Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/281

 and is conceded by all to be one of its most astute leaders. As a plenipotentiary he tendered to me the nomination. I told him that my means were limited and that I had no money to spend, that my ambitions ran in an entirely different direction, and that to accept would be at the sacrifice of pretty much all that I myself wanted to do. He went further and pledged to me the first vacancy in the Supreme Court which should occur after my term as governor should be concluded. As a result of this interview, and at his request, I saw Quay a day or two later at the Republican headquarters, in the presence of Senator Penrose and W. R. Andrews. Quay and I sat together on a sofa and he asked:

“What have you concluded to do?”

“If this means that I am expected to put a lot of money into the campaign, I decline. What property I have I must endeavor to keep for my children.”

“You will not be called upon to spend one cent.”

“Senator, you have time and again indicated a kindly interest in my welfare, what would you advise me to do?”

This was an appeal to his friendship at a time when he was attending to business.

“You will have to determine that question entirely from your own point of view. I can give you no advice.”

Nothing could have been more true to correct principles or have indicated a nicer sense of propriety. He would not take the responsibility of leading me into what might have resulted in disaster, by the slightest suggestion. Then I said:

“I accept, and will take the chances.”

He, on the instant, turned to Andrews and ordered:

“Now get to work at once. Write to (naming certain persons) and tell them the candidate will be Pennypacker.”

A few months later I received from the party treasurer a receipt for $5,000 as my contribution to the expenses of the campaign. Surprised at the form the promise given me, and kept with absolute faith from beginning to end, had Rh