Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/173

Rh first speaker. "He has some good friends even among the Democrats. They know him to be a first-class lawyer and straight as a string."

But a number demurred, for they hated to see such a rising and ambitious lawyer "led to the slaughter," as they expressed it. At last it was decided to put the question to McKinley himself.

"Yes, I will take the nomination, but on one condition," said the young advocate. "You must all promise me your earnest and not your half-hearted support. Give me what help you can, and I'll take care of the rest."

"We'll do that willingly," said one of the committee. Accordingly, when the county convention was held, William McKinley's name came up for the office of prosecuting attorney, and he was placed on the ticket by almost unanimous consent.

Hearing of this, the Democrats also put a strong man in the field. At once the contest waxed warm, and many public meetings were held in various parts of the county. McKinley spoke here, there, and