Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1884-12-08
BLAINE AND coNkLlN0.
What the Former is Reported TO Have
Said of Their Relations.

ALBANY. Dec. IA Washington special 10
the Press and Kaiclerbocker relates an inter
view vlth Blaine by gentleman who holds
a high position at the Capital, a staunch Re
publican and warm admirer of the defeated
candidate. Mr.. Blaine confessed frankly
that the defeat was Conkling's victory, and
and gave the following narrative: 'Ihe
coldness," Mr.. Blaine said, between Conk-
ling and myself is OF long standing, dating
back To the time we both were in the House
of Representatives. lie has opposed my
political adyanc -na nt ever since that time.
Of course l retauaed, but more IN
the defensive way than otherwise until
ConkilnH assumed an antagonIstlc position
toward the late President Garfield, when /
took the offensive and opposed Conkling's
return TO the Senate after he had resigned
his seat therein. Ii is mistake to say that
Garfield opposed Conkling's IS return. He was
entirely careless concerning the matter. He
said he cared nothing for any annoyance
that gentleman might attempt against his
administration. The fact is, Garfield in
tended h6s administration should be such as
to meet Ne approval of the country. He did
not believe Conkling, or any other one man,
could successfully oppose it. But l
could not bring myself to look upon
20 bear what opposition lcould to Conkling's
return TO t1t Senate. As he had opposed
my politic& advancement, 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
into the field for nomination by my friends,
had doubts as to the propriety
of my taking the position with SO
powerful an opponent at large. But l was
assured that Conkling had turned his back
on politics, that he would take no part in the
canvass for either nomination., or election.
In addition to this / was visited by commit
tees and written to from all sections of the
country, urging me to consent to the use of
my name before the convention. / finally
yielded. ! had taken pains to learn Conk-
ling's feelings. At first he was reticent, say
ing he was out of politics. Later he said he
hoped tie cOnventian would nominate a
man. This was interpreted to me that he
had preferred me to Arthur. felt some re-
lief. s nominated The October result
in Ohio ected US. / desired to visit New
York. announcement was then made that if
did SO qonkling would stump against me- If
would Say out of New York he would make
no speeches He said he would submit the
question to the people without argument.
But if wanted to argue he would meet me-
argued hy friends not to bring any issue in
of this kind, in the nature of
personal quarrel. InlS cOntenteu COnkllng
and he remained out of politics.
The question went to the Republicans of
New York as Conkling wanted it to, and he
won. He has had his revenge. | don't say
kept him out of the Senate, but did all
could, and he has prevented my election to
the Presidency. Only Conkling could have
given New York State to me. He would not.
Perhaps / could have returned him to the
Senate, but would not. But he has beaten
me- three times tn my once HEATING him He
prevented my nomination in 1876 and 1880,
and defeated me in 1884"
Blaine showed no feeling during this state
ment.