for the first time since the Republican party had
acquired National power, the candidate was not selected in advance,
and the National Convention met to make a choice, not simply to
register a popular decree. This freedom of action imparted a personal
interest to the preliminary canvass and a struggle in the Convention
itself, which previous nominations had lacked. The public excitement
was enhanced by the close and doubtful balance between the two parties.
For the first time since its original success, the power of the
Republican party had been seriously broken in 1874. The war and
reconstruction periods were receding, and with the lessening stress of
their demands, the popular conviction of the necessity of Republican
rule was losing much of its force. New questions were pressing
forward, and parties were largely judged by these later tests.

The open field and free choice on the Republican side developed several
competitors for the nomination.--Senator Morton of Indiana naturally
held a prominent place. His ability, his party devotion, his fearless
services as the War Governor of a State which was disturbed with tumult
and sedition, his conspicuous part in the Reconstruction contests in
the Senate, all marked him as entitled to great consideration.

--Senator Conkling was earnestly sustained by the Republican
organization of New York, of which he was then the undisputed chief.
His friends went to the National Convention with the power of the
largest delegation and with the influence of the most important State.
He had the additional aid of the good will and good wishes of President
Grant.

--Mr. Bristow of Kentucky was also a candidate. As Secretary of the
Treasury he had been zealous in pushing investigation and prosecution
of the whiskey frauds then rife. His mode of procedure created the
impression that he was acting independently of the Administration of
which he was a part, if not in studied conflict with it, and this
demonstration, while objectionable to many, commended him to a
considerable body of Republicans who were inclined on that account to
associate him with the growing cry for administrative reform. He had
the advantage also of strong local influence. He came from a State
adjoining the city where the Convention was to be held, and through
the newspapers the surrounding atmosphere was colored in his favor.

--But Ohio, which has long held a prominent part in shaping the
National counsels,