t the Administration.[1257] This was the argument of desperation. It
meant to one man the loss of a federal office and to another the hope
that one might be gained. Such a significant statement, addressed by
the favourite of the President to internal revenue and post-office
officials, naturally demoralised the Fenton ranks, and when the
convention acted Curtis had 220 votes to 150 for Van Wyck.[1258]
Promptly upon this announcement Conkling, with great cunning, as if
acting the part of a peacemaker, moved that the committee on
organisation report Van Wyck for permanent president. The acceptance
of this suggestion without dissent settled Fenton, who an hour later
heard Conkling named at the head and himself at the foot of the
committee on resolutions.

[Footnote 1256: A.R. Conkling, _Life of Roscoe Conkling_, p. 328. New
York _World_, September 8, 1870.]

[Footnote 1257: The _Nation_, September 15, 1870.]

[Footnote 1258: "During the vote the delegates commenced a system of
cheering, first for Conkling, then for Fenton. Senator Conkling was
very conspicuous throughout the balloting. His friends gathered around
him, while the other side surrounded Fenton, and whenever either moved
their friends cheered.... Had there been a secret ballot Fenton would
have won in spite of the threats and bribes."--New York _World_,
September 8, 1870.]

Thus far Conkling's success had been as unexpected as it was dazzling.
Heretofore he had been in office but not in power. Now for the first
time he had a strong majority behind him. He could do as he liked. He
possessed the confidence of the President, the devotion of his
followers, and the admiration of his opponents, who watched his
tactics in the selection of a candidate for governor with deepest
interest. It was a harrowing situation. For several weeks Horace
Greeley had been the principal candidate talked of, and although the
editor himself did not "counsel or advise" his nomination, he admitted
that "he would feel gratified if the convention should deliberately
adjudge him the strongest candidate."[1259] Several circumstances added
to his strength. Conkling had encouraged his candidacy to checkmate
Fenton's support of Marshall O. Roberts. For this reason the President
also favoured him. Besides, Stewart L. Woodford, who really expected
little, offered to withdraw if Greeley desired it,[1260] while DeWitt
C. Littlejohn, always a Titan in the political arena, likewise
side-stepped. T