the Lake city knew
nothing of his character for stubborn independence, uncompromising
honesty, and fearless devotion to duty. His friends tried to tell the
delegates that he insisted upon public officials treating the people's
money as its trustees, and that he had promptly vetoed every departure
from this rule. They claimed also that he could neither be coaxed nor
constrained into the approval of men or measures that were not honest
and proper, citing several illustrations that had greatly gratified
and aroused his home people. This was the gist of Daniel N. Lockwood's
short, happy, and forceful speech in presenting his name to the
convention.

But such recommendations of candidates were not unusual, and although
Erie and the surrounding counties mustered fifty or sixty votes, no
movement toward Cleveland existed other than that growing out of the
peculiar political situation. If Slocum and Flower failed, Nelson or
Corning might benefit. Edward Murphy of Rensselaer, then mayor of Troy
for the fourth term and closely associated with Manning in leadership,
represented Corning with spirit, while the Dutchess friends of Homer
A. Nelson exhibited their devotion by an energetic canvass. Yet
Cleveland possessed one strategic point stronger than either of them.
His absolute freedom from the political antagonisms of New York and
King counties commended him to the County Democracy. This organisation
of extraordinary leadership had tired of deals and quarrels. The
hammering of Tilden, the sacrifice of Robinson, the defeat of Hancock,
and the hold-up in the last Legislature made a new departure
necessary, and it may be said with truth and without injustice that
the night before the convention opened the nomination of Cleveland, if
it could be accomplished, seemed to the County Democracy the wisest
and safest result.

When the roll-call began Kelly, playing for position, divided
Tammany's vote among the possible winners, giving Flower seven, Slocum
six, Cleveland six, and Corning five. The County Democracy voted for
Campbell. Corning's withdrawal and large secessions from Nelson and
Belmont sent Slocum and Flower far in the lead on the second ballot,
while Cleveland moved up five points with the help of Kelly and
others. The County Democracy again voted for Campbell. On the third
ballot a break was inevitable. Hutchins had remained stationary,
Nelson and Belmont were practically out of the race, and Slocum and
Flower stood even.