FOOTNOTES:
[42] This letter, written to a prominent Republican of the Pacific coast, did not reach the gentleman to whom it was addressed until after Mr. Chandler's death, and was then given to the public:
REPUBLICAN STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE, }
DETROIT, Mich., Sept. 23, 1879. }
MY DEAR SIR: Your favor of 11th inst. is at hand, and contents noted.
The prospects for the success of the Republican party in the national election next year look much more favorable now than they did the year preceding the election in 1876. Republicans are united, and earnestly preparing for success as the only hope of saving the country from the shot-gun rule of the Confederate Democracy. The Tammany bolt promises to give us New York both this year and next.
Ohio is sure to go Republican, and there is hardly a doubt that every Northern State having a general election this fall will score a victory in favor of a free ballot and an honest count.
Each Territory is entitled to two delegates in the National Republican Convention, under the rules heretofore adopted. I am under the impression now that Grant's chances for the nomination are better than those of any other person; but unless he is nominated without a contest he will be out of the field, and there will be a trial of strength between the friends and supporters of a few stalwart radicals.
No unknown man of lukewarm sentiments or obscure antecedents will be nominated.
It is very possible that Michigan will present a name in the convention as well as Maine, New York, Ohio, and perhaps other States; but I know nothing special in regard to the matter, only that, if General Grant is a candidate, no one else will be. Very truly, yours,
Z. CHANDLER.