ple, and, though not shining with
brilliant qualitites, had acquired influence and respect through his
robust sense, his sound judgment, and his practical ability. In ready
debate, and in the clear and forcible presentation of political issues,
he held a high place among Republican leaders. Mr. Colfax had recalled
his withdrawal, and as the Convention approached, the contest was so
even and well balanced as to stimulate both interest and effort.

The struggle was practically determined, however, in the preliminary
caucusses of two or three of the large State delegations. When the
roll-call was completed on the first and only ballot, Wilson had 364-1/2
votes and Colfax had 321-1/2. The 22 votes of Virginia had been cast for
Governor Lewis, the 26 of Tennessee for Horace Maynard, and the 16 of
Texas for Governor Davis. The Virginia delegation was the first to get
the floor and change to Wilson, thus securing his nomination; and the
others promptly followed. Among the powerful influences which
controlled the result were the combination and zealous activity of the
Washington newspaper correspondents against Mr. Colfax, who had in some
way estranged a friendship that for many years had been most helpful to
him.

The platform came from a committee, including among its members General
Hawley, Governor Hayes, Glenni W. Schofield, Ex-Attorney-General Speed,
Mr. James N. Matthews, then of the _Buffalo Commercial_, and other
representative men. That the year was largely one of personal
politics, rather than of clear, sharp, overmastering issues, might be
inferred from the scope and character of the resolutions. It was an
hour for maintaining what had been gained, rather than for advancing to
new demands. Equal suffrage had been established, and the danger of
repudiation which had threatened the country in 1868 had apparently
passed away. The necessity and duty of preparing for specie
resumption, which soon after engrossed public attention, were not yet
apprehended or appreciated. Between the two periods the chief work was
that of practically enforcing the settlements which had been ordained
in the Constitutional Amendments.

The platform, after reciting the chapter of Republican achievements,
declared "that complete liberty and exact equality in the enjoyment
of all civil, political, and public rights should be established and
effectually maintained throughout the Union by efficient and
appropriate Federal and State