Conkling's name. It was recalled by way of contrast that in 1860,
Seward, without an office at his command, had led the united
Republican enthusiasm of the State.

Following the example of Seward's supporters at Chicago, the friends
of Conkling at Cincinnati occupied an entire hotel, distributed with
lavishness the handsome State badge of blue, entertained their
visitors with a great orchestra, paraded in light silk hats, and swung
across the street an immense banner predicting that "Roscoe Conkling's
nomination assures the thirty-five electoral votes of New York." These
headquarters were in marked contrast to the modest rooms of other
States having favourite sons. No Blaine flag appeared, and only an oil
portrait of Hayes adorned the Ohio parlours. A Philadelphia delegate,
after surveying the Grand Hotel and the marchers, ironically remarked
that "it was a mystery to him where the Custom-house got bail for all
those fellows."[1488]

[Footnote 1488: New York _Tribune_, June 15, 1876.]

The appearance of Edwin D. Morgan, who called the convention to order,
evoked long-continued applause. It recalled two decades of stirring
national life since he had performed a like duty in 1856. Theodore M.
Pomeroy's selection as temporary chairman likewise honoured New York,
and his address, although read from manuscript, added to his fame as
an orator. In seconding the nomination of Bristow, George William
Curtis, speaking "for that vast body of Republicans in New York who
have seen that reform is possible within the Republican party," won
his way to the convention's heart as quickly as he did in 1860,
although each person present avowed, after Robert G. Ingersoll had
spoken, that for the first time he understood the possible compass of
human eloquence.[1489]

[Footnote 1489: _Official Proceedings of National Republican
Conventions_, p. 292.]

Until the deciding ballot New York's part in the convention proved
perfunctory. Beyond the sound of its music and the tread of its
marchers neither applause nor good will encouraged its candidate.
Reformers regarded Conkling as the antithesis of Bristow, supporters
of Morton jealously scowled at his rivalry, and the friends of Blaine
resented his attitude toward their favourite. Only Hayes's little band
of expectant backers, hoping eventually to capture the New York
delegation, gracefully accorded him generous recognition.[1490]
Conkling's support, beginning with ninety-nine votes, gradua