happily diminishing class of
amphibious editors, one-third journalist, two-thirds 'worker,' who
consult with the Bosses in hotels all over the State about 'fixing
things,' draw fustian platforms for State conventions, embody the Boss
view of the nation and the world in 'editorials,' and supply the pure
milk of the word to local committees and henchmen, and 'make it hot'
for the Democrats during the canvass."--The _Nation_, March 4, 1880.]

[Footnote 1670: Smith was then thirty-eight years of age.]

[Footnote 1671: "Mr. Smith's partners in the _Journal_ had become
enraged in the course of a factional controversy over public
appointments, in particular that of Smyth to be the Insurance
Commissioner. At a conference Mr. Smith's partners desired to get
editorial control at once and to terminate his connection with the
_Journal_."--Philadelphia _Press_, January 20, 1908.

"The first response of the conscience and courage of the party was the
prompt change of the Albany _Evening Journal_, probably the most
influential party paper in the State, from the position of a
thick-and-thin machine organ to that of an advocate of sound and
independent Republicanism."--_Harper's Weekly_, March 13, 1880.]

Having control of the convention Conkling boldly demanded the adoption
of a resolution instructing "the delegates to use their most earnest
and united efforts to secure the nomination of Ulysses S. Grant." The
admirers of Blaine seemed unprepared for such a contest. The meagre
majority given Grant at the Pennsylvania convention had greatly
encouraged them, but the intervening three weeks afforded insufficient
time to gather their strength. Besides, no one then suspected the
overwhelming public sentiment against a third term which was soon to
sweep the country. As it was no one seemed to have definite plans or a
precise knowledge of how to proceed or what to do, while local leaders
frittered away their strength in petty quarrels which had little
bearing upon the question of Presidential candidates. Finally, an
amendment simply endorsing the nominee of the Chicago convention was
offered as a substitute for the Grant resolution.

The Stalwarts, with the steadiness of veterans conscious of their
strength, deftly, almost delicately, in fact, silenced the minority.
Only once, when the reader of the resolutions hesitated over an
illegible word, did the dramatic happen. At that moment a thin voice
in the gallery exclaimed, "Hurrah for Bla