, 1888-05-10
iNGERSOLL ON CONkLiNO.
HIS NAME STANDS FOR INCoRRUPTIBIL
ITY AND UNCoMPRo oMIsING
MANHOOD.
II. G.. WATSON.
j. EDWARDS.
w. G. GRAY.

iTY AND UNCoMPROMISING
MANHOOD.
Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll was pro-
foundly affected by the news of Mr.
Conkling's death. Having been for
years II warm personal friend of the
great leader, and more recently inti-
mately associated with him at the bar,
he looked upon the demise of Mr..
Conkling as serious personal loss.
Many will be curious to know Col
onel Ingersoll's estimate of Mr.. Conk-
ling. While the famous orator was an
admirer of the New York state sman,
he declined to support the position
taken by him at the time of his resig-
nation from the senate-not for politi-
cal reasons, but because, as he then
said, he believed Mr.. Conkling to be
wrong in principle.
1t will be remembered that Colonel
Ingerso)l in his now historical nomi-
mating speech conferred upon Mr..
Blaine the title of the "Knight of the
White Plume" All through their cy-
clonic and irrecopcilable war OF per-
sonalities and politics he stood as the
mutual friend of the two republican
giants, knowing the pecu)iarities and
the motives of each, familiar with the
inside history of their antagonism and
acting himself an important part in
many OF the scenes which closed the
public career OF Mr.. Conkling. Colonel
Ingersoll also knew Garfield's story of
the great quarrel.
To Herald reporter yesterday, Col.
Ingersoll summed up the life and in
fiuence CT the dead statesman calmly
and in q serious mode.
RIGHT ON ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.
"What is Mr.. Conklings place in
the political history of the United
States?" asked the reporter.
"Upop the great questions Mr..
Conkling has been right. During the
war he was always strong and clear,
unwavering and decided. His posi-
ton was always known. Hewas right
on reconstruction, on civil rights, on
the currency, and so far as know, on
all important questions. He was new
er even suspected of being swayed by
an improper consideration. He was
immeasurably above purchase.
"His popularity rested upon his alb
culated for leader, because he would
yield nothing. He had no compro-
mise in his nature. He went his own
road and he would not turn aside for
the sake OF company. His individuality
was too marked and his will too impe-
rious to become leader IN a republic
There is great deal of individuality
in this country and leader must not
appear to govern and must not de-
mand obedience. In the senate he
wGs leader"
HE SETTLED WITH NO ONE.
What essentially American idea
does he:stand for?"
at is a favorite saying in this coun-
try that the people are sovereigns. Mr..
Conkling felt this to be true, and he
exercised what he believed to be his
rights He settled with no one but |
He stands for individuality |
for the freedom of the citizen, the |
OF the man. No lord,
no duke, no king was ever prouder of |
his title or his place than Mr.. CoDk-
ling was of his position and his power.
He was thoroughly American in every
drop of his blood"
CoNKLING AS A POLITICAL MARTYR
"What have you to say about his
having died with sealed lips?"
"Mr. Conkling was too proud to
show wounds. He did not tell his sor-
rows TO the public. IL seemed suffi.
cient for him to know the fact him
self. He seemed TO have great conf
dence in time, and he had the patience
to wait. Of course he could have told
many things that would have shed
light on many important events, but
for my part l think he acted in the
noblest way.
"He was striking and original fig
ure in our politics. He stood alone.
know of no one like him. He will
be remembered as fearless and in
statesman, a great lawyer.
u magnificent speaker and an honest