St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1880-06-18
The Way Garfield Was Nominated.
A GRAPHIC PEN-PTCTURE.
dispatch to N. Y. Herald.J

John Sherman sat in his easy treasu
ry chair pale and respondent. The
little instrument upon his table clicked
to him his fate, and the fact that Gar
field had begun to ascend the ballot
gamut. "What shall we do ~ asked
Charley Foster. "Hold on for me as
long as you can, but go for Garfield
when Ohio's vote can secure him the
nomination." was Sherman's telegraph
ic answer. That was shown where it
would do most good. The administra-
tration, represented by John Sherman,
was alive to the opportunity. John
Sherman saw he had no show, and re-
luctantly turned his banners face to
the wall, its reverse revealing the adj
ministration's choice, James A. Gar
field. Quick as flash of electricity it
spread through the hall that Sherman
was willing to join his III men to Gar
fields few, and then the Blaine men
faltered.
Conkling laid back his head and
shook externally with laughter when
Maine's votes of IA, "mainly orators,"
was cast for Garfield but anger dOmi-
mated his heart and fire shot from his
eyes-one of which was weak and red
the effects of severe cold, which
has also made him deaf to the entreat-
les of his friends. On went the vote
until Ohio's call was made. Then came
the grand hurrah of the day. The wild
est excitement pervaded the hall; ev-
erybody was on his feet. Hoar's gavel
played tattoo on the desk. Women
shrieked; delegates shouted; the gal
lery gods cheered. Somebody on the
roof discharged cannon. Messenger
boys darted between sober mems legs !;
the multitude rOared like the sea, and
colored boy sold lemonade at a quar-
ter glass to half the New York dele
cation. When order was restored the
gentlemen from Ohio cast a solid 43 for
Garfield little boy whistled, "Cary
the news to Hiram," and every one else
cheered again.
Long before the call of states was
ended it was clear that Garfield had
unexpectedly been nominated. Obvi-
ously the time had come for circus,
and a circus they had of it, with side
shows both brave and gay, in which sad
hearts throbbed and angry blood jump
ed, nerves thrilled, while the LATEST
man in the crowd dropped his sandwich
and for moment joined the cry.
Garfield sat at the end of the first
Ohio bench, on the center or ConkliDg
aisle. For moment he bowed his head
as if in prayer, then turning he rested
his hand on Gov. Fosters shoulder and
gripped it like vice. The governors
eyes showed signs of water, but, being
practical man, with chin whiskers,
he forced the tears back, jumped on his
bench, swung his hat and gave
"Three hundred cheers for Gar
field !"
A thousand equally genuine bursts OF
enthusiasm went up from men who
never dreamt of voting for him, and
would be glad to see him defeated in
November. The band began to play.
First it gave 'Hail to the Chief" ther
''Hail Columbia! !" and finally, "Yankee
Doodle" Nobody knows what donkeys
American statesmen are until he seei
them in what they are plessed to tern
their deliberations. They are worst
than lunatics on spree. They beat
volunteer fire departments palmies
jamborees. A dozen Dutch picnics, al
Irish shindig, an American camp meet.
ing, a Chinese frolic and q French com
munist fete combined, intensified ant
enthused, would give but faint sug
gestiOn of the uncontrOlableness of th,
mob in the galleries and the thought
lessness of the fanatics on the first foo
to-day. After screaming for Is minute
they pounded benches, tables ard foo
and yelled. They put all the banner
except New YOrk's together, formed
pyramid over Garfield's head, and san,
with the voice of I6 thunders, "Rall,
Round the Flag, Boys" the band lead
ing, and all in unison. Dea. Richar,
Smith stood on the Herald table an,
cried like a baby. Other good men di
the same, and l don't envy them who's
blood didn't hurry up little under til
pressure, and who, for a moment a
least, failed to take in sense of th
extraordinary scene. 1t was an even
in the life of the nation. Blaine an
Grant did not think SO, but they wer
not there. Neither were they missed a
iota.