New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-18
GARFIELD AND SHERMAN
LACK OF PERSONAL FOLLOWING. NOT TIE,
rREAcHERY OF HIS SUPPORTERS. DEFEATED
SHERMAN IN 1880

SHERMAN IN 1880
Cincinnati, Nov. 15.--I propose in this paper to
present my recollectons Of leading events OF two
National Republican Conventions namely that
~ 1875, which nominated Rutherford h. Hayes
and that Of 1880, which nominated James A. Gar
feld From my point of view the events in 1880
could not properly be explained without referring
incidentally to those of 1876 l was present at
both conventions, not as delegate, but In far
more important relation. namely. the representa-
tive Of leading Republican newspaper The
Cincinnati Gazette" Far more important say
because an industrious newspaper man. having
no vote to cast. no caucuses to attend. no COM
initials to subscribe to, is in far better position
n possess himself OF the real news than dele
cate Besides, newspaper man occupies seat
on the platform with newspaper men. where
notes are compared, views nterchanged and fore
casts discussed
The production OF these recollectons is sug-
gested by Mr.. Sherman's book, in which. from
his own point Of view, ne undertakes to explain
his defeat in 1880.
Ny earnest desire at that time was the nomina-
ton O.: John Sherman. To the best Of my ability
/ advocated his cause believing then. l still
believe that he was the best fitted OF all the can
diiates for the high position Of Chief Magistrate.
and have never ceased to regret his failure
The Convention Of 1876 was remarkable one.
The real candidates were James G.. Blaine, Ben
iamin Bristow Oliver p. Morton Roscoe Conkling
and Rutherford Il. Hayes. These were all great
men in the Republican party, not perhaps, in the
order in which the names are written. Mr. Hayes
was not much known in the country, except as
Governor Of Ohio, to which position he was
elected in 1875 by small plurality. 1t is a fact
that Mr.. Hayes never elected to any office.
II except that OF Congressman in the I'D Ohio
District. by any other than small plurality. He
was therefore cassed as a lucky man, rather
than as a great leader.
CANDIDATES IN 1876
The local sentiment in Cincinnati was Tor
Bristow. He was openly supported by the two
morning Republican newspapers The Gazette
and The Commercial" AS Secretary Of the
Treasury for time under Grant he distinguished
himself as an enemy Of what was then the most
gigantic and corrupt organization in the country,
known as the Whiskey Fling. The denominations
~ this combination were well known and keenly
felt in this part of the country. President Grant
rad been misled by 1t. and. while a pure man
himself he was largely surrounded by unscrupu-
l'us and desperate corruptionsts. Hence the de-
sire for Brstow, who was compelled TO resign
the Treasury portfolio because, it was believed
Of his opposition to the public robbers known as
the Whskey Ring
Blaine was a prominent candidate. Through
his magnetism he secured a large and powerful
following and was the leading candidate al the
Cincinnati Convention. Fresh in tAe minds OF
people at that time was his Congressional record
which had been carefully investigated by some
leading Republicans. not from an antagonists
but from a party point Of view. II was not only
feared but firmly believed, by these that II nom
mated he would be defeated for election Al one
time when his nomination seemed probable an
informal meeting of Republicans was held TO 'alN
over what ought to be done in the event Of his
success AID | recollect that il was proposed Dy
several prominent editors to bolt the ticket call
an Independent convention and thus save Tor the
future what they thought would be the surviving
,,,,rant If the Republican party. But the field
acting largely under the fears have referred 70,
combined against Blaine. and the unexpected was
tbe result The unexpected, say because while
HAYES had the solid support Of the ONO deiesa-
ton several Of its leading members were await
ing an opportunity TO 60 for Blaine. Nhle they
were thus waiting Mr. Howard. OF Michigan
carried that delegation for Hayes ms rlNe'eu
the Ohio delegates. The result was movement
,,vyard HAYES the withdrawal Of Bristow and
Morton and the nomination by a scratch OF
Rutherford T. Hayes.
BLAINE AGAIN \ CANDIDATE IN CHICAGO.
Largely the Cincinnati atmosphere OF distrust
If Blaine was transferred TO Chicago IN lSSo'
There Blaine appeared again, through the elIoi's
Of his admiring friends. and with the magnetism
Of his character not dmmed as one OF the ieau-
ing candidates. In point of consolidated strehstn
Canaral Grant was the leader His name had
heen presented in mastery speech, but at lhe
same time rasping one. by Roscoe Conklng'
That deliverance served not TO draw. but 10 repe
II was composed Of vinegar. when common-sense
,vould have suggested OIL Grants strength was
hold together He had 500 votes TO start witn'
ord this strength increased to 3O6. where ii re-
,rained as firm as a rock. l shall never forget
tho rnagnihcence Of that following when the
s.aunede 10 Garfield occurred The excitement
I'm the Convention hall was tremendous me ga, ga,
leries were awed into comparative sIieice, an
AT that moment COnkling rose 10 MS Ieet anu "a
q commanding tone requested Grant men 10 stailu
arm. and they did stand firm C3nknng was III, ost
couraged but was not satished thaI al, mas 49,
and all would not have Deeh IOst hau HUI '''"'
ballot nominated GarheId. .,,.. .,o ,,rog
ci,ting ON the platform and noticing the prog.
ress Of events. elegraphed 10 Inc t .ha hal
Gazette" in advance Of the completion OF the pa
az that Garfield the nominee, ana so ~
turned out 1t great surprise III a..
and all over the county great su.Piis -,
conyention itself and especially In the croWusu
,.aiaries II was all over; Garheld was 'le
ehoice and Grant, Blaine ana SheIinah VIZ
DOWN together in spite OF the efforts Oh 'hsi' re-
spective friends. o .ha. opalv rom
Now. the leading influence that hHa Al, CON,
troed that Convention was the Gs'el ooted +
80. naitber Grant nor Blaine could be elec'eu Il
,1n,neted II was not opposition to Grant per-
.onaiIv or 70 Blaine personally, but fear lor
The success of the party which was loi0eu 'i''
action. r
c,1-sEs OF sHERMANs FAILURE.
But why. it may be asked was there hot u"
concentration upon Sherman 'h'' "0' 49,.
no, questioned. his fitness for 'he pa
doubted ard his defeat, II ne shouiu Oe .,o,a,,.
s,s.. -. ,ho penubIican party was not seriously
-. Ia lacked the following. He was
-, ,h hso,,ning third In the race Nine Oh