judge. Then, turning to his aged mother, who had wept tears of joy during the delivery of his address, he imprinted a kiss upon her cheek, and another upon that of his wife, the two persons, next to himself, most deeply interested in the transaction of that memorable hour. The President and his attendants withdrew amidst the wildest demonstrations of joy by the concourse of people.

Immediately followed the imposing military and civic procession, which was said to be more elaborate and grand than anything of the kind ever witnessed in the capital of the nation. It was three hours passing a given point, and was reviewed by President Garfield from a stand erected in front of the presidential mansion.

The opening of his administration was somewhat embarrassed by both the action and non-action of a faction in Congress, the leaders of which were not inclined to harmony or justice.

There was one trouble which he encountered early in his administration, and it was all the more annoying because it arose within his own party. President Garfield did not believe in a custom of the United States Senate called “Senatorial courtesy”—the custom of allowing senators to designate who should be appointed to fill certain offices in their respective States; and, in the exercise of that manly independence for which he was ever distinguished, he resolved to ignore the custom. Therefore, instead of consulting Senator Conkling, of New York, respecting the nomination of a man to fill a certain important office in that State, he made the appointment himself, according to the requirements of the Constitution. This act was construed as a mortal offence by Mr. Conkling, and those who moved at his beck. At once there was war against the administration.

After the lapse of several weeks, in which Senator Conkling had an opportunity to rally his forces and train them to organized opposition, the nomination by the President was confirmed. In the meantime Mr. Conkling had sent his resignation to the Governor of New York, and his associate, Mr. Platt, did the same; evidently thinking that the legislature, then in session, would immediately return them.

A contest in the Legislature of New York was inaugurated at once,—perhaps the most bitter and acrimonious contest ever waged between party factions in a State legislature. When the members were elected, a large majority of the Republicans were the friends of Mr. Conkling; and this fact, doubtless, caused him to feel confident that his action in opposing the administration would be promptly endorsed by his speedy return to the Senate. In this, however, he was wofully disappointed. The opposition to his re- election was decided and strong in the outset, because the popular feeling sided with President Garfield.