken pains to learn Mr..
Conkling's feeling. At first he was retcent,
saying ne was out Of politics. Later he said he
hoped the convention would nominate a
good man. This was interpreted to me that he
preferred me to Arthur. l felt some relief 1
was nominated. The October result in Ohio
elected us. desired to visit New York. The
announcement was then made that if l did so
Mr. Conkling would stump against me. If
would stay out of New York he would make no
speeches, He said he would submit the ques
ton to the people without argument but if 1
wanted to argue he would meet me. l abided by
the decision of my friends not to bring any issue
in of this kind in the nature of personal quar-
rel This contented Mr. Conklng, and he
remained out of politics. This question went to
the Republicans of New York AS Mr.. Conkling
wanted it to go, and he won. He has had his
revenge. l don't say kept him out of the Sen
ate, but did all could, and he has prevented
my election to the presidency. Only Mr.. Conk
ling could have given New York State to me,
and he would not. Perhaps / could have re-
turned him TO the Senate, but would not. But
he has beaten me three times to my once heating
him. He prevented my nomination in 1876 and
1885, and defeated me in 1884"
Mr. Blaine showed no feeling during this
statement.