Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-21
The Cincinnati Convention.

NEW YORK, June IS, 1876.
Since the convention which nominated Abraham
Lincoln the first time candidate for President,
there has been no republican national convention
marked by so intense and earnest a struggle over
the nomination of candidate as that closed at
Cincinnati ON Friday evening last From begin
ming to close it was a memorable contest, taxing
10 the utmost the strength of the participants and
ensting the most profound attention and sympa-
thy Of all who were there as outsiders
The sunstroke which Frustrated Mr.. Blaine the
Sunday before the convention met gave painful
interest to the occasion. Monday morning the
sad faces Of his friends at the Burnett House told
how keenly they felt the cruel blow, though they
spoke with confidence of Mr.. 3laine's recovery,
and went on with unwavering steadiness and res
oution to form their lines in preparation for the
great contest. 1t was time of scverest trial
to them, but nobly did they stand by
their gallant leader. Though every effort was
made by the opposition through the publication of
most false and atrocious reports of Mr.. Blaine 5
condition to break down the courage ofhis friends,
there was no faltering anywhere. To see them
thus cling to him at such time was an evidence
Of the strong hold he had upon them, which was
more powerful than words could express. Not
Maine alone. but the far Western States, were true
to him as steel in that crisis.
Wednesday the convention organized. Thurs
day passed and no ballot was taken. The candi
dates were announced TO the convention in the
afternoon. When Ingersoll Of Illinois presented
the name Of Mr.. Blaine the effect upon the vast
audience was most extraordinary. The magnetic
eloquence Of the orator thrilled all hearts. Then
for the first time men sprang to their feet, and
let loose their pcnt-up enthusiasm, shaking the
building to its foundations with the thunders of
their applause, and covering the assemblage with
cloud Of tossing fans, handkerchiefs and hats
that seemed to have no limit except the walls on
all sides, and TO which there was no control.
should like 10 have seen a vote taken then and
and there when Ingersoll closed his splendid
speech, bat the plan Of those who were moving
heaven and earth to beat Blaine was to stave of
decisive action thatd day and they succeeded. Fri
day morning came, and then the balloting began,
with what result your readers already know. On
the seventh ballot. Morton, Conkling and Bristow,
satisfied that they beaten a. candidates, uni
ted their strength with that Of Hayes. and thus
succeeded in making hin vote run up to 33i, JUS,
five votes more than the number necessary to give
him the nomination.
Where we consider the element. arrsyed against
Mr. Blaine, the strength which he displayed in the
convention and the tenacity with which he nam
tanned it are worthy Of admiration. The conyen-
ton was held in locality in which the popular
sentiment was openly and aggre.siyely against
him, making itself felt in every possible manner,
even to filing the galleries Of the convention
hall with claquers that yelled and stamped with
outrageous and insolent vehemence to make q
show. Of enthusiasm for their fsvorite candi-