mbers of free-traders
who participated in the Convention has been noted. Indeed, its call
emanated from free-traders, and outside of New York free-traders
constituted its controlling forces. The Missouri group was unanimously
and especially devoted to free trade; and the Illinois, Ohio, and
New-England influences in the Convention were for the most part in
full sympathy with it. The New-York element, which centred in Mr.
Greeley, shared his view of protection. Whatever other reasons he
might have had for joining the movement, his lifelong and conspicuous
championship of Protection would have made it impossible for him to
sustain any demonstration against that great doctrine. Even before his
nomination was anticipated he was the most important factor in the
revolt against the Administration, and any division (of a division)
which sacrificed or endangered the chief pillar of strength seemed
peculiarly fatuous and perilous.

Nevertheless the free-traders made a persistent effort to enforce their
views, and a strenuous struggle ensued. The policy which Mr. Greeley
had recommended finally prevailed. He knew there was a radical
difference among the Liberals on this question. He could not surrender
his position, and the free-traders would not surrender their position.
He therefore proposed that they should acknowledge the differences and
waive the question. This suggestion was accepted; and a compromise
was effected by declaring that the differences were irreconcilable,
remitting the subject to the people in their Congressional districts
and to the decision of Congress free from Executive interference or
dictation. Thus the only agreement reached was an agreement to
disagree.

With this difficulty adjusted, the Convention was ready to proceed to
the choice of a candidate. The struggle had been actively in progress
for several days, and had developed sharp antagonisms. In its earlier
stages it bore the appearance of a contest between Judge David Davis
and Charles Francis Adams. Judge Davis had long been credited with
aspirations and with some elements of political strength. He had been
Lincoln's friend; he was rich, honest, and popular. He had watched
politics from the Supreme Bench with judicial equipoise and partisan
instincts, and by many discerning men was regarded as a highly eligible
candidate. Mr. Adams was austere, cold, even repellent in his manner;
but it was urged that the traditions of his name and