The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1888-04-26
Roscoe CouklinE

The death OF Roscoe Conkling brings TO
mind the fact that be was, only few years
ago, the most powerful political leader in
the country. In dis own state he was SUI
preme in the councils Of his party and
New York never had, in all its history,
more than one or two who we're his equals
10 political influence. His methods,
though not up to the sublime standard OF
the modern Mugwump, were free from
corruption, and even bis enemies gave him
credit for honesty.
10 point OF ability neither party 10 the
state has bad his equal 10 recent times
His one weak point was bis unyieldlng
will which would never give way to as
saulis of friend or foe. Having made up
his mind no arguments could ever ecu
vince him that another course would be
more judicious. This trait in his charac
ter. though it made him many strong
friends. made him many enemies, aud who
must OF necessity bring him inio trouble
sooner or later.
The trouble came during and just after
tae Garfield campaign. AT the National
convention that year Conkling was the
leader Of the Grant forces aud held his del
egates to the last. They were not quite
enough TO nominate, however, and Gar
tield carried of the prize, greatly 10 tue
disappointment Of CobkliDg who was al
ways warm friend Of Gen. Grant. Dur
ing tue campaign that followed there WIS
considerable doubt about how New
York would go aud Conkling was be-
sought by Gaheld's friends to take an &C
tive part 10 the campaign He consented
and the state was saved aud Garfield
elected
Soon alter taking the chair Garfield
made some important changes among the
fe dersl ofiicisls 10 New York without con.
sul,ing Conkling, This was too much
and the latter resigned his sea, 10 the
Senate. saying. 10 effect, that IT was pr
fecily useless 10 keep control OF the state
without be also had control Of the federal
appointments. His friends attempted to
have him sgain elected ia the Legislature
which was then ia session to tiil the va
cancy caused by his own resignation.
rbis raised the cry OF Boss Rne" and
"Ciyil Service Reform" aud be sas defeat
Ell. 1t ia a noteworthy fact that those
who then shouted loudesl for civil service
reform fonr years later we're earnts, aayo-
Gates Of President Cleveland and party
vdich has always been opposed 10 that
hind Of reform
We think Cobkling's resignaii u was a
niglake, a. be- would. 10 The end. baye re
gained bis leadership bad be kept his seat
Having resigned the case was different.
but We think the party would have been
ia better condition sod might have teen
Ia pow 81 10. DAY II be bad been re elected
to the snaie. The Magsumps would
have opposed han, but they conid have
done htlic TO iplarc tue party HAT they
did not DO 10 1854. aud be might have car
rie3 the state In spite q them His 70
election to the Senate would Rot hase
been 70 scyere a blow TO resi- civil service
reform a. ihe election Of Cleveland proves
10 have been. and as evea come Of the
Magw amps themselves nov. scstosledse
IL to have been.
ConkliDg believed 10 having coed men
10 pfiee, bat he waited tarn BIZ iiirrds
An uoi hsh Toes II the Republican PAX
IL relied upon him 10 keep The state IL
lin be musi lnow beforehand who The
officials we're 10 be ia thai state He
knss that ns nast Sork sgaias, poser /
fol and unsorspaloas foe, tie DenpeEaiio /
PARTY. and that be soaid need eserg hon
esi advantage. Clvii service reiofn might
be al right 10 theory abd 10 practice. but
The sae ~ Nea ioik eenid ncl be