gates and chairman had physically exhausted themselves, Waldo
M. Hutchins was allowed to suggest that in all cases of contested
seats the names of delegates be passed. To this Cornell reluctantly
agreed amidst loud applause from the Fenton faction, which desired its
action interpreted as an unselfish concession in the interest of
harmony; but the tremendous surprise subsequently displayed upon the
announcement of White's election by 188 to 159 revealed its
insincerity. It had confidently counted on twenty-one additional
votes, or a majority of thirteen.[1313] Thus, in a moment, were
brightest hopes and fairest prospects blasted.

[Footnote 1312: New York _Tribune_, September 28, 1871.]

[Footnote 1313: "In particular they [the Fenton men] felt sure of one
vote not received from Allegany County, two from Broome, three from
Columbia, two from Cortlandt, three from Dutchess, three from
Jefferson, one from Ontario, three from Washington, and three from
Wayne."--_Ibid._

"Mr. Murphy's office-holders were numerous and active, and turned the
whole organisation into an instrument for the service of his
[Conkling's] personal ambition. When the State convention was to meet,
Mr. Conkling and Mr. Murphy were among the first at Syracuse. It was
remarked that while they worked hard, they took no thought of the
reform movement. Their sole object was to control the convention. The
confidence which the delegates placed in them was astonishing, but
more astonishing still was the manner in which Andrew D. White lent
himself to this faction and did its work."--New York _Evening Post_,
September 29, 1871.]

It was easy to speculate as to the cause of this overthrow. To declare
it the triumph of patronage; to assert that delegates from Republican
strongholds supported Fenton and that others from counties with
overwhelming Democratic majorities sustained Conkling; to stigmatise
the conduct of Cornell as an unprecedented exhibition of tyranny, and
to charge White with seeking the votes of Fenton members on the plea
that his action would promote harmony,[1314] probably did not economise
the truth. Explanations, however, could not relieve the anguish of
defeat or nerve the weak to greater effort. Many delegates, filled
with apprehension and anxious to be on the winning side, thought
annihilation more likely than any sincere and friendly understanding,
a suspicion that White's committee appointments quickly ratified.
Although the Fenton fact