There have been limitations upon the candor of all persons who have
undertaken to write the story of the tragedy of the administration of
Garfield, and partisanism in personalities has had too much attention.
Mr. Conkling seemed to be the storm centre, and it was difficult to
deal with him and not to offend him. It is well remembered that in his
speech placing Grant in nomination he quoted Miles O'Reilly:
If asked what State he hails from,
Our sole reply shall be--
He comes from Appomattox
And the famous apple tree.
On the way home, Governor Foster of Ohio, called out at Fort Wayne,
paraphrased the Senator thus:
If asked what State he hails from,
Our sole reply shall be--
He comes from old Ohio
And his name is General G.
This was not startling in any way, but Mr. Conkling had the reputation
of being very much offended by the parody.
It happens often in war, and sometimes in peace, that newspaper
correspondents send the real news privately to the editor in charge,
and give things as they ought to be in "copy" for the printers. There
are before me private letters written by one well informed of that
which was going on in the capital city of Ohio immediately after the
nomination of Garfield, and a few extracts will turn the light on the
inside of the affairs of the Republicans of the nominee's State at
that time--the news then being too strong for newspapers.
"July 10.--The plan to have Garfield go through New York to Saratoga
with Logan, Foster, and others has been given up.... Logan and Cameron
are all right, but Conkling refuses to be pacified or conciliated,
unless Garfield will make promises; and that he refuses to do.
Conkling said he'd 'rather had to support Blaine.' Conkling never
called upon Garfield, or returned Garfield's call, or answered
Garfield's note. Sherman has been in cordial consultation with the
committee, and promised to do all he can honorably in his position
[Secretary of the Treasury]. Garfield appears well under fire, and is
a more manly character than ever before. He says no man could be in a
better position for defeat, if he has to get it. His behavior has won
the respect of the workers since the convention."
"July 11.--They all stand around and watch Conkling as little dogs
watch their master when he is in a bad mood--waiting for him to
graciously smile, and they will jump about with effusive joy. A strong
letter was written urging Conkling, in the most flattering way,
and appealing to him in the most humble manner, to come to Ohio and
deliver a speech in the Cincinnati Music Hall, and promising no end of
thousands of people and bands and guns and things, till you couldn't
rest. I opposed sending such a missive, advocating such a simple
and cordial invitation as it is customary to extend to a leader and
honest, earnest party man. But they looked upon me (probably rightly,
too) as a fool who would rush in where angels fear to tread. And now
Jewell writes that he has not dared to give the letter to Conkling
yet, as he has not 'deemed any moment yet as opportune.' Meanwhile
Conkling and Arthur have gone off on a two or three weeks' fishing
trip. Dorsey humbly and piously hopes Conkling can be induced to make
a speech in Vermont, and if the Almighty happens to take the right
course with him, he may condescend to come to Ohio."
This is a true picture of the way the campaign opened. Mr. Sherman
said something in an interview that was less cordial than was expected
and caused some temper, but the fault found was not that he was
accusative but reserved. Colonel Dick Thompson made a ringing speech
pledging the Hayes administration without reserve; and that gave
encouragement, and was said to be for a time the only inspiration the
Republicans got to go for Garfield with good will and confidence.
It was arranged to have General Garfield appear in New York City, and
it was expected that he would there meet Mr. Conkling. There was to be
a consultation of Republicans, and the plan of the campaign perfected.
The question of special exertion in the Southern States was up. The
conference came off, and Mr. Conkling did not attend it. Mr. Arthur
seemed very much grieved about that. Mr. Logan was unwilling to speak
in the presence of reporters, and Mr. Blaine said he would be very
much disappointed if his speech was not reported. Thurlow Weed made
the speech of the occasion. The real object of the meeting was to
bring Garfield and Conkling together without making the fact too
obvious; and the disturbance of the candidate was manifest in his
references to the absent Senator as "my Lord Roscoe."
"I have," said Garfield next day, "an invitation to make a trip to
Coney Island, and it means that I may there have a pocket interview
with my Lord Roscoe; but if the Presidency is to turn on that, I do
not want the office badly enough to go;" and he did not go. The words
are precisely Garfield's; and the next thing was the journey over the
Erie line, and speeches by Garfield, accompanied by General Harrison
and Governor Kirkwood, at every important place from Paterson to
Jamestown. That the General was capable of warm resentment, this
letter testifies:
MENTOR, OHIO, _September 20, 1880_.
I notice ---- is parading through the country devoting himself
to personal assaults upon me. Why do not our people republish
his letter, which a few years ago drove him in disgrace
from the stump, and compelled the Democracy to recall every
appointment then pending? Of all the black sheep that have
been driven from our flock, I know of none blacker than he,
and less entitled to assail any other man's character.
Very truly yours,