Statement of My Views at This Time--Statue to
the Memory of General Lafayette--Controversy Between General Sherman
and Jefferson Davis.

On the 3rd of June, 1884, during the session of Congress, the
national Republican convention to nominate Republican candidates
for President and Vice President, was held at Chicago. Prior to
that time the papers had been full of the merits and demerits of
candidates, and my name was mentioned among them. I had early
announced, in interviews and letters, that I was not a candidate.
The following statement was generally published in Ohio:

"I am in no sense a candidate, and would not make an effort for
the nomination. I would not even express my opinion as to who
should be delegates from my own district or what their action should
be. Four years ago I thought it best to be a candidate. I believed
that the logic of events at that time justified such action. The
reasons I need not state. Now there is no such condition and I
would not enter a contest even for the indorsement of my own
constituency. Many of my friends write me complaining letters
because I refuse to make such an issue. Believing that the
convention, when it meets, should be free, uninstructed, and in
shape to do the very best thing for the whole party, I have counseled
by friends to that end. A united and enthusiastic party is more
important than one man, and hence I am for bending every energy to
the first purpose, and am not a candidate."

I had not expressed the slightest desire to make such a contest.
When approached by personal friends I dissuaded them from using my
name as a candidate. I neither asked nor sought anyone to be a
delegate. When the convention met, the Ohio delegation was divided
between Blaine and myself, and this necessarily prevented any
considerable support of me outside of the state. I was not sorry
for it. I regarded the nomination of Blaine as the natural result
under the circumstances.

The strength of Arthur, his principal competitor, grew out of his
power and patronage as President. He was a gentleman of pleasing
manners, but I thought unequal to the great office he held. He
had never been distinguished in political life. The only office
he had held of any importance was that of collector of the port of
New York, from which he was removed for good causes already stated.
His nomination as Vice President was the whim of Roscoe Conkling
to strike at President Hayes. If nomina