The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-07-13
a BIT OF POLITICAL HISTORY.
How Mr.. Hendricks Came Very Near
Nomination In 1868.
From the Boston Herald.


WASHINGTON, ID. c., July 6-Gen. Dun.
can Walker publishes in the Gazette the
following bit of unpublished political his
tory:
In 1868 the writer attended the demo.
cratic national convention in New York.
before which, up to the time that Seymour
was sprung upon the convention by Ohio,
Pendleton, Hendricks and Hancock were
the prominent candidates. Mr. Hendricks
friends were tied up for awhile with
the Pendleton men, and only aban-
doned him in body when ID
was seen that his nomination was impos-
sible. Then the race seemed to be between
Hendricks and Hancock. At this period the
proposition was made to the Hendricks men
to put him on the ticket as vice PRESIDENT,
and they assented, provided Mr.. Hendricks
should agree They had no assurance from
that he would agree, and did not care to
make the proposition to him, and yet they
conceded that Hancock would carry the
majority of the convention. the balloting
went on. Upon the eve of what was re-
garded as the certain nomination Of Ham
cock, through the management of Mr..
Thden, the convention adjourned. That
evening a consultation was held of a few
Of Hancock's friends. As result
Mr.. Thorpe. then living in Washing.
ton, but formerly in Missouri, was
dispatched to Washington to consult with
Mr.. Hendricks, explain the situation, and
ask him to accept the vice presidency on q
ticket with Hancock. II arrived In WASH
ington at daybreak, said Mr. Thorpe to the
writer, "and, after waiting until a season.
able hour, called upon Mr.. Hendricks. I
was received with cordially that made
me feel at home. After briefly stating the
condition of affairs in New York, made
known my errand. While | was explaining
it Mrs. Hendricks entered the room, and ]
was introduced 10 her. Having concluded,
paused for reply. For several minutes
nothing was sad. Finally Mr.. Hendricks,
IN low, sweet voice, said quite emphat-
ically: Il can have nothing to do with such
a proposal"
"'But, SENATOR" exclaimed Mr.. Thorpe.
you need have nothing TO do with it. Only
say that, in case the convention should
nominate you for vice president, you will
accept
81 have made up my mind, irrevocably.
never to be candidate for vice president.
and by no act of mine, even by 80 indirect
a one as to say what might do if conven-
ton of my fellow democrats put restraint
upon me, will commit myself to the ac-
breakfast with me. You can tell me all the
particulars of the convention, and we can
get the news in my parlors when they
meet
81 telegraphed the lack Of results to New
York, and remained with Mr.. Hendricks
until the final news flashed over the wires
of the nomination of Seymour. was as
tonished beyond expression, but Mr.. Hem
bricks took the news calmly. AN excellent
man. he exclaimed, AN excellent man. i
fear, however, that the false accusations
against him, touching his attitude during
the war, will hurt US. l would much have
preferred Hancock. Will he accept the
vice presidency 1 said thought not. He
may have to if the convention dominates
him. 4 hope they will not put him in the
awkward position Of nominating him
against his desire
~ left the senator before the news of
Blair's nomination for Vice President was
received, satisfied that there was one Amer
lean who never would be Vice President, il
be could help it."
BY the strangest of fates Mr.. Hendricks
was twice compelled to accept the nomina-
ton of Vice President and was twice
elected, too, though he only served por-
ton of one term.