Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-12-12
elalne-conkIing Trouble.

Elaine-Conkling Trouble.
NEW York, Dec, 10.-A Washington
| special relates an interview with Mr.. Blaine,
by gentleman who holds a high position at
the capital, staunch Republican and
warm admirer of the defeated candidate
Mr.. Blaine confessed frankly, that his defeat
was Mr.. Conklings victory, and gave the
following narrative: "The coolness'' Mr.
Blaine said, "between Conkling and myself,
is of long standing, dating back to the time
we both were in the house of representatives.
He has opposed my political advancement
but more in defensive way than 9th
wise, until Mr.. Conkling assumed all
antagonistic attitude toward the late
President Garfield, when took the offensive
and opposed Mr.. Conkling's return to the
senate after he had resigned his seat therein.
1t is mistake to say that Mr.. Garfield OPP
posed Mr.. Conkling's return. He was en-
tirely careless concerning the matter. He
said he cared nothing for annoyance that
gentleman might attempt against the admin
istration. The fact is that Mr. Garfield in
tended that his administration should be
such as to merit the approval of the coun-
try, and he did not believe that Conkling or
any other one man could successfully OPP
pose it; but could not bring myself to look
upon it in that light, and 1 brought
to bear what opposition l
could to Mr.. Conkling's return to
the senate. As he had opposed my political
advancement had perfect right to retail
late in kind. He was defeated. and thus |
matters stood until the approach of the ma
tional 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 opponent |
at large, but / was assured that Mr.. Conk-
ling had turned his back on politics, aud |
that he would take no part in the canvass for
either the nomination or the election. In
addition to this | 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. / finally
yielded and still the assurances came. Mean
while had taken the pains to learn the feel
ings of Mr.. Conkling.
"At first" continued Mr.. Blaine, she was
quite reticent, simply saying that he was at
present devoted to his profession and was
out Of politics. Later on he expressed utter
indifference as to the nomination, with the
exception of saying that he hoped the con-
vention would nominate man.
This was interpreted rs meaning that he
would rather see me nominated than Presi-
dent Arthur. | confess that my native van
ity was touched by this explanation and |
felt some relief. The convention met and
was nominated. The campaign opened.
The October result in Ohio elated US all.
Still had misgivings concerning New York.
went TO Ohio and the west it Is true, but
hose who thought or still think under-es-
imated the importance of New York are ]
much mistaken / was extremely de- {
'irous of visiting New York state , ,
md SO informed the national COM !
nittee. Just then the announcement
vas made that Mr.. Conkling would speak !
was in Indiana when this announcement
vas made and you will recolect it was said
was broken down, was sick, or was becom-
ng unmanageable. These reports were not
xactly true, but will confess that the re-
,ort concerning Mr. Conkling broke me up l.
considerably. The first report concerning !.
i'm did not state on which side he would !
peak, but | felt assured it would not be in 5
'tDdu vi ItlN tlcCliDI. wis Doubu tsteL- u
ward, but halted TO learn definitely what
we're Mr.. Conkling's intentions. ! was in \
orrued that he was willing TO enter into "A )
ompact with me, the substance of which a
vas that should stay out of New York
tate. If would agree to that he said he -
,ould make no speeches, but il l went on
be stump in that state he would follow II
10 and do all he could to defeat
re. He said there was yet
n unsettled question between himself
nd me as to who was held in the highest
steem BY the Republican party of the state
fNew York. He was willing, he said, to
lbmit the question TO the people now with in
ut argument, but If l wanted to argue it he Z,
ould willingly meet me. | was willing to -
-gue the question, but agreed to abide tho e,
ecision of my friends. After consultation,
was decided to do nothing which would =
ring new issue into the campaign, and
ne which could not be digniied into any
ling of greater magnitude than personal
mi!y quarrel. This contented Mr. Conk-
1g and he remained out Of politics govern, .
by the necessity which compelled
ssion. The question went to the Repub-
,ans of New York state, as Mr.. Conkling
anted it to go, and he won the victory, and
Nv must frankly say" said Mr.. Blaine,
ith animation, "Mr. Conkling has had his
venge. / don't say kept him out of the
nate, but certainly did all 1 could do to
event his return and he has prevented my ~
ection 10 the presidency. am glad l did a 1
}. go into New York. With Mr.. Conkling g.
flowing me and with such fire in the rear NJ
he was capable of delivering, the result d,
ink could not have been otherwise than it ke
sand We have both been spared the con- al
nplation of what we would have said. % 70,
am content my election was not to 4
. Under the circumstances | came very
mr. carrying New York state, but | might
It as well have lost by 100000. L feel sat ~
led that all was done that could be done,
ly Mr.. .Conkling could have given the 80
tie to me and he would not. Perhaps ! !
uld have secured bis return to the senate, !
t i would not but he has beaten me three go,
hes to my once beating him. He prevented sto
: nomination in 1876 and $780, and defeat I
my election in 1884," q
Mr.. Blaine evinced no particle of feeling vii
ring the entire relation. His demeanor ms
5 even more than usually frank and matter 'eI
fact. SO,