d by Tammany
and the Canal ring, rapidly accumulated strength despite Tilden's
personal opposition. To all of Tilden's friends vital objections
seemed to be raised. Dorsheimer could not command a solid Democratic
vote; Robinson favoured high canal tolls and cultivated Republican
affiliations; Manton Marble remained unpopular because the _World_
changed front in 1868; and Starbuck of Jefferson did not attract
Independents. For once Tilden had plainly been deceived as to his
strength. Furthermore, the convention, divided in its attention
between speeches for Potter and demands for Seymour, was beyond his
control. Nevertheless, as the delegates in their stentorian insistence
upon a "Democrat" became more and more furious for Seymour, the Tilden
managers, to head off the alarming sentiment for Potter, adroitly
increased the volume of the demand for the Oneidan. It was known that
Seymour had refused the use of his name. Telegrams to Kernan and
letters to the president of the convention alleged indisposition and
"obstacles which I cannot overcome."[1519] But the convention,
conscious that the former governor had before changed his mind under
similar circumstances, closed its ears to his entreaties, and amidst
the most vociferous cheering nominated him by acclamation. The next
morning, with equal unanimity, it renominated Dorsheimer for
lieutenant-governor.

[Footnote 1518: The Democratic State convention convened on August 30.]

[Footnote 1519: Utica _Herald_, August 31, 1876.]

A few days later Seymour, pleading mental inability to perform the
duties of the office, put himself out of the race.[1520] This gave
Tilden opportunity to re-form his lines, and upon the convention's
reassembling (September 13) Robinson easily won.[1521]

[Footnote 1520: For Seymour's letter, see New York papers of September
5.]

[Footnote 1521: The ballot stood: Potter, 106-1/2; Robinson, 192-1/2;
scattering, 59. Necessary to a choice, 191. Before its announcement
changes gave Robinson 243-1/2.

The ticket was as follows: Governor, Lucius Robinson, Chemung;
Lieutenant-Governor, William Dorsheimer, Erie; Court of Appeals,
Robert Earl, Herkimer; Canal Commissioner, Darius A. Ogden, Yates;
Prison Inspector, Robert H. Anderson, Kings.]

Democratic factions likewise buried their differences in New York
City, Kelly and Morrissey uniting upon Smith Ely for mayor. The
Republicans nominated John A. Dix. Thus was the municipal struggle in
the metrop