Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/226

 186 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS except yield the independence of the executive in his own constitutional sphere. He would give to the New York senators, Conkling and Platt, more than their share of offices; but they should not be allowed to interfere with or control the presidential right of nomination. He made nominations to the senate as many, it is said, as twelve in that in terest, and then (March 23, 1881) sent in the name of William H. Robertson, a leader in the other faction, as collector of the port of New York. Senator Conkling protested, and then openly re sisted his confirmation. Yielding to him in the interest of senatorial courtesy, his Republican col leagues, in caucus, May 2, 1881, agreed to let contested nominations lie over practically until the following December. This was a substantial victory for Mr. Conkling ; but it was promptly met by the president, who, a few days afterward (May 5), withdrew all the nominations that were pleasing to the New York senator. This brought the other senators to terms. Mr. Conkling, recognizing defeat, and Mr. Platt with him, resigned their offices, May 16, 1881. On May 18, Collector Robertson was confirmed. The early summer came, and peace and happiness and the growing strength and popularity of his admin istration cheered the heart of its chief. At a mo ment of special exaltation, on the morning of July 2, 1881, he was shot by a disappointed office-seeker.