ted the trend
of public opinion, and on November 3 the Republicans carried New York
and the country.[1730] The significant point in the State returns,
however, was the severe punishment administered to Kelly. Whomsoever
he supported suffered humiliation. Hancock received 21,000 votes less
than Garfield, Rapallo 55,000 less than Folger, and Grace 38,000 less
than Hancock. In the presence of such a showing the Brooklyn _Eagle_,
a Democratic journal friendly to Tilden, thus philosophised: "Bosses
and thorough organisation are incompatible. The success of
organisation depends upon reason. The success of the boss is due to
underhand arts. No young man can hope for the favour of a boss who
does not begin by cultivating the temper of a lick-spittle."[1731]

[Footnote 1730: Garfield, 555,544; Hancock, 534,511; Weaver
(Greenback), 12,373. Judge of Appeals: Folger, 562,821; Rapallo,
517,661; Armstrong (Greenback), 13,183. Mayor of New York: Grace,
101,760; Dowd, 98,715. Legislature: Assembly, Republicans, 81;
Democrats, 47. Senate (hold over): Republicans, 32; Democrats, 18.
Republican majority on joint ballot, 52.]

[Footnote 1731: November 6, 1880.]

CHAPTER XXXV

CONKLING DOWN AND OUT

1881

In the speakership contest of January, 1881, the anti-Conkling leaders
discovered a disposition to profit by the election of Garfield. They
wanted to learn their voting strength, and to encourage assemblymen to
oppose George H. Sharpe, the Stalwart candidate, the _Tribune_, in
double-leaded type, announced, apparently with authority, that the
President-elect would not allow them to suffer.[1732] This sounded a
trifle warlike. It also quickly enhanced the stress between the
opposing factions, for those who are themselves not averse to
wire-pulling are morbidly suspicious of intrigue in others.

[Footnote 1732: New York _Tribune_ (editorial), January 3, 1881.]

But nothing came of the _Tribune's_ announcement. Sharpe's creditable
service on Grant's staff, his cleverness as a Stalwart manager, and
his acceptability as a speaker of the preceding Assembly, brought him
troops of friends. Although making no pretensions to the gift of
oratory, he possessed qualities needed for oratorical success. He was
forceful, remarkably clear, with impressive manners and a winning
voice. As a campaign speaker few persons in the State excelled him.
Men, too, generally found him easy of approach and ready to listen. At
all events his tactful m