presence
on the same stage was a noteworthy fact. It was an evidence of
harmony and of strength. Then, again, the united marching of the
Lincoln and Blaine clubs was a further proof of harmony. In fact,
the entire meeting, and the pleasant feeling manifest, proved that
the party is united as one man against its old foe, the Democracy;
that, as many a time before, it is ready and anxious to do battle
with the ancient enemy. No deceits, no frauds, can defeat it--the
Republican party. This the meeting proved conclusively."

I closed my part in this canvass at Toledo and Cleveland in the
week before the election, and these speeches were fairly and fully
reported. During the whole contest between Foraker and myself
there was nothing said to disturb our friendly relations. The
election resulted in the success of the Republican ticket and a
Republican legislature, McKinley receiving over 21,000 plurality.
Immediately after the election it was announced that the members
of the legislature from Hamilton county were unanimously in favor
of Foraker for Senator. This announcement, and especially the
manner of it, created a good deal of bad feeling in the state,
especially as it was alleged and believed that George Cox had full
control of the delegation and had required the pledges of each
senator and member to vote for United States Senator as he dictated.

During the entire canvass there was a full and free discussion,
not only in Ohio but throughout the United States, as to the choice
between Foraker and myself. It was known that the vote in the
legislature would be close and the friends of each were claiming
a majority for their favorite. It is not necessary to follow the
progress of the contest, but I became satisfied that I would be re-
elected, although the most positive assurances were published that
Foraker, with the aid of his solid delegation from Hamilton county,
would be successful. Many things were said during the brief period
before the election that ought not to have been said, but this is
unavoidable in choosing between political friends as well as between
opposing parties. Every Republican paper in Ohio took sides in
the contest. Meetings were held in many of the counties and cities
of the state, and resolutions adopted expressing their preference.

I was urged by some friends to go to Columbus some time before the
meeting of the legislature on the first Monday in January, but
delayed my departure