bligations
to the Republican party of Ohio, that, if this was merely a matter
of personal interest or feeling, I would say 'yes!' But, I cannot
accept this nomination. First, because you have charged me with
the duty of a Member of the Senate of the United States; and I
could not surrender that, with my sense of what is just, not only
to the people of Ohio, but to the people of the United States.
And I will say that that view is shared by many of my associates
in the Senate. They deprecate any movement of this kind on account
of the condition of affairs there. But, aside from that, there is
one consideration that would prevent me from becoming a candidate
now. When early applied to on this subject, I stated to the
gentlemen whose names were mentioned to come before this convention,
that I was not a candidate and would not be a candidate. I could
not accept your nomination without a feeling of personal dishonor,
and that you certainly do not wish to bring upon me. Although all
of you, my Republican friends, would know I was sincere in that
declaration, yet the censorious world at large would say that I
had not acted a manly part; I could not bear an imputation of that
kind. So that, even if the nomination were presented to me with
a unanimous feeling in this convention, yet I would feel bound, by
a feeling of personal honor, which is the higher law, especially
among Republicans, to decline."

The convention then nominated Joseph R. Foraker for governor by
acclamation. He was introduced to the convention and made a long
and pleasant address. His speech was well received and he was
often interrupted with cheers. He was then about thirty-seven
years old, and was but little known throughout the state, but his
appearance, manner, and address satisfied the convention and he
was at once recognized as a man of ability, who would take and hold
a prominent place in the political history of the state. He had
enlisted as a boy at Camp Dennison at the early age of sixteen,
and rapidly rose through the military grades until, at Mission
Ridge, he commanded two companies and led them over the ridge into
the enemy's works, being the first man of his regiment over the
ridge. He was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea.
My brother spoke of him in the highest terms of praise. After the
war he entered college at Delaware, rapidly advanced through college
and completed his study of law, and at an early age was elect