it in the Legislature,
in Congress, and as president of the constitutional convention of
1866-7. Conkling thought him "not very well known."[1493] Nevertheless,
he had been mentioned for President, and throughout the long and
exciting contest two delegates from Massachusetts kept his name before
the convention. George F. Hoar, afterward the distinguished
Massachusetts senator, became especially active in his behalf, and
James Russell Lowell called him "a very sensible man."[1494] Outside
delegations, therefore, without waiting for New York to act, quickly
exhibited their partiality by putting him in nomination.[1495] Later,
when the Empire State named Stewart L. Woodford, the situation became
embarrassing. Finally, as the Wheeler vote rapidly approached a
majority, the Empire delegation, to escape being run over again,
reluctantly withdrew its candidate.[1496] The roll call, thus abruptly
discontinued, showed Wheeler far ahead of the aggregate vote of all
competitors, and on motion his nomination was made unanimous.[1497]

[Footnote 1493: New York _Herald_, June 17, 1876.]

[Footnote 1494: Hoar, _Autobiography_, Vol. 1, p. 244.]

[Footnote 1495: Wheeler's name was presented by Luke P. Poland of
Vermont, and seconded by S.H. Russell of Texas, and Henry R. James of
New York (Ogdensburg). Thomas C. Platt presented Woodford.

"Wheeler very much disliked Roscoe Conkling and all his ways. Conkling
once said to him: 'If you will join us and act with us, there is
nothing in the gift of the State of New York to which you may not
reasonably aspire.' To which Wheeler replied: 'Mr. Conkling, there is
nothing in the gift of the State which will compensate me for the
forfeiture of my own self-respect.'"--Hoar, _Autobiography_, Vol. 1,
p. 243.]

[Footnote 1496: "It was not to the credit of the New York delegation
that Wheeler was obliged to look to other States for his presentation
and support."--Utica _Herald_, June 17.]

[Footnote 1497: With fifteen States and Territories to be called, the
vote stood as follows: Wheeler, 366; all others, 245.]

The rank and file of the party, exhibiting no discouragement because
of the outcome at Cincinnati, sought a strong candidate to head their
State ticket.[1498] To those possessing the reform spirit William M.
Evarts appealed as a representative leader. He had indicated no desire
to hold public office. Indeed, it may be said that he always seemed
disinterested in political conditions so