ring at the polls. He expressed his opinion,
but not with much confidence, that Mr. Lindsley was elected. When
the votes were counted, it was found that I had 2,823 majority,
having carried every county in the district. Richland county, in
which I lived, for the first time cast a majority adverse to the
Democratic party, I receiving a majority of over 300 votes.

During the summer of 1855, the elements of opposition to the
administration of President Pierce organized as the Republican
party. County conventions were generally held and largely attended.
The state convention met at Columbus on the 13th day of July, 1855.
It was composed of heterogenous elements, every shade of political
opinion being represented. Such antipodes as Giddings, Leiter,
Chase, Brinkerhoff, and Lew Campbell met in concert. The first
question that troubled the convention was the selection of a
president. It was thought impolitic to take one who had been
offensively conspicuous in one of the old parties. The result was
that I was selected, much to my surprise, and, for a time, much to
my chagrin. Mr. Allison, since a distinguished Member of the United
States Senate, was elected secretary of the convention. I had
never presided over any assembly excepting an Odd Fellows' lodge.
When I assumed the chair I no doubt soon exposed my ignorance. A
declaration of principles was formulated as follows:

"1. _Resolved_, That the people who constitute the supreme power
in the United States, should guard with jealous care the rights of
the several states, as independent governments. No encroachment
upon their legislative or judicial prerogatives should be permitted
from any quarter.

"2. _Resolved_, That the people of the State of Ohio, mindful of
the blessings conferred upon them by the 'Ordinance of Freedom,'
whose anniversary our convention this day commemorates, should
establish for their political guidance the following cardinal rules:

"(1). We will resent the spread of slavery under whatever shape
or color it may be attempted.

"(2). To this end we will labor incessantly to render inoperative
and void that portion of the Kansas and Nebraska bill which abolishes
freedom in the territory withdrawn from the influence of slavery
by the Missouri Compromise of 1820; and we will oppose by every
lawful and constitutional means, the extension of slavery in any
national territory, and the further increase of slavery territory
or slave state