Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1883 — BRIDGING THE CHASM. [ARTICLE]

BRIDGING THE CHASM.

[Washington .Letter to New York Bun.] General Arthur’s interest in bridges does not relate solely to the one whose completion be helped to celebrate. He is a bridge builder himself. His structures relate to political movements. To construct one across tne chasm separating the two Republican factions is his present idea. Luring his visit to New York he will open negotiations with the editor of the central half-breed organ on the subject. Preliminaries have for some time been going on under an armistice arranged by Secretary Chandler. Hostilities ceased a number oi weeks ago.— The President and the editor will meet during the week to agree on terms for bridging the chasm between the two factions. The curious may prepare to witness the three arm in arm, passing and repassiug, proclaiming the restoration of

peace. Arthur is busy as a nailer, and rumors concerning his intentions begin to circulate. Many are convinced that he has determined to come forth as a candidate for the Presidential nomination. The negotiation with the leading half-breed organ has revived a recollection of negotiations during the Garfield campaign, some of which are now recalled and re-, peated with fresh particulars. For instance, when the Garfield canvass was go ing hard for the want of money, the aforesaid editor, prompted by Garfield, applied to a man of many railroads for aid. A prompt refusal was the result. “I put a heavy sum into the Hayes campaign and was cheated. I will not be cheated again.” He continued: “I have little use for a President. Bui I am in need of a Justice of the Supreme Oourt of the United States. If Garfield will help me to one I will help Garfield with a contribution of $100,000.” The editor thought there would be no difficulty about it. “But I must have security,” said the man who wanted a Justice of the Supreme Oourt of the United States. “ What security will suit you ?” asked the editor.

“Garfield’s written agreement deposited in your hands; nothing short will do.— That obtained I will see about the money.” The editor believed that would be an easy matter. A week passed, wheu the man ot money and the editor had another meeting .• “Here is the agreement in Garfield’s own handwriting if he is elected to appoint a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States who is known to be opposed to the Thurman railroad law. That is the point I believe,” said the editor, producing the paper. “That is what I want. Place it injthat safe after giying me a copy,” said the other. It was done accordingly. “Here is my check for $100,000,” said the contributor, handiug over the precious paper. Among the earliest acis of Garfield was the appointment of Stanley Mathews to be a Justice ot the Supreme Court of the United States Those who have revived the recollections of the Garfield campaign observe that the bridge over the chasm of the factions should be a very substantial structure to bear the strain to which it will be subjected.