New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-06-19
VIII.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.


It was In the natural order Of things that q
man so forceful and efficient In every tried capac-
ity should presently be regarded az a possible
future President of the United States. AS early
1850 he was spoken of as a coming candidate.
In 1884 his name was brought before the Reput-
lican National Convention. though not with his
authority or desire Four years later in 1883
the Presidency lay within his reach. but he de-
cned IT on a point Of honor. He delegate
10 the Chicago Convention from Ohio, pledged to
support the candidacy Of his friend. Senator
Sherman. After several ballots had been taken,
however. it became evident that the veteran
statesman from Ohio was not 10 be the Con-
ventions choice. His friends supported him
loyalty but were in hopeless minority, and
were unable to rally others to their standard.
SO some 81 them began to cast about for another
candidate TO whom they could transfer their
votes with better prospect Of success. Their
choice quickly fell upon Mckinley. From tho
first, two delegates had been voting pers.stently
for him, although he had not. of course, been
formally placed in nomination. Now the num-
Der OF his supporters rose TO fourteen All the
Republican Congressman at Washington tele-
graphed TO the Convention urging his nomina-
ton. The air became electric with premonitions
Of a stampede He had listened to the
nOuncement or the TWO votes lot MN on edch
ballot with mingled annoyance and amusement.
But now the case was growing serious. The
next ballot might give him a majority Of the
whole Convention. He had only to sit still and
the ripe fruit would drop into his hands. He had
only to utter an equivocal protest and the result
would be the same. But there was nothing equiv
ocal about William Mckinley. On one side was
his personal honor; on the other side the Presi.
dency Of the United States. In choosing be-
tween the two hesitation impossible. He
sprang to his feet with an expression upon his
face and an accent in his voice that thrilled the
vast assembly. but hushed It mute and silent az
the grave while he spoke:
am here as one OF the chosen representatives
OF my State. / am here by resolution OF the Re-
publican State Convention, passed without q
single dissenting vote commanding me TO cast my
vote for John Sherman for President and to use
every worthy endeavor for his nomination. ac-
cepted the trust because my heart and my 1udg.
ment were in accord with the letter and spirit ana
purpose OF that resolution. 1t has pleased certain
delegat ties 10 their vote for me for President.
am not insensible TO the honor they would do me,
but in the presence OF the duty resting upon me-
cannot remain silent with honor.
cannot consistently with the wish Of the StatA
whose credentials bear and which has trusted
me: cannot with honorable fidelity 10 John Sher-
man: | cannot consistently with my own views
OF personal integrity consent. or seem to consent
to permit my name to be used as a candidate be.
lore tnlS convention. L WOulu not respect myself
II should find It In my heart to do SO. or permit
to be done that which would ever be ground for
any one to suspect that wavered In my loyalty
TO Ohio or my devotion TO the chief Of her choice
and the chief of mine. do not request, demand
that delegate who would not cast reflection
upon me shall cast ballot for me.
That ended it. There was no stampede. Mo
Kinley was the hero Of the hour and his heroism
prevailed The nomination was not forced upon
him. neither could he secure II for Mr. Sherman,
though he Loyalty strove to do so to the end. But
no man ever walked out Of a National Convention
with higher honors upon him than those he bore
that day.
Another similar incident occurred in 1902. Mr.
Mckinley was the presiding officer. He was
pledged In honor to the support OF President
Harrison for denomination But the party bose