The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-06-24

WV. llaytS, VIII ptoHlPoly anu oHiPuatl-
cally declined to permit the use of his
name. He was also proposed as the regu-
lar caucus nominee of the Republicans,
but refused to countenance the strong
movement in his behalf and positively de-
clined to avail himself of it.
On the 31st of July, Gen. Hayes received
the following communication, signed by
many prominent Republicans of Cincinnati:
"Hon. r. b. Hayes:
Believing that it is the desire of the Re-
publicans generally of the Second Congress
sional District that you be candidate for
the nomination, and feeling that you would
receive larger vote from the people of
the district than any other person that
could be agreed upon, we write you respect
fully asking that you accept nomination
for Congress-"
To this Gen. Hayes, then absent from
the city, replied by telegraph, positively
and unequivocally declining the nomina-
ton. Nevertheless, the Republican Con-
vention, when it met, about a week after
ward August 6, 1922. made him its nomi-
nee and as it became evident that his per-
sistence in declining would greatly distract
the party, causing a loss of probably two
or three thousand votes, he was constrained
to accept. Hamilton county went over
feated, as from the beginning he foresaw
he would be. He ran largely ahead of his
ticket, however, and was the only candi
date for Congress in Ohio who received
In March, 1878, Gen. Hayes was unexpect-
eddy nominated by the President for Assist
ant Treasurer of the United States at Gin.
cinnati, but he declined the appointment,
and shortly afterward returned to his old
home in Fremont, where he resumed his
residence, and has continued it to the pres
ent time. Here he devoted himself chiefly
to the management of his farm, naturally
enjoying the relief from official care and
responsibility which now succeeded twelve
years of nearly uninterrupted public SER
vice, military and civil. Thus time passed
with him until the Spring of 1875, when the
Republicans began to discuss who should be
their leader in the State canvass then APP
preaching. The Democrats had the Gov
ernor, the Legislature, the Secretary of
State, the School Commissioner, and the
Clerk of the Supreme Court all elected on
the popular vote, and had carried the State
the year before by majority of nearly
1900. That majority had to be overcome
to achieve Republican success, and all over
the State there was popular acclaim that
Gen. Hayes was the man to overcome it.
There were grave doubts, however, as to
and not without reason. To all who had
approached him on this subject, he had
expressed an extreme Discrimination to do
so, and had discouraged to the full extent
that he could, the use of his name.
THIRD TINE GOVERNOR AGAINST GREAT
ODDS.
Nevertheless, public sentiment in his
favor rapidly grew in force and value, and
by the time the State Convention met in
June was simply overwhelming. There
was no doubt any longer as to whether he
would be nominated, but it was still by no
means certain that he would accept the
nomination. The only other candidate for
Governor proposed was Judge Taft, of
Cincinnati, whose high standing and abili
ties We're universally acknowledged, and
were urgently pressed upon the Convention
by earnest friends. Gen. Hayes himself
favored the nomination of Judge Taft, and
in reply to kilograms strongly recommended
it, at the same time speaking in the high
est terms of Mr.. Taft, and positively refus-
ing to be candidate against him. With
this dispatch before it, the Convention as
sembled, and on the first ballot cast four
there might be no obstacle in the way of
his acceptance, Judge Taft gracefully au-
thorized the withdrawal of his name, and
the nomination was made unanimous amid
great enthusiasm. General Hayes was
promptly notified of this action and in re-
ply telegraphed:
vention, l yield my preference and accept
the nomination."
The comments of the press upon the
result indicate the state of popular feeling.
The Cincinnati Enquirer Democratic said:
"Gen. Hayes is clever gentleman. and
his previous administrations were marked
by fairness, evenness, and uprightness;
and his personal character and high repute
will make his candidacy formidable"
The Democracy renomnated Gov. Allen,
and threw into the contest the best talent
and effort at their command. Gen. Hayes
canvassed the entire State, making speeches
in nearly every county, often making two
or three at as many different places in a
single day. For over two full months he
was kept thus employed. The warmth
and energy Of the canvass was sufficiently
attested by the fact that it brought out the
largest vote by over sixty-three thousand
ever cast in Ohio. The Republicans elected
their entire State ticket and the Legislature,
the majority for Gen. Hayes being 5,544.
This victory had:an electrifying effect upon
the Republicans throughout the country,
and particularly in Pennsylvania, where
contest was still pending. Gen. Hayes was
invited to take part in the canvass in
that State, and accepted. He addressed
the people at numerous points, with great
effect.
Pennsylvania, largely influenced by Ohio,
was carried by the Republicans, and the
party being thus victorious in these two
powerful States, its assurances of success
in the national canvass of 1876 were vastly
augmented. Current discussion of the
nomination of Gov. Hayes for the Presi-
dency began about this time, and friend
having written to him inquiring as to his
views on that subject, he replied in the fol-
lowing characteristic letter:
"DEAR SIR: Contented with the past, |
am not in state of mind about the future.
1t is for MS to act well in the present.
George E. Push used to say, there is no
political hereafter
Sincerely yours, r. B. HAYES.