He
consulted Senator Philetus Sawyer of Wisconsin, who was himself
in favor of General Grant, but who desired above all things
the success of the Republican Party, and was not ready for
any unlawful or revolutionary action. Mr. Sawyer was a business
man of plain manners, and though of large experience in public
life, was not much versed in parliamentary law. He called
into consultation ex-Senator Timothy O. Howe, of Wisconsin,
formerly Senator from that State, and afterward Postmaster-
General under Arthur. He was a very able and clear-headed
lawyer, and had a high reputation for integrity. He advised
Mr. Strong that the committee might lawfully depose their
Chairman and appoint another, and that it would be his duty,
as Sergeant-at-Arms, to recognize the new Chairman and obey
his lawful orders. Strong was under great obligations to
Sawyer, who had aided him very largely in business matters,
and had a high respect for his judgment. He gave his response
to the Grant leaders in accordance with the advice of Mr.
Howe, in which Senator Sawyer concurred. They had intended
to make General Creswell the President of the convention.
Pages:
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696