Page:Conspectus of the history of political parties and the federal government - Houghton - 1860.djvu/48

32 opposed Mr. Robinson, the Democratic nominee for governor, and thus defeated him.

INDEPENDENT REPUBLICANS.—A large number of Republicans were opposed to Senator Conkling’s control of the party in that state, and refused to support the nominee for governor whom he favored, Mr. Cornell, and very nearly defeated him in spite of the help of Tammany. These were Independent Republicans, called by the Regulars “scratchers.”

NOMINATIONS, 1880.—On the 2d of June, the Republican national convention met at Chicago; James A. Garfield (O.) and Chester A. Arthur (N. Y.) were nominated for the positions of President and Vice-President. Two important features of this convention were, (1) the recognition of the right of delegates to represent the opinions of their districts irrespective of the instructions of state conventions; and (2) the overthrow of the attempts at changing the traditional policy of the country, which prohibits one man from serving as President more than two terms.

The national convention of the National party (Greenback) met at Chicago on the 9th of June, and selected as candidates for the two highest executive offices, James B. Weaver (Ia.) and Benjamin J. Chambers (Tex.) This ticket was acquiesced in by most of the element which constituted the Labor party.

The Prohibition national convention was held at Cleveland, Ohio, June 17th. Neal Dow (Me.), for President, was nominated by acclamation. A. H. Thompson (O.) was chosen for Vice-President.

On the 22d of June the national convention of the Democratic party met at Cincinnati, Ohio. General Winfield S. Hancock (Penn.) was nominated for President on the second ballot, and William H. English (Ind.) for the position of Vice-President, was chosen without opposition. The Tammany wing of the Democratic party in New York acquiesced in the nominations. A platform consisting of twelve resolutions, was adopted by a unanimous vote. [See D. and Pl.]