The Harrison Years

This chapter details how, upon the inauguration of a national Democratic administration, John Roy Lynch devoted his time principally to his private business, until the opening of the presidential campaign in 1888. The indications were that there was to be quite a bitter fight for the Republican presidential nomination. It was thought that another effort would be made to bring about the nomination of James G. Blaine. If there had been a strong sentiment in the Republican party in favor of the nomination of the statesman from Maine, he no doubt would have consented to the use of his name. But when it was made plain to him that a well-organized effort would be necessary to secure him the nomination, and even then such an effort might not be crowned with success, he wisely decided not to allow his name to be used as a candidate before the national convention. Ohio presented the name of Senator John Sherman, whose nomination at one time appeared to be reasonably certain. Meanwhile, Indiana presented the name of General Benjamin Harrison, whose ultimate success was not at first seriously contemplated.