Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-08-09
A WELCOME ADVOCATE.

II In nnounoed-whether correctly or
not we cannot yet determine-that In
the present campaign Roscoe Conkline.
of New York, will, in his own State and
elsewhere, take the stump in advocacy
Of the Republican ticket. We hope the
attainment Is reliable. There Is no more
powerful speaker In the United States
than Roscoe Conklina. During his
long term of service in Congress, both
al Representative and Senator, he was
leading spirit in the councils OF bis
party. His signal ability is everywhere
conceded, his loyalty 10 country and
party has never been questioned. For
wears he led the hosts of the Republic
can party In the Empire State, and al
though his rule was sometimes arbi-
trary and iron-handed, his integrity OF
purpose and pre- eminent abilities en-
abled him 10 anify the party, command
che adhesion of those whom party ties
bound but lightly. and present at all
times bold and aggressive front
against the opposition. Infexible In
purpose. naturally self-assertivs and
dominsering, yet peculiarly sensitive.
be stood for years az one OF the fore
most men in National politics aad the
councils of Government.
The bitter alienation which existed
and for aught that Ia known still ex-
ists, between Conkline and Blaine has
been reciprocally injurious and hurtful
10 the party. Both are talented, am
bilious mea. both are fitted for leader
ship, aud both aspired TO become such.
There cannot be two supreme leaders.
when these two men came in contact,
the Are few. The result has been that
so far M political honors are concerned,
Blaine has had and retains the advan-
tage. Great men, as well as those Of
lesser brains and influence. have their
moments Of weakness. These came to
Mr.. Oonkline whom, indignant at what
he claimed was breach OF faith on the
part OF the late President Garfield. he
rendered his resignation as Senator OF
the United States. There may have
been rcasons-there doubtless was in
his Judgment ample cause--for a step
which has ever been regarded, both by
his friends and opponents, as rash and
Iii advised. BY his action he at once
sundered old.time friendships and an
tagonized large number of those Re
publicans in his own State and else
where who had ever been proud and
eager TO do him honor. He expected TO
receive the endorsement of his State by
reelection. He was grievously disap-
pointed. and his political career was,
temporarily at least, Terminated.
MIR. Conkling may still have political
aspirations. We hope be has. II 30,
the very wisest course that he can par-
sus Is the one indicated by reports from
the East, TO wit. use his talents. ensr.
giles and undisputed eloquence in behalf
of Republican success this fall. The
fact that the nominee for President has
been political rival or even an enemy
should not prevent such action. Il is
the success of the party to which his
efforts should be directed. which even
though IL involve the triumph Of an old
slime opponent. should be considered
immeasurahiy greater in importancs
than the success or defeat OF any indi-
iduai. He eau do good service. Around
him will rally scores Of men who fol.
lowed his fortunes even to defeat. To
hear his eloquent addresses crowds will
as Of old gather; bis example will re.
buks the party mslevoience and shining
selfishness of the thin-shanked dudes
vhe prase of reform and purity in poll.
tics and train under Bun BArnum and
Tom Hendricks. The re-entranes Of
Roscoe Conkiine into political life
would be heartily welcomed By thx
u.s,es Of the Republican party, who