The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-10-25
Defeated Presidential Nominees
Recalled.
HOW THEY FADE FROM VIEW
Burr and Clinton and King and
Hale But Faint Memories.
HOW THEY ALL BORE DEFEAT
Clay Emerged, Writ Died, Cass Rose
Triumphant Mcclellan Retired,
Fremont Died in Poverty, = H.
den Composed.


den Composed
Only a few more days and the great
est political contest waged in many
decades will have ended, and either
the name of Bryan or Mckinley will be
added to the list of defeated presiden-
tfal candidates. The list, already large,
has new recruits every four years, and
the rapidity with which these names
fade from popular memory is but sig
nificant of how short-lived is political
repute. Although the list is made up
of hundreds of names, those still
familiar to the public scarcely num-
Der a dozen.
In 1900 Aaron Burr was defeated
by hairs-breadth-in fact he came
nearer reaching the presidency with
out doing so, than any other man save
Tilden. His remembrance by the pub
lie is, however, due to his skillful politi-
cal maneuvers. After staying Hamil-
ton and successfully attempting to
create a great republic in the South
west,of which he should be chief he liv-
ed an exile in Europe, but spent his
last days practicing law in New York,
where he died at an extreme old age.
For many years after his defeat
George Clinton was power in Ma
tional as well as State politics and be
came governor OF New York after
he had served as }ice-President
Dewitt Clinton, who was defeated
by Madison, is said to have taken his
downfall with unusual calmness. lie
afterwards became interested in the
construction of the Erie canal, finally
becoming governor yof New York, in
which Office he died.
The public career of Rufus King
ended in 1916 when he was defeated
by Monroe. VIM. IL. Crawford suffered
similarly in 1924, The latter died
while probate judge in Georgia, which
he accepted to support himself in
old age. Henry Clay was another un-
successful candidate for the presiden-
cy, but unlike others, his after-career,
serving in the cabinet and Senate.
he remained during his life time the
idol Of his party. Jackson defeated
him in 1928, and he was cheated ont
of the Wing nomination in 1S40. In
1850 Clay made his last appearance in
public life when he cancelled his vow
of retirement and returned to the SEN
ate, at the age of seventy-four, with
the vain hopes of sitting the slavery
question. His two days speech in adj
vocacy of his plan attracted crowds
OF people to Washington from great
distances to hear the fascinating. ora
tor make the final effort of his life
When he had finished, multitudes of
women and other admirers rushed to
him. Strong men cried and women
caressed the grand old man. He died
the next year.
During his debate, Calhoun also
addressed the Senate for the last time.
He was never a candidate for presi-
dent, although several times came near
the nomination, and but for the IA
nous retaliatory letter of VIM. III.
Crawford would have undoubtedly
been chosen President in 1886 when
Van buren, was electeda
William Writ, the opponent of jack
son in 1928 died the following year,
and Willie p. Mangum and Hugh L.
White did not long survive their de
feat by Van Buren, in 1886.
Van Buren,, after his sweeping de-
feat by Harrison in 1910 remained in
seclusion but devoted the next four
years quietly laying plans TO capture
the Democratic nomination of 1914.
His public career ended with the cam
paign of 1848, when, stung by failure
to receive the nomination, allowed
the boilers of his party to nominate
him as a hopeless candidate, which
caused the defeat of the Democratic
party. He did at the age of seventy
nine.
The defeat of General Cass by Tay-
Tor, and General Scott by Pierce mark
a vast contrast Cass was brilliant in
defeat. His perfect composure show
ed his greatness. Scott felt his dis
appointment keenly.
Hale was not disappointed at his de-
feat when he ran for President as the
Free Sellers candidate in 1852, for
he knew he stood no chance of cleo
ton. He afterwards served in the
Senate and was appointed Minister
to Spain.
Eight years ago in New York, after
a checlkered disastrous COMMERCIAL
career John G. Fremont died in pow
erty. In 1856 he was defeated by Buch-
anan.
ernor of New Jersey, but afterwards
sought retirement. Horatio Seymour
took no part in public life after his
crushing defeat by Grant in 1868.
Horace Greedy died within thirty
days after the election of 1872, but
it was not due to disappointment for
he plainly saw how the tide had turn
ed long before the election was held,
but to the strain upon his weak nery-
Gus system occasioned by nursing his
wife prior to her death two weeks
before election.
Tilden accepted his defeat in 1876
with perfect composure, neither was
General Hancock apparently repining
over his defeat by Garfield in 1880.
Four years later, Blaine was defeated,
but he rejoiced that his opponent had
only thousand votes surplus.
After Cleveland's first term he set
tied down in New York to practice
law, which was occasionally interrupt
ed by political inclination and plans
for q denomination, while in 1898 Har-