onkling's
action," said Senator Frye of Maine, "because of Judge Robertson's
personal hostility to him and not on account of his lack of fitness.
During President Hayes' administration not an important appointment
was made in Maine to which Senators Blaine and Hamlin were not
bitterly opposed. One man was appointed after Mr. Blaine had stated
that he was probably the only prominent Republican in the State
personally hostile to him. Yet, with a single exception, all were
confirmed, notwithstanding the opposition of the Maine Senators. But
neither of them resigned. They were too good Republicans for
that."--New York _Tribune_, May 17, 1881.]

Conkling's friends are credited with having overborne his purpose,
expressed soon after the election of Garfield, to leave the Senate and
engage in the practice of his profession.[1761] But that such
intention did not influence his resignation was evidenced by the fact
that immediately afterward he bivouacked at Albany and sought a
re-election. With his faithful lieutenants he constantly conferred,
while the faithless ones, scarcely less conspicuous, who openly
refused their support, he stigmatised. From the first Cornell was an
object of distrust. He had wired Conkling advising Robertson's
confirmation, and the Senator crushed the telegram in his hand. This
put the Governor into the disloyal class.[1762] It added to Conkling's
irritation also that Cornell remained silent. The Governor's friends
expressed some surprise that the Senator did not suggest an interview.
It would have been much more surprising if he had, for it is doubtful
if Conkling ever suggested an interview in his life. On the other
hand, Cornell, unwilling to use the machinery of his great office to
force Conkling's return, did not care to approach the Senator. It was
not unknown, however, that he refused to become a candidate for United
States senator, and that, although ten or fifteen members continued to
vote for him, he steadily encouraged his Stalwart friends not to
desert Conkling.

[Footnote 1761: A.R. Conkling, _Life of Conkling_, p. 632.]

[Footnote 1762: Conkling spoke of Cornell as "The lizard on the
hill."]

Although the Legislature which elected Platt on January 18 was still
in session, the sentiment dominating it had radically changed. The
party was deeply stirred. The Senator's sudden resignation had added
to the indignation aroused by his opposition to the Administration,
and members had heard f