omplimented for their efficiency in the state
senate.

A resolution indorsing William McKinley for unanimous nomination
for governor passed amidst enthusiastic applause.

Upon attending the state convention at Columbus, on the 17th of
June, I was advised that objection would be made to my designation
as chairman, and that Mr. Bushnell would be pressed for that honor.
I promptly said I did not wish the position, and urged the selection
of Bushnell, who was fairly entitled to it for his active agency
as chairman of the state committee. The central committee had
invited me to address the convention, and I was prepared to do so,
but, feeling that after McKinley was unanimously nominated for
governor my speech would delay the convention in completing the
ticket, I declined to speak, but the convention insisted upon it,
and I did respond very briefly, saying I would hand my speech to
the "State Journal." Out of this incident the "Enquirer" made the
story that I had been "snubbed" by the convention, through the
influence of Governor Foraker and other gentlemen named by it.
The correct account of my action was stated in the "State Journal"
as follows:

"After Major McKinley had finished speaking there were enthusiastic
calls for Senator Sherman. The demand became so vigorous that
General Bushnell was unable to secure quiet. Senator Sherman
marched down the middle aisle from his seat in his delegation just
under the balcony. Perhaps no one received such generous recognition
as did the senior Senator from Ohio. Although Senator Sherman had
prepared a speech he did not attempt to deliver it. He said he
had intended to insist on his right as a delegate not to hear any
more oratory, but, to proceed with the business of the convention.
He gave the 'State Journal' an appreciated compliment by advising
all the delegates who desired to know what his speech contained to
buy this morning's 'State Journal.' His remarks were felicitous
and he was frequently interrupted by applause."

The prepared speech as published in the "Journal" gave satisfaction,
not only to the Republicans in Ohio, but was printed in many of the
leading journals of the United States. My refusal to deliver it
in the sweltering heat of the convention enabled that body to
rapidly clear the business it met to transact, and the unfounded
imputations about leading Republicans fell harmless. I insert this
speech:

"My Fellow Republicans:--When I was invited