Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-05-23
.IowA's LOST OPPORTUNITY.

& EditOr Jarnag1n or the CEDAR Falls
Record contributes in recent Issue
Of his paper some interesting political
history. He says:
Considerable interest already mani
tested in this state over the approach
ing political campaign and the part
the republicans of Iowa will take in
that national gathering. There has
been considerable comment already
over the situation and everybody is
wondering whether or not an Iowa
man will ask the support OF the dele
cation from this state. Gov Cum
minis and Gov. Shaw have both been
mentioned in this conhection and the
availability of Senator Dolliver is ever
apparent. The interest thus taken
reminds the editor Of the Record Of
late Frank Hatton in which he pro-
ceeded to show how Iowa republicans
in their blind zeal for James G. Blaine
threw away an opportunity for naming
the presidential candidate at Chicago
in 1880, the time Garfield was nominal
ed. Mr.. Hatton was postmaster gen
eral in the cabinet of President Ar
thur at the time Of the interview and
being former Iowa newspaper man
he felt perfectly free in giving inside
facts relative to that great conven-
ton.
THE convention met in Chicago
The leading candidates were Grant
Blaine and John Sherman Other re-
ceptive candidates were Washburne,
Edmunds and Window The real fight
was between Grant and Blaine Conk-
lin and Don Cameron had charge Of
Grants forces in the convention and
Ret Clarkson, then editor of the Des
MONIES Register, had charge of the
Blaine forces with number of faith.
full lieutenants at his back. Garfield
was the spokesman for the Sherman
followers. Gen. Grants forces had the
best organization and retained their
strength throughout the contest, the
memorable 306 having become an his
torfc number in republican national
conventions. There was time dur
ing the balloting when Grant received
a few more than that number but
when the final sitting was made the
vote again proved the faithfulness Of
the 306.
. 1t was during the thirty-third ballot
that lowa's opportunity came, accord
Ing to Mr.. Hatton's version Of the mat
ter. Blaine had lost few to Sherman
but it was plain that neither Of the
two men could besnominated. Hatton
rushed over to the Iowa delegation
and plead with Clarkson to cast the
vote of Iowa for Judge Samuel F..
Miller OF Keokuk, at that time chief
Justice of the supreme court of the
United States, and one of the most
capable and popular men In the ma
ton. II Iowa had made a break on
that ballot, being. well at the head Of
the list, Miller would have been nom
mated Hatton received only rebuke
from Clarkson for meddling in the
matter. the intimation being given In
tolerably forcible language that the
Iowa editor understood his business.
Hatton was not slow in expressing his
contempt for the lack of foresight
that he thought Mr.. Clarkson exhibit
ed and the two men were never on
friendly terms after that When Wis
consin was reached that state gave
it's vote for Garfield. It was at the
foot Of the roll call and therefore 10
stampede resulted on that ballot. The
next ballot gave Garfield fifty votes
and 1t was plain that a break was in
sight. In the meantime Mr.. Hatton
had become desperate and again he
rushed over to the Iowa delegation
and he and Mr.. Clarkscn had another
tut. Great excitement prevailed IN
the convention at thfs time. People
began to shout for Garfield and when
the baIloting began the Blaine forces
and the Sherman forces went to him
and he was nominated. Minnesota
had remained loyal to Window
throughout the entire contest and so
had Vermont to Senator Edmunds,
each doubtless hoping that when the
break came they would profit by It.
After, it was all over Mr. Hatton was
In a position to assume that i told
you-so-attitude' before the Iowa dele
cation much to the chagrin of Mr..
Garrison and his followers.
Those who were in the fight dur
Ing that memorable struggle conced-