his distinguished
diplomatic services would appeal to the judgment of the people and take
from the Republican party some of its best elements. He was earnestly
supported by many of the strongest Liberals, who felt that their only
hope of success lay in the selection of a candidate who was experienced
in public life, and who could inspire public confidence.

The supporters of Mr. Adams displayed violent hostility to Judge Davis.
They charged his friends with bringing a great body of hirelings from
Illinois, and with attempting to "pack" the Convention,--with
resorting, in short, to the alleged practices of the Republicans who
were still opposing the Democratic party. They announced that even if
Judge Davis should be nominated they would not sustain him. This
influential and unyielding opposition was fatal to the Illinois
candidate. As the Davis canvass declined the Greeley sentiment
increased, and it soon became evident that the contest would lie
between Adams and Greeley. On the first ballot the vote stood, Adams
205, Greeley 147, Trumbull 110, Gratz Brown 95, Davis 92-1/2, Curtin
62, Chase 2-1/2. The minor candidates were withdrawn as the voting
proceeded, and on the sixth ballot Greeley had 332, Adams 324, Chief
Justice Chase 32, Trumbull 19. There was at once a rapid change to
Greeley, and the conclusion was not long delayed. He was declared by
formal vote to be the nominee of the Convention. For the Vice-Presidency,
Gratz Brown, Senator Trumbull, George W. Julian, and Gilbert C. Walker
were placed in nomination. Mr. Brown was successful on the second ballot.

The result of the balloting created surprise and disappointment. Mr.
Greeley's name had not been seriously discussed until the members
assembled in Cincinnati, and no scheme of the Liberal managers had
contemplated his nomination. It was evident from the first that with
his striking individuality, his positive views, and his combative
career, he had both strength and weakness as a candidate; but whatever
his merits or demerits, his selection was out of the reckoning of
those who had formed the Liberal organization. It was certainly a
singular and unexpected result, that a Convention which owed its formal
call to a body of active and aggressive free-traders, should commit its
standard to the foremost champion of Protection in the country.

But there was another and still more important element of
incongruity--another reason why the nomination was