Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/227

Rh, and the second time in favor of Harrison.

In 1888 came the Republican National Convention which put up Benjamin Harrison for President. William McKinley was a delegate, and went in pledged for John Sherman. During the meeting some of the delegates shouted for McKinley and then some voted for him. At once he leaped to his feet, stepped up upon his chair, and shaking his bead vigorously, said:—

"Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention—I am here as one of the chosen representatives of my state; I am here by a resolution of the Republican convention, passed without one dissenting voice, commanding me to cast my vote for John Sherman and use every worthy endeavor for his nomination. I accepted the trust because my heart and judgment were in accord with the letter and spirit of that resolution. It has pleased certain delegates to vote for me. I am not insensible to the honor they would do me, but in the presence of the duty resting upon me I cannot remain silent with honor. I cannot consistently with the credit of the state whose credentials I bear,