The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-07-19
DAYS OF BALLOTS
AND BULLETS.
Stirring Political Struggles Of
Thirty Years Ago.
The Nominations Of Lincoln and Johnson.
Rec0llectiOnS of an Old Friend Of
the MaItyred President.
Special TO THE MORNING CALI.

WASHINGTON, July IS. - The death of
plee-President Hamln, and the consequent
Nlcolay- Mcclure controversy. has frightened
up the recOllections of old time war horses
and politicians hereabouts. The memory of
war and politics Of that day are vividly re-
called, and some interesting "reminiscences
are given to the press. Assistant Land
Commissioner Stone has made statement
which ought to be accepted as authoritative.
Mr. Stone was war Governor of Iowa and
was delegate to the convention of 1860, at
Chicago, and again in 1864. at Baltimore, at
both of which Lincoln was nominated for
President. Stone was close personal friend
OF Lincoln. He was at Ford's Tbeater the
night Booth shot Lincoln, and sat up all
night with the President at the house just
across the street from the theater. Lincoln
aied in his arrs as the bed-clothing was
being adjusted under the patient.
TALK WITH LINCOLN.
Stone said to-day that several days before
the convention at Baltimore he talked with
Lncolu concerning the nomination for Vice.
President, and solicited the latter's views.
Lincoln said: II perceive the force Of the
question. There is politics in this great
struggle as well as battles and bullets. If
our party should fail, and IL our political
adyersaries should prevail against US, all
would be lost. A diSgraceful peace would
follow, and the money and blood expended
for the restoration of the Union will have
been in vain. / cannot contemplate
the possibility Of Democratic sue
cess in the coming election without
regarding it as the most disastrous event
that could possibly befall the country. All
depends upon the Republican success in No
vember. That will be the most important
event of the war. In view OF this it is most
essential that the Republican party be
strengthened at every point possible and
gather into its ranks all additional elements
OF strength we can discover. Endeavor to
render our success certain. individuals are
nothing except as factors In this mighty
struggle. Ii any man can be found who
can command more votes, then he ought to
be selected as the candidate. So | would
say as to the Presidency: Nominate a
man who it is thought will add the greatest
strength to the ticket"
THE vICE-PREsIDENCY.
Governor Stone then asked him who, in
his judgment, would be the most available
man for Vlce-President The President
replied that it might be deemed advisable to
select some prominent Union Democrat in
order to en- ourage that sentiment through
out the country, and satisfy Southern men
that the Republican party was not acting
aitngether upon strict party lines, but was
willing to Cooperate with any set of men
who desired to assist in saving the
Union. lie further said that the local
element in the Democratic party
had rendered great assistance in
their unselhSh devotion to the Union,
and it was but just that it should be recog-
nized. He then, in about the following
order, proceeded to mare b. +. Butler of
Massachusetts, Joseph Holt of Kentucky,
General John A. DIX, Daniel A. Dick iuson
and LYMAN Tremine of New York and An
drew johnson of Tennessee, and some
others Of lesser note. Lincoln said moth.
ing against the denomination of Vice Presi-
dent Hamlin, eXcept by expressing his pref
erence for some Union Democrat. Ham,
Inns name was not mentioned. Stone
thinks Lincoln's preference was indicated
by the order in which he named the posi-
bilitieS.
THE BALTIMORE CONVENTION
When Simon Cameron offered a resolution
to nominate by acclamation Lincoln and
Hamlin. Stone moved to lay the motion OH
the table, which was followed by intense
excitement. Stone remained stand ng on
chair while the opposition ragged, and the
first man to come to his relief was Jim Lane
of Kansas. who, mounting two chairs, and
in language more emphatic than elegant,
attracted the attention of Cameron, when
Lane turned to Stone and said, "Giye 'em
=" Stone followed the instructions and
held the floor for some time in support OF
his motion. which prevailed. and without
stepping from his chair Stone nominated
Lincoln. This was carried unanimously.
when the contest for the Vice-President
commenced and Stone was for johnson.
Immediately after the convention Stone saw
Lincoln. and he says the President appeared
to be satisfied with Johnson's nomination as
far as it embodied the principle, but he
never did have confidence In him.