more apparent as the senatorial contest progressed. A
grim darksomeness about the expression of his countenance showed that
he took a sullen satisfaction in humiliating those who had humiliated
him. It was deftly done, but in the result it left its impression.

Crowley, then in his forty-sixth year, was well equipped for the
Senate. As a forceful speaker he was an object of respect even by his
opponents. In whatever legislative body he appeared he ranked amongst
the foremost debaters, generally speaking with an enlightenment and a
moderation that did credit to his intellect and to the sweetness of
his nature. He had served four years in the State Senate, one term in
Congress, and eight years as United States attorney in the Northern
District, being justly distinguished as one of the able men of Western
New York. He was sadly handicapped, however, by the infirmity of his
backers. Sharpe excited the deepest resentment by withholding the
appointment of the Assembly committees;[1733] and Smyth and Murphy
represented all that was undesirable in politics.

[Footnote 1733: "Senator Woodin spoke of Truman G. Younglove, the only
speaker in the history of the State who had dared to hold back the
committees in order to influence a senatorial caucus, as a 'political
corpse,' and said that Sharpe would share his fate."--New York
_Tribune_, January 13, 1881.]

Cornell was fortunate in his candidate. Platt's cool, quiet methods
had aroused little antipathy, while around him gathered loyalty and
gratitude. Very early in the contest, too, it began to be whispered
that if elected he might act independently of Conkling. To think of a
light-weight sparring up to a recognised champion tickled the
imagination of the Independents who numbered about forty, of whom
Chauncey M. Depew was the choice of a majority.[1734] Ira Davenport of
Steuben, a State senator of decided character and strength, supported
his brother-in-law, Sherman S. Rogers of Erie, and others talked of
Vice-President Wheeler. George William Curtis argued that the aim of
the Independents should be to vote for the cause even if they voted
for different candidates, and thus show to the country and to Garfield
that a large and resolute opposition to the ruling organisation
existed in the party.[1735]

[Footnote 1734: "Blaine, representing Garfield, came to New York and
asked me to enter the contest for the purpose of securing the election
of a senator who would support the Adm