But finding it impossible to carry their plans into effect,
in order to prevent the severe measure of deposing the Chairman
of the committee, they consented that the assurances demanded
should be given. There was then a negotiation between the
leaders on the side of Grant and of Blaine for an agreement
upon a presiding officer. It was well known that I was not
in favor of the nomination of either. Senator Hamlin, formerly
Vice-President and then a Senator, proposed my name to Mr.
Conkling as a person likely to be impartial between the two
principal candidates. Mr. Conkling replied that such a suggestion
was an insult. Hamlin said: "I guess I can stand the insult."
But on consultation of the Grant men and the Blaine men it
was agreed that I should be selected, which was done accordingly.
I was nominated orally from the floor when Mr. Cameron called
the convention to order, and chosen temporary President by
acclamation and unanimously. As proceedings went on it was
thought best not to have any division or question as to a
permanent Chairman and it was at the proper time ordered,
also without objection, that I should act as permanent President.
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