Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/69

 WILLIAM McKINLEY 45 convention. ... I do not request, I demand, that no delegate who would not cast reflection upon me shall cast a ballot for me.&quot; The effect on the con vention was as he intended. His labors for Sher man were incessant and effective, but while he could not accomplish his friend s nomination, he did pre serve his own integrity and increase the general re spect and confidence of the people in himself. He was for the seventh time nominated and elected to congress in the following November, de feating George P. Ikert by 4,100 votes. At the organization of the 51st congress he was a candi date for speaker, but, although strongly supported, he was beaten on the third ballot in the republican caucus by Thomas B. Reed. He resumed his place on the ways and means committee, and on the death of Judge Kelley, soon afterward, became its chair man. Thus devolved upon him, at a most critical juncture, the leadership of the house, under circum stances of peculiar difficulty, his party having only a nominal majority, and it requiring always hearty concord and co-operation to pass any important measure. The minority had resolved upon a policy of obstruction and delay, but Major McKinley supported Speaker Reed with his usual effective ness, and the speaker himself heartily thanked him for his great and timely assistance. On April 24, 1890, he spoke in favor of sustaining the civil-serv ice law, to which there was decided opposition.