Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-06-20
An Incident OF a Former Convention.

A striking example of the integrity
and manliness Of William Mckinley IS
furnished by the New York Sun in
reference to a memorable incident OF
the Republican convention OF l. years
ago which met at Chicago. AT this
time when the central figure OF the
incident is receiving an unopposed
nomination for a second term as Presi-
dent il is fitting to recall that scene.
William Mckinley was in the Ohio
delegation to that convention, and his
candidate was John Sherman. The As
votes of Ohio were cast solidly for
Sherman on ballot after ballot. He
led. but it became evident that Sher-
man could not be nominated.
Then it was that there came to
Major Mckinley a temptation and an
opportunity of the sort that makes
mems heads whrl. His name began to
be spoken on every side as that of a
dark horse of surprising promise. Dele
gates from this state and that state
began to transfer their votes to him.
cisely similar circumstances, Garfield of
Ohio. likewise pledged to John Sher-
mans interests. had seen open before
him Unexpectedly a short cut for his
own personal ambition; and Garfield
had yielded to the temptation, though
honorably protesting, and had received
the nomination.
When on the fourth ballot Connecti-
cut recorded a vote for Mckinley, that
gentleman was on his feet in an
instant with the best speech Of his life.
Here it is:
Il am here as one of the chosen rep
resentatives of my state. | am here
by a resolution of the Republican con-
vention, passed without one dissenting
voice. commanding me to cast my vote
for John Sherman, and to use every
worthy endeavOr for his nomination |
accepted the trust because my heart
and my judgment were in accord with
the letter and spirit and purpose Of
delegates to cast their votes for me. l
am not insensible to the honor they
would do me, but in the presence Of tn
duty resting upon me | cannot remain
silent with honor. l cannot consistent
" with the credit Of the state whose
credentials | bear and which has
trusted mel cannot, with honorable
fidelity to John Sherman. who has
1 Il
confldence-I cannot consistently with
my own views Of my personal integrity
consent or seem to consent to permit
my name to b. used as candidate be-
fore this convention. l would not re-
spect myself if | could find it in my
heart to do. t. say, or t. permit - p
done that which & ull even bc ground
far any one II suspect that | WaNerrd
in my loyalty to Ohio or my devotion
to the chief Of her choice and the chief
Of mine. | do not request demand
that no delegate who would not cast
reflection upon ne shall cast ballot
for me-"
Ana benjamin Harrison was noml-
mated upon the seventh ballot. IN
finest thing about William McKinley's
manly, lUlpulSlNt, spontaneous ~ 49,
in the convention of 1SSS, was that t
was 50 delivered that no delegate OF
spectator who heard it doubted its
absolute sincerity. 1t rang as genuine.
Not even his political enemies ever
accused him Of playing on that occa-
sion for effect, of posing for personal
advantage, Of entertaining a secret
purpose contrary to the significance Of
the earnest words he uttered. In
nominating William Mckinley unani-
mously ana BY acclamltion for
second term as President of the United
States. the twelfth national convention
of the Republican party will honor
that American gentleman not more
conspicuously than he honored himself
by that speech at the ninth national
convention.