es, somewhat expensive to the
State, may, without detriment to the public service, be either
abolished, or so consolidated as to accomplish a material saving to
the treasury.

Agreeing generally with the sentiments of Governor Allen's recent
message, I desire especially to concur in what is said on the
subject of the National Centennial Celebration.

No community in the world has been permitted by Providence to enjoy
more largely the blessings conferred on mankind by the great event
of 1776 than the people of Ohio. Ohio and her interests had no
existence one hundred years ago. They are the growth of less than a
century. The people naturally wish that their State, and her
history, and her advantages should be widely known. No other such
opportunity for their exhibition will probably occur for several
generations.

Let your session be short--avoid all schemes requiring excessive
expenditure, whether State or local, and your constituents will
cheerfully approve the appropriation required to secure to Ohio a
fitting representation in the approaching celebration of the
Nation's birth.

Before taking the oath of office, I desire to make my
acknowledgments to my predecessor, Governor Allen, for the friendly
and considerate way in which he has treated me, both during and
since the recent political contest in Ohio; and to express the
wish, in which I am sure you and all the people whom he has served
will unite with me, that, returning to his beautiful home
overlooking the ancient capital of our State, he may enjoy for many
years to come the best blessings which belong to this stage of
existence.

CHAPTER X.

NOMINATION TO THE PRESIDENCY.

_Early Suggestions--Letters on Subject--Garfield Letter--Action of
State Convention--Cincinnati Convention--Course of his
Friends--First and Second Day's Events--Speech of
Noyes--Balloting--Nominated on Seventh Ballot--Officially
Notified--Habits--Personal Appearance--Family--Letter of
Acceptance--Character as a Soldier, Magistrate, and Man--Domestic
Surroundings._

No able man can for a long time fill the office of chief magistrate of
one of the three great States of the Union without having his name more
or less mentioned by his friends in connection with the presidency. As
early as October, 1871, the