RHODES HOUSE nessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin-25 States and 214 electoral votes. CHAPTER XXV. *OXFORD* LIBRARY CONVENTION OF 1872-GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION. Delegates Meet on June 5, at Philadelphia-No Factions-- Lists of Committees by States-A Season of Speeches-Permanent Organization-Rules of the Convention-Resolutions by the Union League of America-The Colored Orators-Paul Strobach's Story -Grant Nominated--He Receives Every Vote in the ConventionSongs and Cheers-Democracy and Republicanism ContrastedCandidates for Vice-President-The Vote-Henry Wilson Nominated-Greeley Leads the Democrats-Jeremiah S. Black and Charles Sumner-Ridiculous Features-Southern Butcheries-Grant's Great Majority-Poor Greeley-Grant's Successful Administration. The Republican National Convention of 1872, which convened in the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, on Wednesday, June 5, was comparatively tame. It was generally understood that, owing to the popular demand for Grant's renomination, there would be no contest-none of that sparring of political giants for vantage-ground and coveted points which gives interest and excitement to such gatherings. The assemblage was called to order by Wm. Claflin, of Massachusetts, in a brief speech referring to our improved public credit and general prosperity. He then presented Morton McMichael, of Pennsylvania, as temporary chairman, who, on being unanimously elected, was escorted to the stand by Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, J. H. Platt, of Virginia, and James Lewis, of Louisiana. As he could never open his mouth and do otherwise, Mr. McMichael made an eloquent speech, followed by music from the band engaged for the occasion. John W. Newlin, of New Jersey, Hiram Potter, Jr., of Florida, and John R. Hubbard, of West Virginia, were chosen temporary secretaries, and the various committees were appointed as follows: While the committees were out preparing their reports, the intervening time was occupied by some notable speeches. John A. Logan, of Illinois, led off with an address eulogistic of Gen. Grant. He was followed by Gerrit Smith, of New York; Oliver P. Morton, of Indiana; James L. Orr, of South Carolina; Richard J. Oglesby, of Illinois; J. R. Hawley, of Connecticut; Marcus D. Boruck, of California; Wm. H. Grey, (colored) of Arkansas; Robert B. Elliott (colored) of South Carolina; and James H. Harris (colored) of North Carolina. The convention was astonished at the rich eloquence and clear logic of the colored speakers, and cheered them vociferously. The committee on permanent organization reported as follows: President-Thomas Settle, of North Carolina. SECRETARIES. William V. Turner. Henry Buckingham. |