An Autobiography · Chapter
Appendix C: The Blaine Campaign explained
Roosevelt corrects a false account from J.
What happens
Roosevelt corrects a false account from J. Henry Harper's book regarding his actions and conversations after the 1884 Republican convention, clarifying that he did not travel with George William Curtis, never considered opposing Blaine's nomination, and had already resolved with Senator Lodge to support Blaine if fairly nominated.
Themes in this chapter
Political Reform and Anti-Corruption
The controversy over Blaine's candidacy and the Mulligan letters reflects the era's concern with political corruption.
Duty and Public Service
Roosevelt and Lodge's decision to support the party nominee despite personal reservations illustrates a sense of party duty.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Roosevelt
Corrects the historical record about his post-convention actions and stance on Blaine.
- George William Curtis
Mentioned as having returned separately from the convention and expressing his own reasons for supporting Blaine.
- Henry Cabot Lodge
Roosevelt discussed the convention with Lodge beforehand and they agreed to support Blaine if fairly nominated.
- James G. Blaine
The Republican nominee whose candidacy is the subject of the disputed account.
Key passages
“This statement has no foundation whatever in fact. I did not return from the convention in company with Mr. Curtis.”
Roosevelt denies Harper's claim that he traveled back from the convention with Curtis.
Roosevelt asserts he went to his North Dakota ranch, not to New York with Curtis.
“Not only did I never entertain after the convention, but I never during the convention or at any other time, entertained the intention alleged in the quotation in question.”
Roosevelt states he never considered opposing Blaine, either during or after the convention.
He refutes the idea that he was ever undecided about supporting Blaine.
“I discussed the whole situation with Mr. Lodge before going to the convention, and we had made up our minds that if the nomination of Mr. Blaine was fairly made we would with equal good faith support him.”
Roosevelt and Lodge agreed before the convention to support Blaine if he won the nomination fairly.
This shows their premeditated commitment to party loyalty.