The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-11-06
COLONEL CONGER'S DISCOVERY.
II Was During Garfield's Administration Reci-
procity Was First Discussed by Mr.. Blaine.

CHICAGO. Nov 5.--Col. A. l.. Conger was
here to-day. and was interviewed by re-
porter. His theme was reciprocity, and he
epdeavored to show that the subject was
considered during President Garfeld's ad-
ministration. In the course of his talk he
said be was in Washington at the time
Senator Conkling resigned. He was fear
ful that Mr.. Conkling's act would develop
split in the party, and so expressed him
self to President Garfield. on whom he
called at the White House. The latter re-
piled. according to the interview: ''Mr.
Conger. do not be alarmed. We shall de-
velop policy during my administration
which will make the Republican party
more popular with the people of this coun-
try than It has ever been since the day of
its birth"
Continuing, Mr. Conger said to the re-
Garfield again. His assassination came
soon after. Now, as to the policy about
which he spoke that was TO become so pop
ular with the people. Visited Washington
several months after President Arthur had
taken his seat as President. with his Cabi-
that time was working upon his book.
met Major Mckinley, and we went together
to call and pay our respects to Mr.. Blaine.
We found him at bis house, and had q
pleasant chat with him for half or three
quarters of an hour. During this conver-
sation. Mr.. Blaine took mp and discussed
the proposed psn-American Con-
gress, which he said would have
been held. and the project carried
out under the Garfield administration. and
expressed his great sorrow and disappoint-
ment at the unforeseen calamity which had
prevented it. He then went on to demon
strate the great advantages that would ac-
crue to this country under the proposed
policy which they had hoped to inaugurate.
He discussed the policy of reciprocity,
coupled with protection. and the benefits
that would accrue to the Americans, espe-
cIally the manufacturers; how it would
provide an additional market for Amer
lean cereals. American beef and pork, and
American farm machinery, etc.
"Being largely identified and connected
with the business of manufacturing Amer
loan agricultural machinery. business
which had at that time moro than $780, :
600. 600 invested in the manufacture of va
rlous kinds OF farming machinery, l was
quick to catch on to every word that Mr..
Blaine uttered during the converse
tiOn. saw in it policy that
would put in motion the wheels of
nearly every manufacturing establishment
in the United States. that would give en-
ployment to the great mass of American
workingmen, that would further the
interests of the American farmer.
and the last words that Garfield had
spoken to me touching the popu-
larity of the policy that he would develop
during his administration flashed across
my mind. / was particular to catch on to
all of this. because in politics legislation
which affects ones business always attracts
the great attention. l have no Coubt. If
Garfield had lived, that the same policy
which Mr.. Blaine has now inaugurated un-
der President Harrison would have been
fully carried out by Blaine under President
Garfield. 1t Is this wonderful, practical
and far-seelng statesmanship that has
given Mr.. Blaine such q strong hold In the
hearts of the American people, almost ire
spectlve of party. He is to-day million
votes stronger than his party"
Concerning Ohio politics Colonel Con-
ger said: Mckinley has won O magnificent
victory in our State, and the policy of pro.
lection and reciprocity will win the battle
for the Republicans in 1892. We have car
RED the Legislature and will put the con-
gressional districts back where they be-
long. giving the Republicans just and fair
representation. Yes, there will be friendly
contest between Foraker and Sherman for
the senatorship. Foraker is especially
popular with the younger element of the
party in our State and they will make a
strong fight for him. 1t is too early to
state whether or not there will be q con-
test over the seat now proposed to be occu-
pied by Colonel Brice."