Chapter 26

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1876.--REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION.-- CONVENTION AT CINCINNATI, JUNE 14, 1876.--REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.-- BALLOTING.--NOMINATION OF HAYES AND WHEELER.--DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION.--SAMUEL J. TILDEN THE PRINCIPAL CANDIDATE.--HIS CAREER.-- OTHER DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES.--TILDEN AND HENDRICKS NOMINATED.-- DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.--THE CANVASS.--THE RESULT.--DOUBTFUL STATE.-- POPULAR EXCITEMENT.--DISPUTE IN LOUISIANA, FLORIDA, SOUTH CAROLINA.-- PRESIDENT GRANT'S COURSE.--A PORTENTOUS QUESTION.--ELECTORAL COMMISSION.--MEMBERS.--QUESTIONS BEFORE THEM.--DECISION.--HAYES AND WHEELER ELECTED.--SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION.--POTTER COMMISSION.-- DISCOVERY OF TELEGRAMS.--ATTEMPTS AT BRIBERY IN THE SOUTH.