days later (May 5)
Vice-President Arthur and Senator Platt suggested that he withdraw all
the New York nominations. The President replied that he would
willingly withdraw all except Robertson's, and if the latter failed an
entire new slate could then be made up. This did not satisfy, but
within an hour after his visitors had departed, the President, to
prevent the confirmation of some while Robertson's was left tied up in
committee, put his suggestion into a message, withdrawing the names of
the five Stalwarts. This was another surprise, more alarming than the
first, since it showed the Administration's readiness to fight.

Meantime the Republican majority exhibited signs of disintegration.
The session was running into hot weather, Democrats had demonstrated
their power to prevent a reorganisation of the Senate, and discord in
Republican States threatened disaster. Until recently Conkling had
felt sure of victory. But now, appreciating the delicacy of the
situation, he opened the caucus (May 9) with an earnest, conciliatory
speech. He disclaimed desiring any conflict with the President,
against whom he made no accusations of bad faith; described the
impracticability of his sustaining any relations with Robertson, in
whose way, however, he would place no obstacle to any office other
than that of collector; discussed the danger to which a lack of
political harmony would expose the party in New York; and in almost
pathetic tones urged that the courtesy of the Senate be not withheld
from him in this hour of his extreme need.

It was plain that he had won the sympathy of his colleagues, but
succeeding caucuses, now held daily, lined his pathway with portents
and warnings. The iron-clad rule ceased to be operative; a resolution
to postpone action until the next session avoided defeat because
hastily withdrawn; and a compromise, the last to be suggested,
proposing confirmation on condition that Robertson then decline the
office, met with no favour. It was plain that at last the stress had
reached a climax. Senators no longer exchanged their impressions, or
asked "How long?" or "What next?" In their opinion either Garfield or
Conkling must recede, and they had learned that the President would
not. Moreover, it was rumored, after the caucus of May 13, that
Conkling had talked harshly, with much of the temper of a spoiled
child. As senators separated on that eventful Friday they declared
without hesitation, though not without