The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-06-19

cratic opponent, by the unparalleled
majority of s0,9s5 votes.
IN NATIONAL POLITICS.
Meanwhile he had been otherwise
prominent in public affairs. In 1884, as
delegate-at-large from Ohio to the Re-
publican national convention, he sup
ported James C. Blaine for president,
He was again delegate-at-large in 1883,
this time advocating the nomination of
John Sherman. 1t was long and ex-
citing contest. The convention was
In session over week. Blaine, then in
Europe. was ardently supported by
many, despite his celebrated February
letter" declining to be a candidate.
There grew up strong feeling for Nc
kinley. Many of the leaders favored
his nomination as the best solution Of
the difficulty. Senator Quay, Of Penn
sylvania, said:
III Major Mckinley comes into the
light think our delegation would rally
more enthusiastically around him than
any other man. He is up to the Penn
sylvania idea Of man, and the delega-
ton. think, will be for him"
On Saturday, June %. every Republi-
can member of the house then In Wash
ington Joined in a telegram to Chicago
saying that the best interests of the
party demanded the nomination of Maj.
Mckinley. That same day, while the
balloting was going on, Connecticut cast
vote for Mckinley. He rose in the
midst of the roll call and said Ohio had
sent him there to support John Sherman
and his heart and judgment accorded
with his instructions. He could not re-
main silent with honor, nor consistently
with the credit os Ohio. prove false to
John Sherman, or with his own views Of
personal integrity. consent or seem to
consent to be a candidate"
II would not respect myself" said he,
"if could find 1t In my heart to do,
or to say, or to permit it to be done.
that which would even be ground for
| anyone to suspect that I wavered In
my loyalty to Ohio, or my devotion to
the chief Of her choice, and the chief
Of mine. I do request, I demand, that
no delegate who would not cast a re-
Election upon me, shall cast ballot for
me-"
There was no misunderstanding his
position. Gov. Foraker q delegate with
him, said: Major Mckinley Is here
under the most rigid Instructions to sup
port John Sherman and no extraneous
circumstances, or extraordinary in
ducements, could for a moment divert
his attention from the central idea Of
his presence here. Mckinley Is as thor
oughly impressed with the gravity Of the
situation as he can be, and no man has,
or can have. any reason to doubt his
fidelity to his trust"
To the Cincinnati Commercial Ga
zette Murat Halstead telegraphed:
"The people of Ohio should see that
the conduct of Mckinley through this
trying week has been admirable. His
good faith is undoubted. The history
Of our state makes this position one
Of the utmost delicacy, but, guided by a
fine sense Of honor. he has made no
mistakes and has done his duty thor
oughly. Mr.. Sherman's friends can find
no fault with him."
Major Mckinley remained steadfast
in his position, and when Blaine's letter
came, reiterating his refusal to be a
candidate, the nomination went to Ben
jamin Harrison and was ratified by
election in the fall. vt is hardly making
rash statement to say that Major Nc
Kinley's fidelity TO John Sherman lost
him the presidency. But it increased
the confidence of the people in his honor
and faithfulness to trust.
Four years later came the Minne-
apolis convention. Major Mckinley was
Its permanent chairman. When 1t be-
came evident that Blaine could not de-
feat Harrison. many Of his friends
turned toward Mckinley. There was
great excitement when the convention
began to ballot. Major Mckinley was
in the chair and announced that the
ballot for president would be taken.
The first state called-Alabama-told
that some, at least, of Blaine's strength
was going to Mckinley. When Ohio
was called, the vote was announced as
IA for Mckinley, for Harrison" The
convention went wild. Amid the din
Major Mckinley demanded a poll Of the
delegation.
II am delegate from Ohio" he
cried, land demand that my vote be
counted"
you were not here" shouted For
aker, land your alternate voted for
you," and again the shouts went up.
The poll was taken, and Ohio cast As
votes for Mckinley and one for Har-
rison. The one Harrison vote was given
by Major Mckinley. Harrison was
nominated, receiving 535 votes, but Nc
Kinley came within a fractional part Of
one vote Of having as many as were
cast for the idol Of the Republicans.
James G. Blaine Blaine had 1872 5-6
votes and Mckinley 1872 1-6.