The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-03-27
National Conventions.

dency naturally arouses interest in the
subject of the approaching convention,
its personnel, organization and its
work. The great leaders will all be
there, most of them as delegates. In
its details, procedure and enthusiasm
it will not be unlike most others that
have preceded it, especially those OF
late years. A short sketch of republi-
can national conventions may not be
undressing.
The first national republican con-
vention assembled in Philadelphia,
June II, 1859. Henry T. Lane, of
Indiana, was chosen chairman; on the
first ballot John G.. Fremont, 'the
pathfinder" received 359 votes; John
Mclean of Ohio, rec eived 1876 votes.
The nomination of Fremont was then
declared unanimous. Fifteen candi-
dates were voted for for vice-president,
among them Abraham Lincoln, who
received ITO votes. William d. Day
ton received $50 votes and was made
the unanimous choice.
The second national Republican
convention assembled in Chicago on
the 10th day of May, 1860. The con-
vention was called to order by David
Wilmot. George Asian of Massa-
chusetts was chosen chairman, Very
few of the southern states were repre-
sented. Thurlow Weed of New York
arrived at the fremont house in Chi
cago few days before the convention
met. He had his carpet bag filled
with badges "For president, William
H. Seward of New York." On the
morning of the convention he employ
ed some twenty republicans and COM
menced pinning the badges to the col
lar of any mans coat who would have
them. He then put the men with
badges in line, two by two, and march
ed them through the principal streets
of Chicago. The friends of Mr.. Lin
coin became very much alarmed, fear
full that Mr.. Seward would be nomin-
ated on the first ballot. The friends
of Mr.. Seward would not have Mr..
Horace Greedy come from New York
as delegate. Mr.. Greeley secured a
proxy from a delegate from Oregon
and was very active and bitter in his
opposition to Mr.. Seward. He said
the firm of Seward, Greeley ard Weed
had been dissolved and that there were
no assets. William M. Evarts of New
York, nominated Mr.. Seward. N. P.
Judd, lawyer of Chicago, nominated
Mr.. Lincoln. On the first ballot Mr..
Seward received 1881, Mr.. Lincoln
1O2; on the second ballot Seward 1S455
Lincoln 1874; on the third ballot, Sc
ward $50, Lincoln 1921. After the
third ballot Lincoln lacked d votes of
the nomination. Immediately Mr.
Carter OF Cleveland, Ohio, jumped up
and changed four votes that he had
Cast for S. P. Chase to Lincoln. Then
Lincoln was nominated unanimously
Eleven other candidates received more
or less votes ON the first ballot. Han
nlbal Hamlin was nominated for vice
president.
The third republican national con-
vention met in Baltimore, June 7
1864. William Dennison of Ohio was
elected chairman. Mr.. Lincoln was
nominated on the first ballot, receiv.
ing 497 votes. General Grant received
% votes, all from Missouri. Andrew
Johnson was nominated for vice
president.
The fourth convention met in Chi
cago, May, 81, 1868. General Joseph
H. Hawley of Connecticut, was chair
man. General Grant received every
vote for president. Colfax was nom.
mated ON the fifth ballot for vice
president.
The fifth convention assembled in
Philadelphia, June 5, 1872. Martin
McMichael was made temporary chair
mae and Thomas Petit permanent
chairman. General Grant was renom
mated by reclamation. For vice-presi
dent Henry Wilson of Massachusetts
was nominated.
The sixth convention assembled il
Cincinnati, June IA, 1876. 1t was or
gained by electing Edward McPher
son of Pennsylvania, chairman. Their
was much interest manifested in tn,
nomination. The bitter fight between
Conkling and Blaine was manifesto,
throughout the contest. There wer
seven ballots. On the first ballo
Blaine had 2S5; Conkling had 90
There were seven other candidates tina
received more or less votes. Nigh
overlook the convention. The gas wa
lit and balloting continued. Atlas
1t was the general opinion that Blain
would be nominated on the next ballot