Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-12-12
Conkling'S Revenge.
Mr.. Blaine Says He Was the
Victim Thereof.
Alex. BOtkin's Scalp Sought by
Gov. Crosby.
Various Items of News, POlit-
ical and Otherwise.
The Days Doings.
Elaine'S Woe S.


ington special to the Press and Knick-
erbocker relates an interview with
Mr.. Blaine by q gentleman who holds
high position at the capitol, a
staunch republican and warm ad-
mirer of the defeated candidate. Mr..
Blaine confessed frankly that his de
feat was Mr.. ConkliAg's victory, and
gave the following narrative: THE
coldness," Mr.. Blaine said, between
Mr.. Conkling and myself is one of
long standing, dating back to the
time we both were in the house of
representatives. He has opposed my
political advancement ever since that
time. Of course, l retaliated, but
more in defensive way than other
wise, until Mr. Conkllng assumed
an antagonistic position 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 a mistake to say that
Mr.. Garfield opposed Mr.. Conkling's
return He was entirely careless
concerning the matter. He said he
cared nothing for any annoyance
that gentleman might attempt against
Garfield intended that his admins,
tration should be such as to merit the
approval of the country, and he did
not believe that Conkling or any
other one man could successful v
oppose it. But could not bring my.
self to look upon the matter In that
light and brought to bear what oppo-
sition I could to Mr.. Conkling's re
turn to the senate. AS he had
opposed my political advancement 1
had a perfect right to retaliate
IN kind. He was defeated, and
thus matters stood until the
approach of the national convention.
When was put in the field for the
nomination. by my friends had
doubts as to the propriety of my tax
ing the position with so powerful an
opponent at large. But l was assured
Mr.. 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 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. l
ling's feelings. At first he was reti-
cent, saying he was out of politics.
Later he said he hoped the conven-
ton would nominate man. This was
interpreted to me that he had pre-
ferred me to Arthur | felt some re-
lief. was nominated. The October
result in Ohio elated us. | desired to
visit New York. The announce
ment was then made that if l
did so Mr.. Conking would
stump against me. If l would stay
out of New York he would make no
speeches. He said he would submit
the question to tne people without ar
gument, but if l wanted to argue he
would meet me- I abided the decis
ion of my friends not to bring any is
sue in of this kind in the nature Of a
quarrel. This contented Mr.. Conkling
aud he remained out of politics.
The question went to the republi-
cans of New York, as Mr.. Conkling
wanted it to, and he won. He has
had his revenge. I don't say kept
him out of the senate, but l did all l
could, and he has prevented my cleo
ton to the presidency. Only Mr..
Coekling could have given New York
state to me and he would not. Per-
haps 1 could have returned him to the
senate, but would not But he has
beaten me three time to my once beat
ing him. He prevented my nomiua-
ton in 1876 and 1880, and defeated
me in 1884"
Mr.. Blaine showed no feeling dur
ing the statement.