he well-nigh completed work of
Reconstruction? These various possibilities left a degree of
uncertainty which surrounded the Convention with an atmosphere of
curious expectation.

The movement most deliberately planned and most persistently pressed
was that on behalf of Mr. Pendleton. The Greenback heresy had sprung
up with rapid growth. The same influence which had resisted the issue
of legal-tender notes during the war, when they were deemed vital to
the National success, now demanded that they be used to pay the public
debt, though depreciated far below the standard of coin. "_The same
currency for the bond-holder and the plough-holder_" was a favorite
cry in the mouths of many. This plausible and poisonous fallacy
quickly took root in Ohio, whose political soil has often nourished
rank and luxuriant outgrowth of Democratic heresies, and it came to
be known distinctively as "The Ohio Idea." The apt response of the
Republicans was, _the best currency for both plough-holder and
bond-holder!_ Mr. Pendleton was peculiarly identified with the _Ohio
Idea_. If not its author he had been its zealous advocate, and had become
widely known as its representative. The policy which typified the easy
way of paying debts spread through the West and South, and brought to
Mr. Pendleton a wide support. His popular address and attractive style
of speech increased his strength as a candidate, and his partisans
came to the Convention under the lead of able politicians, with the
only movement which was well organized and which had positive and
concentrated force behind it.

While the Pendleton canvass was earnestly, openly, and skilfully
promoted it was also adroitly opposed. The keen and crafty politicians
of New York were neither demonstrative nor frank in indicating their
course, but they were watchful, sinuous, and efficient. Their plot was
carefully concealed. They were ready to have a New-York candidate
thrust upon them by other sections. If called upon to look outside of
their own State and select from the list of avowed aspirants, they
modestly suggested Mr. Hendricks of Indiana, a friend and co-laborer
of Mr. Pendleton. But the favorite scheme in the inner councils of the
New-York Regency, was to strike beyond the Democratic lines and
nominate Chief Justice Chase. This proposition was little discussed in
public, but was deeply pondered in private by influential members of
the Democratic party. Mr. Chase himself