er
the latter had become secretary of state he said to the Massachusetts
Senator that Conkling was the only man who had had three elections to
the Senate, and that he and his friends would be considered fairly in
the New York appointments. "When in conversation with Conkling, I
mentioned Blaine's remark, he said, 'Do you believe one word of that?'
I said, 'Yes, I believe Mr. Blaine.' He said with emphasis, 'I don't.'
Subsequent events strengthened Mr. Conkling in his opinion."[1750]

[Footnote 1750: _Reminiscences_, Vol. 2, p. 273.]

The cordial relations apparently existing until then between the
President and the Senator encouraged the hope that confirmation of
the nomination might not be opposed. Because of this feeling the New
York Legislature, by a formal resolution, endorsed it, and Republicans
generally spoke not unkindly of it. But Conkling, knowing that though
the voice was Garfield's, the hand was Blaine's, quickly precipitated
a contest in which the interest of the whole country centred. It
recalled the Arthur controversy, renewed the feverish energy of
Stalwart and Half-breed, and furnished glimpses of the dramatic
discord which stirred restlessly behind the curtains of Senate
secrecy. Under the rules of the Senate, Robertson's nomination went to
the Committee on Commerce, of which Conkling was chairman and in
control. Here the matter could be held in abeyance, at least until the
Stalwarts marshalled their influence to have it withdrawn. For this
purpose Vice-President Arthur and Postmaster-General James called at
the White House. Governor Cornell, through a personal friend, sent a
message to the President, declaring the nomination a great mistake and
urging its withdrawal.[1751] Other distinguished men, including Senator
Allison of Iowa, visited the President on a similar mission. When
these overtures failed compromises were suggested, such as making
Robertson a Federal judge, a district attorney, a foreign minister, or
the solicitor general.

[Footnote 1751: Alfred R. Conkling, _Life of Conkling_, p. 637.]

Meanwhile assuring messages and comforting letters from Blaine's New
York friends stimulated Garfield's courage. On March 27, four days
after the nomination, Whitelaw Reid, the accomplished editor of the
_Tribune_, telegraphed John Hay, in part, as follows: "From
indications here and at Albany we have concluded that the Conkling
plan is: First, to make tremendous pressure on the President for
withd