despotic hand, and had as little respect
for the doctrines of the civil service reformers as you might
expect from one of his Highland ancestors who ruled over the
Clan Cameron in the days of the Scotch Stuarts. Cameron
had also a personal grievance, although I do not think that
made any difference in his feeling. He had been proposed
by the Pennsylvania delegation for the appointment to the
English Mission. But the proposition had not been received
with favor by President Hayes. Under these difficulties,
it is greatly to his honor that so much of public good was
accomplished in his time, and that he handed over the Government
to a Republican successor.

CHAPTER XXVIII
FOUR NATIONAL CONVENTIONS
1880

As the time approached for the Republican Convention of 1880,
it had become clear that it would witness a mighty struggle.
Conkling, Don Cameron, who had succeeded to his father's power
in Pennsylvania, and Logan, of Illinois, the most distinguished
volunteer soldier of the war, and a great favorite with his
old comrades, were the most conspicuous leaders of the party
who desired to restore the old Grant regime. They were seconded
by Howe, formerly Senator from Wisconsin and later Postmaster-
General under President Arthur, Creswell, of Maryland, Postmaster-
General in Grant's first term, Governor Boutwell, of Massachusetts,
who had a very distinguished public career as Governor, member
of the House of Representatives, Secretary of the Treasury,
and Senator. They selected as their candidate their old chieftain,
General Grant. He was strong not only in the powerful support
of these great political leaders, but in the solid confidence
of the great Methodist denomination to which he belonged,
in the love of the old soldiers, in the memory of his great
public service, both in war and peace, and the general respect
of the whole American people. Against this was the unwritten,
but well-understood, rule of action by which the people had
been governed since the time of Washington, that no person
should be elected to the office of President for more than
two terms. Against him, also, was the feeling that his judgment,
which had been sound and unerring in the selection of fit
men for good military service, was very much at fault in choosing
men in whom he should confide in civil affairs. There was
a further feeling that the influence of unworthy politicians,
which had been powerful with him during his second term,