ss had become interesting before
my return and I desired to do all I could in aid of Foraker. He
was nominated while I was still in Europe, for the third term, and
under conditions that weakened him somewhat. Still, his ability
as a debater, his popular manners, and his interesting history,
seemed to assure his success. I returned to Ohio with my family
about the 1st of October, and made my first speech in this canvass
at the Wayne county fair, at Orrville, on the 10th. I was introduced
to the audience by M. L. Smyser, the Member of Congress from that
district, in terms too complimentary to quote. He gave notice that
Campbell would speak to them on the next day on behalf of the
Democratic party. In explanation of my appearance there where
politics were generally excluded I said:

"It is rather unusual at a county fair, where men of all parties
are invited to exhibit and compare their productions, to discuss
party politics. Therefore, I hesitated to accept your invitation
to speak here in behalf of the Republican party; but upon being
advised by my friend, Mr. Smyser, your Representative in Congress,
that the same invitation was extended to Governor Foraker and Mr.
Campbell, the two candidates for governor, that Governor Foraker
could not attend, but Mr. Campbell had accepted, I concluded also
to accept, and am now here to give you the reasons for my political
faith."

This speech was prepared for the occasion, and was chiefly on the
choice between the Mills tariff bill and the Senate bill, both of
which failed to pass in the preceding Congress. I discussed state
issues briefly, including recent frauds at elections, the alleged
bribery and corruption in the election of Mr. Payne as Senator,
and the importance of nonpartisan boards of election. I closed by
saying:

"This is not a contest between Governor Foraker and Mr. Campbell.
I have the highest regard for both of these gentlemen. Governor
Foraker is one of the ablest, one of the most brilliant, men in
public life. He was one of the youngest soldiers in the Union
army, and, though young, rendered important services at critical
periods of the war. He has made his own way in the world, and has
filled with distinction every place assigned him. He has made an
efficient governor, and I can see no force in the objection that
he is running for a third term. If he has performed his duties
exceptionally well in the past, it is good reason why he should be
co