Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-11-04
BLAINE AND GARFIELD.
w. II. Lockwood On Blaine and Hi
Treachery.

Treachery.
CLEVELAND, November 3.-The interview
with C. r. Lockwooda prominent merchant
here, regarding the effect Of Blaines pres
ence in Garfelds cabinet is attracting wide
comment. Mr.. Lockwood is one of the best
known merchants of this city, and his word
is above reproach. 1t is well known that
Mr. Lockwood enjoyed President Gartield's
confidence in great degree, and the only
doubt in the matter was as to whether Mr..
Lockwood said what was attributed 10 him.
To reporter he to-day reiterated the inter
view of yesterday. He said: While visiting
Garfield after he had been shot by Guiteau
Ia the course OF conversation with me the
President used this language:
Blaine forced me to put him in my
cabinet, knowing well at the time he did it
what the result would be- With him there
this fight with Conkling, Arthur and their
friends was inevitable" In saying this
Mr.. Garfield evinced the profoundeSt regret,
and, with touching eloquence, bemoaned
the unfortunate complications that were
embittering his life and threatening to rem
der his administration melancholy failure,
even if he recovered so as to leave the sick
bed on which he then lay,
and where, he unhesitatingly said
to Mr.. Lockwood, Blaines course
had brought him.
In further conversation and in reply 10
question, Mr. Lockwood continued: II have
my own opinion on the subject, and it is an
emphatic one. 1t does not seem right to
me that the Republicans should hold this
man Blaine up before the people as Gar
fields friend and make capital for him out
of it, when if the public really appreciated
the selfish motives underlying it on Blaincs
part they would despise him, and have no
heart in discussing this branch OF the sub.
iect.
Blaino's Plans Four Years Ago.
"lou have your convictions, | presume
strengthened by Mr.. Garfield testimony
concerning Mr., Blaines motives? asked
the reporter.
81 am satisfied tha. Blaine had made up
his mind to be the Republican candidate in
1884, and wanted the Cabinet position as a
stepping-stone. Garfield was placed in a
trying position Here was this man Blaine
with a larger share Of the Republican
party at Lis back than any other man
IN the country. If Garfield did moi appoint
him it meant fight OF Blaine and all his
friends against the administration. On the
other hand, as told Garfield, he knew that
Blaine appointment would be like shaking
a red flag in front OF bull as tar as Conk-
ling and Arthur were concerned. As you
can readily see Garfield could not afford to
risk Gght with Blaine and two-thiris OF
his party; wherefore Garfield clearly saw
that he was forced to appoint him.
Many DeIuded Voters.
"Will not many people vote for Blaine on
the theory that he was Gariields triendy'
Undoubtedly. He Gariield's friend
Yes he was, Just as he was Fisher friend,
but he was getting in on the ground floor
TO all tie good things through his friendship,
YOU can rest assured. ! DO not think 1t
would do any good to attempt TO fight
Blame on this ground though, for his re-
sources are unlimited, you know. He is
utterly unprincipled, and undoubtedly is
armed with letter from Garfield TO cover
this very point.
Garieid's Estimate of Blaine.
"The first time | saw Garieli after
Blaine's appointment ! told him that
thought he lad made a mistake. In case
of trouble with England. for instance,
asked him what kind Of a showing would
Blaine make in correspondence with the
English Minister of War. Garfield laughed,
and replied that in such an event as that he
would be on hands himself to direct affairs.
But did not intend to say as much as have.
Every one knows my opinion of Blaine, and
am ready at any time TO express 1t; but
so far as dragging Garfield into the Ques,
ton goes am opposed to it. It would not
be right for me to give any publicity to any
confidence he may have reposed in me.
"You knew Garfield intimately did you
not?" =,
"Well, yes, about as intimately as could.
For twenty-five years we were closely as
sociated on the Board Of Hiram College.
For four years, when lived at Solon, he
spent every Sunday at my house.