ion of many delegates, and
after two days of debate the convention sustained it by a vote of 449
to 306.[1688] To complete the overthrow of the unit-rule a resolution
was also adopted providing that when any delegate excepted to the
correctness of a vote as cast by the chairman of a delegation, the
president of the convention should direct a roll-call of the
delegation. This practically settled the result. Nevertheless, the
belief obtained, so strong was the Stalwarts' faith in their success,
that when the Blaine and Sherman forces broke to a compromise
candidate, Grant would gain the needed additional seventy-four votes.

[Footnote 1688: The minority, representing fourteen States and ably led
by Benjamin F. Tracy, sustained the authority of State conventions to
overrule the choice of the districts.]

Conkling had never before attended a national convention. Indeed, he
had never been seen at a great political gathering west of the
Alleghanies. But he now became the central figure of the convention,
with two-fifths of the delegates rallying under his leadership. His
reception whenever he entered the hall was the remarkable feature of
the great gathering. Nothing like it had occurred in previous national
conventions. Distinguished men representing favourite candidates had
been highly honoured, but never before did the people continue, day
after day, to welcome one with such vociferous acclaim. It was not all
for Grant. The quick spontaneous outburst of applause that shook the
banners hanging from the girders far above, had in it much of
admiration for the stalwart form, the dominant spirit, the iron-nerved
boss, who led his forces with the arrogance of a gifted, courageous
chieftain. His coming seemed planned for dramatic effect. He rarely
appeared until the audience, settled into order by the opening prayer
or by the transaction of business, might easily catch sight of him,
and as he passed down the long aisle, moving steadily on with graceful
stride and immobile face, a flush of pride tinged his cheeks as cheer
after cheer, rolling from one end of the amphitheatre to the other,
rent the air. He sat in the front row on the centre aisle, and about
him clustered Chester A. Arthur, Levi P. Morton, Benjamin F. Tracy,
Edwards Pierrepont, George H. Sharpe, and the boyish figure of Charles
E. Cornell, a pale, sandy, undersized youth, the son of the Governor,
who was represented by an alternate.[1689]

[Footnote 1689: "Sugges