Wheeler had little respect for the devious and self-seeking politics which are supposed to have been needed for success in that State.

He very much disliked Roscoe Conkling, and all his ways.

Conkling once said to him: "Wheeler, if you will join us and act with us, there is nothing in the gift of the State of New York to which you may not reasonably aspire." To which Wheeler replied: "Mr.Conkling, there is nothing in the gift of the State of New York which will compensate me for the forfeiture of my own self respect." Mr.Wheeler was one of the sub-committee, of whom Mr.Frye and myself were the other two Republican members, to inquire into the condition of the legality of the Kellogg State Government of Louisiana.

He suggested what is known as the Wheeler compromise, the acceptance of which by both sides was due to his influence and capacity for conciliation.

The compromise consisted in an agreement to allow the Republican State officers to remain in office during the remainder of their terms, without turbulent or factious opposition, to submit quietly to their authority on the one hand, and that the two Houses of the Legislature, on the other hand, should seat the Democratic contestants whom our sub-committee found entitled to their seats.