New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-20
. OH, GUY.

II was September 70. 1891 Inc Saratoga
hotels had not yet closed for the season. They
were fairly full. SO also were many delegates
10 the Democratic State Convention then in SEES
sion In that town. Not hilariOusly So for the
occasion was not one provocative of hilarity.
1t was the fulness that followed prolonged
strain on the part Of men striving 10 drown
their sorrows in the bowl. Over those who
were not full hung the pail of settled melan-
choly. Even the copious flow Of De I.ancey
Nicolls cheerful spirits seemed under unusual
restraint, and he chlrruped but feebly under the
trees while the dry leaves futtered down At
irregular intervals the Tammany delegation
stepped away from the bar and wiped their
ruby lips, alternating the moist interrogatory,
'Whatn 1t be:' with the equally earnest but
more searching inquiry. Who'll it be:'
The convention itself had an uncOmmOny
serious task before ii. 1t had to nominate n
candidate for Governor And nobody wanted
the nomination. That is. almost nobody. Judge
Gaynor had been just on the edge OF willing
ness; and there were some noisy folks in at
tendance from Albany who asserted that John
BOYD Thacher was actually willing in proof
whereof they had brought with them picture
Of him attached to a stick for waving purposes
But against their possible or assumed willing
ness was the uuconcealed reluctance of the con
vention They didn't count. Senator David b.
Hill was in undisputed command Of the whole
outfit He was president of the convention. and
upon taking the chair the day previous had
made speech beginning with "The unterrifed
Democracy OF the Empire State assemble here
"to-day undismayed at the premature boasts
"and assumed confidence OF our advelsaries in
which the undertone of doubt was too obvious
10 the "undismayed. 1t only deepened the
gloom Great pressure had been brought TO
bear to induce him to accept the nomination. He
knew too well what IL meant. and not only re-
fused but showed signs Of anger when 1t was
urged upon him. Replying to the suggestion
that the convention might he stampeded for
him. he said. with a cynical sheer. that he
thought not, while he was in the chair
SO on the second day OF the convention the
mournful procession meandered out from the
plazzas parlors and barroOms and wrigged
down through the hollow into the Rink, solem-
nized so deeply by the Overhanging shadow Of
John Boyd Thacher that two brass bands failed
10 lift them out of the depths OF detection. The
first thing they did was to fire out 1SS repre-
sentatves of the State Democracy OF New-York
and the Shepard Democracy Of Kings counties,
Senator Grady laughing scornfully and making
unpleasant remarks as they departed Then
came nominations for Governor Somebody pro-
posed Senator HIS name and that gentleman
peremptorily refused to be considered can
didate Another fellow made forcible-feeble
speech in favor Of John Boyd Thacher at the
climax Of which still another fellow loisred the
picture OF that statesman on a stick. and the
Albany delegation said Hi. Ill.," with copsid-
cradle spirit but not enough TO shake Of the
general deafness. The convention had reached
what might be called a crisis. Something had
10 be done A smooth-faced little chap sitting
IN the front row quite remote from the rest of
the Tammany delegation did IT. Did 1t to the
Oueen's taste His name was Charles l.. Guy,
then and now State Senator. And this is what
he said with earnestness and emotion:
had hoped that some one older than and
better known in its councils would arise and
say what am going 10 say. II Is incumbent on
us that we name for Governor the man who in
largest sense represents the Democracy OF the
State The present hour In one OF urgent need
There In one man whose name Is on the lips OF
every live Democrat in this State. and whose
fame il enshrined in their hearts. The very
name reviyes the hopes Of the Democracy. That
man has never failed the Democracy. and he
cannot now He has led the party to countless
victories under adverse circumstances, and he
rnusf do go now (Cheers) We know his cour-
age and constancy, his liberal Americanism and
his devotion to religious freedom and equal
rights (Cheers) He said he would not accept
The nomination, but we owe duty 10 the lie.