The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-04
GEN. GRANT AS "A PEACEMAKER.
The Truce Between Conkling and Garfield in
the Campaign of 1880.
Cleveland Special.


Cleveland Special
Grants last visit to Cleveland was during the
Garfield campaign. Garfield, alarmed by Conk-
ling's Indifferent, almost defiant attitude, and
fearing that the coolness of his faction might
cost him New York in the coming election,
begged his managers to arrange a meeting be
tween HIM and Conkling and Grant. The meet
ing assumed the nature of a grand love feast,
and peace was declared but it was due to Grant
and to Mrs. Garfeld's matchless cooking Grant
and Senator Conkling went to Warren, where
great meeting was held during the day. Sen
ator Conkling was still Indifferent, and made no
alusion to Garfield in his speech. The writer
FASTENED to Mentor in advance of the distin
gushed guests, who were to arrive in the even
ing Garfield was hurrying about toe house,
personally aiding Mrs. Garfield in preparing for
the visitors. When the writer called him out
on the piazza a moment and told him that
Conkling had ignored him in his speech that
day, Garield's face assumed look of deep
trouble, but he refused to discuss the
matter. He could hardly believe. the statement,
and the moment that NJ. A Hanna, chairman of
the Cleveland reception committee, arrived at
Iawnfeld from Warren. Garfield pulled him
aside and said, MARK, is it true that Conkling
made no allusion to me in his speech to dayl'
Hanna said thatit was, and Garfield remarked,
MATTERS look very bad"
His hopes of a compromise with Conkling had
been dashed to the ground At that iuncture
the carriage containing Grant and COnkling drove
uD Garfield opened the carriage door, and
Conkling extended his hand and exclaimed,
General, | am proud to meet you at your home
There was a lack of heartiness il his voice. The
Republican managers had planned the meeting
with consummate skill, believing that the sight
of the father and husband under his own simple
vine would impress Mr.. Conkiing. It did win
General Grants hearty support When Conk-
ling had alighted Grant stepped down from the
carriage and grasped Garheds hand. He ut
tered scarcely word, but there was that in the
firlnness Of his grasp and in the long holding Of
the hand that made Garicld's face light up with
pleasure. The light which streamed ont from
the open door fell on those two men with clasped
hands, and illuminated rare tableau
Once indoors the party made itself at home.
Grant fingered long at the side OF Grandma
Garfield and Conkling, with the grace of gal.
liant, delighted Mrs. Garfield with his courtly
attentions Good old Dr. Robson simple old
man, who worshiped Garfield, led Conkling
aside to praise his hero, as he called Garfield.
Robson helped buy Lawnfed for Garfield, and
heelid not hesitate to openly upbraid every man
who opposed him. 1t q few moments Conkling
had frozen the old gentleman out, but General
Grant charmed the good Doctor with his silent
cordiality, and assured him that Garfield had
nothing to fear.
An informal luncheon was served. The little
dning-ro room at Lawnfeld had never contained
so many distinguished men as stood around its
table that evening Grant, Conkling Levi F.
Morton. Logan, and a score of others were there
and every man of them ate heartily and praised
Mrs Garfelds splendid coffee Even Senator
Conkling was melted by it, and he fingered so
long at the table that Mrs. Garfield called his
attention 10 the fact that all the guests had re-
paired to the parlor. He paid her pretty com.
pliment about the excellence of the luncheon,
making him oblivious to all surroundings but
herself, and escorted her into the parlor Then