CHAPTER LV.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION OF 1888. Majority of the Ohio Delegates Agree to Support Me for President-- Cleveland and Thurman Nominated by the Democrats--I Am Indorsed by the State Convention Held at Dayton, April 18-19--My Response to a Toast at the Americus Club, Pittsburg, on Grant--Meeting with Prominent Men in New York--Foraker's Reply to Judge West's Declaration Concerning Blaine--Blaine's Florence Letter to Chairman Jones--His Opinion of My Qualifications for the Honorable Position--Meeting of the Convention in Chicago in June--I Am Nominated by General D. H. Hastings and Seconded by Governor Foraker--Jealousy Between the Ohio Delegates--Predictions of My Nomination on Monday, June 25-- Defeated by a Corrupt New York Bargain--General Harrison is Nominated --Letters from the President Elect--My Replies--First Speeches of the Campaign--Harrison's Victory--Second Session of the 50th Congress --The President's Cabinet.