The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-10-22
SHERMAN' BOOK
Text OF the Portion Which Has
Aroused Much Criticism.
FIGHT FOR NOMINATION IN 1880
And the Deals Leading Up to
the Notable Event.

CHICAGO, Oct. 22.-The following Is
portion Of the text Of Senator Sherman's
reference, in his memoirs, 20 the Republi-
can national convention of 1880, which
nominated James A. Garfield for the
presidency-the reference which has been
the subject Of considerable newspaper dis
cussion within the past few days:
During the month of April, delegates
were selected from the different congres.
sional districts of the state OF Ohio TO at
tend the state convention, TO meet on the
2sth of that month Prior TO the con-
vention, the question Of the nomination
was the subject of discussion in every dis
trict. The sentiment in my favor was
clearly expressed in nearly every county
or district OF the state. On April 8, l
wrote the following letter 20 friend:
Mckinley Is still in Ohio, and presume will
be there for some days. have today written To
him at Canton, covering the points you name
You had better write to HIM yourself, giving
the list OF appointments desired. There Is
strong feeling that Garfield. in order to save
his district, should go TO the Chicago conven-
ton as delegate. He Is placed in very
awkward position now. II this district should
be against my nomination. II would be a.
tributed TO either want OF influence on his
part, or, what is worse want OF sincerity in
be very unfortunate thing for him. This is
a delicate matter for me 10 take any part In,
and leave IL entirely 20 your good judgment
and kind friendship.
While in Ohio I had consultation at
Columbus with Governor Foster, ex-Gov-
ernor Dennson and a number OF other
personal friends, all of whom expressed
great confidence that by the time the state
convention met, the friendly feeling in
favor of Blaine in some of the districts OF
Ohio would be waived in Difference TO the
apparent wishes of the great majority.
In that event, in case my nomination
should prove inpracticable, the whole del.
egation could be very easily changed to
Mr.. Blaine.
Garfield's Attitude.
Prior to tho state convention, / had an
interview with General Garfield, and he
expressed his earnest desire TO secure my
nomination and his wish to be a delegate
at-large. so that he might aid me effec-
lively He had been chosen United States
senator to Ill the place of Thurman,
whose term expired March 4, 1891. / had
not a doubt of the support of Governor
Foster. was permitted practically to
name the four delegates-at-large, and had
implicit confidence that these delegates
The state Republican convention Of
Ohio, which met on April 2s, proceeded at
once to the business before them. The
persons named by the convention as dele
gates-a large TO the national convention,
to assemble in Chicago, June ?, were Will
lam Dennison, James A. Garfield, Charles
Foster and Warner N. Bateman, who
were instructed for me.
The trend of public sentiment indicated
that Grant and Blaine would each have
very strong following in the national con-
vention, but that the contest between
them might lead to my nomination. After
the state convention, IL was generally as
sumed that 1 would receive the united vote
| of the delegation, in conformity with the
expression Of opinion by the convention.
During this period few leading men,
whose names 1 do not care 20 mention,
made a combination of those unfrendiy to
me, and agreed to disregard the preference
declared by the state convention.
During the month of May the feeling in
| nv favor increased. At this time was in
| constant communication with General
Garfield, rs we were both in Washington
| On May 10 he wrote me:
think it will be mistake for us TO assume
division in the Ohio dele yation. We should
| until those delegates who are hostile 20 you
| refuse to act with Us, aud if we fail TO win
| them over, the separation viii be their act,
| not ours.
| Where Blaine Lost.
| The national convention met at Chicago
| June 2, 1880 1t was called to order by
| Senator Cameron, and u temporary organ
ization, with Senator Hoar as president,
Nwas soon perfected. Four days were oc-
| cuped inperfecting the permanent organ
ization and the nomination of candidates
forpresident. During this time "a minority
| Of nine of the delegation from Ohio an
nounced their decision to vote for Blaine.
| This was fatal move for Blaine and un-
| doubtedly led to his defeat.
| Nearly four-fifths of the delegation were
In favor Of my nomination, in pursuance
| of the expressed wishes of the Ohio state
convention, but they were all friendly to
Blaine, and whenever it should have be-
come apparent that my nomination was