Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-04-27

In November, lS5S Mr.. Conkling was
chosen as republican TO congress, and
took his seat al the beginning of tie first
session OF that body in December. ls5q-a
session noted for its long and bitter con.
test over the speaker hin. He was re.
elected in 1850, but in lNi2 was defeated by
Francis herman, over whom he was
elected in l-ti. Mr.. Conkling's fri i'm.
portant speech was in support OF the l4th
amendment TO the constitution He
| vigorously attacked the generalship OF
Mcclellan opposed Spauding's legal
tender act, and firmly uphe the govern.
ment IN IA vigorous prosecution of the
war.
Mr.. Conkling was re elected 10 the house
In 1861 but in January, lNt1. before TAX ing
his seat, was chosen nitel states senator
TO succeed ira Harris, and reelected in
l>13 and ls'A In the senate he was from
the first a member Of the judiciary COM
mittee, and connected with nearly all the
leading committees, holding the chairs of
those on commerce and revision Of the
laws. Senator Conkling was a jealous sun
porter OF President Grant administration
and largely directed its general policy TO.
wards the South, advocating il in public
an 10y his personal influence. lie was
also instrumental IN the passage of the
civil rights bill. and favored the resump-
tion of specie payments. lie took n prom.
lnent part in framing the electoral com.
mission bill in ls11 and supported it 10y an
able speech. Mr.. Conkling received 90
NOlt~ LOT the TeDuDllcdn no nation Tor
pres dent in the Cincinnati convention i'm
lo't. n the Chicago convention he advO-
Gated the nomination Of Gen. Grant for a
third term.
in ISL senator Conk'i ing became hostile
20 President Gartield's administrat ton on
n question of patronage, asserting. with
his colleague, Thomas c. Platt, tho right
70 control federal patronage in his state
The president having appointed politi-
cal opponent OF Mr.. Conkling TO the col
lprtOTSllD nj Ma nrLs ba
latter oppose his confirmation. Finding
that he could not prevent the confirma-
ton, Mr. Conkling on May rs resigned his
senatorship as did also his colleague and
returned home 10 seek vindication in
the form Of a re election. In this how.
ever, after an exciting canvass they
failed, and two other republicans were
elected to take their place.. Mr.. Conkling
immediately resumed his law practice in
New York City.
In 1SSj6 Mr.. Conkling w as counsel for
the state senate committee, appointed for
the purpose OF disclosing the fraud and
bribery in the grant of the Broadway
horse railroad fran chise by the board OF
aldermen in 1854. After the taking of ties.
timVny, lasting about three months Mr..
Conkling made an argument, together
with Clarence A. Sc ward which resulted
in the repeal Of the Broadway railroad
charter, drove the doodle" aldermen
either TO Canada or Sing Sing, and Jacob
Sharp TO his grave. Since tn at time Mr.
Conkling has added much 10 his reputation
not only as brilliant but remarkably
successful lawyer. He had appeared I'm a
ma ority OF the noteworthy cases tried in
the state of New York since his retire
ment from the senate.
Mr.. Conkling's health had been excel
lent up to the time of the recent great
blizzard in New ork, when. in returning
to his home through the heavy dri Is. he
nearly perishei from cold and exhau ton.
To that terrible journey is laid the disor-
der which culmin ated in his death.