o the time of holding the state convention for the appointment
of delegates to the national convention, which my friends were
anxious to have at as early a period as possible, so that the
position of Ohio might be known to, and possibly influence the
action of, other states. The disagreement between these two
gentlemen resulted in a postponement of the convention until a
period so late that before it met most of the delegations were
selected by the other states. That was thought to be inimical to
my success, and led to ill-will and contention. Governor Dennison
and Governor Foster had frankly and openly avowed their purpose to
support my nomination, and actively did so. They advised me of
the condition of opinion from time to time, and early represented
that I might reasonably expect the support of all the districts,
except perhaps those represented by Garfield and McKinley, and the
Toledo district.

I went to Mansfield on private business about the latter part of
March, and as usual was called upon to make a speech, which I did,
at Miller's Hall, on the 31st of March, and which was reported in
full at the time. I stated my position in regard to the nomination,
as follows:

"By the course of recent events, and not by my own seeking, my name
is mentioned among those from whom the Republican party will select
one to carry its banner in the approaching presidential contest.
It is not egotistic to state this fact, and it would not be manly
to shrink from the criticism and scrutiny which such a choice
necessarily invites and provokes.

"I accepted the position without a pretense of mock modesty, because
I do not think it right to allow friends to put themselves to
trouble on my account without a frank avowal that I was willing to
accept, and without delaying until certain of success; but with a
firm determination not to detract from the merits or services of
others, nor to seek this lofty elevation by dishonorable means or
lying evasions or pretense. In this way, and in this way only, am
I a candidate; but with great doubt whether, if nominated, I would
meet the expectation of friends, and resolved in case of failure
that I will abide, cheerfully and kindly, by the choice of the
convention.

"There is one condition, scarcely necessary to state, upon which
my candidacy depends, and that is, if the Republicans of Ohio do
not fairly and fully, in their convention, express a preference
for me, and support me with su