Beside The Gilded Door


Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
- "The New Colossus"​

beside%20the%20gilded%20door_zpskulula8l.png
Credit to SargentHawk for the Graphic
 
I came, I saw, I negotiated
_______________________________
Washington, District of Columbia

Telegrams flowed in to the White House at a steady rate, bringing urgent news from Chicago. President Arthur carefully opened the next one, just in from his supporters at the convention.

Met with Edmunds camp STOP Grand Pacific Hotel STOP Want to know your price for backing the Senator STOP Asked their price for backing you STOP No change STOP Blaine's people for chair look to be failing STOP Inquiries into your health STOP

Best Regards STOP


Arthur beckoned over a staffer while hastily scribbling down a note. I've been in the best of health since my lovely visit to Yellowstone. Remind them of Civil Service Act. Southern Delegates should remember Virginia, he began. As the courtier rushed over to the President he finished with a few more detailed ideas for swaying party bosses. However he left most of it to the discretion of his men in Chicago. Handing the message off the President returned to his dinner. Some quite delicious sausage and ham, the finest to be found in Washington.

He imagined Blaine was doing much the same thing in Augusta and passing notes to his men in Chicago trying to manipulate the rules to his favor. Edmunds probably thought he was doing the same thing, but all he was doing was playing kingmaker. It was men like Edmunds who Arthur had to appeal to. John Sherman would be another man who must be swayed, mused Arthur. Perhaps he would enjoy the Treasury Department as compensation. Promises of reform would have to be made either way. As for the Senator's brother, Arthur had no worries. The newspapers loved a quick coin but the President had met the butcher of Georgia and William had no interest in the Presidency. The same went for Secretary of War Lincoln. Arthur had never met the dead President, but his own stresses as President and tales from Washingtonians made Arthur guess that watching his father age so quickly had turned Robert off from ever seeking higher office.

The Ham really was quite good. His compliments to the chef.

He considered sending a telegram to remind his men to remind any delegates who might vote for Lincoln or William Sherman that neither wanted the job. But he decided against it, his supporters knew that and would be working on it anyway. He racked his mind for any other ideas. Perhaps he should send word to New York and get his old friends to put their back into supporting him. But those who would were already doing it and those disgusted by his dismantling of the patronage system were backing Blaine.

His thoughts were interrupted by his sister walking into the dinner room.

"Chester, goodness me you've eaten enough already today! Come on now, there are guests to be seen. I can't play hostess forever, they want to see you."

Arthur sighed and slowly eased his large party out of his chair and began to walk out of the room.

The guests were boring party bosses, but their conversations were interesting enough the Arthur. Planning soap money in Indiana, organizing fundraisers. While civil service patronage had been curtailed there were quite a few federal workers who still owed their jobs to the Republican Party and were eager to stay in the good graces of the executive branch. The trick was to get their contributions without it looking like extortion. One of the guests was a party fundraiser inquiring into the Readjusters in Virginia. All crucially important things for the top men of the Grand Old Party to be discussing.

After the fruitful conversation the President readied himself for bed, only pausing to yell at the staff for failing to replace the flowers by his wife's portrait.

+++
Chicago, Illinois

Theodore Roosevelt began shoving a sheet of paper into the noses of the New York delegation members. "Do you see this? DO YOU SEE THIS?" He shouted. John Davis Long, head of the Edmunds camp, walked up and snatched the paper out.

"Roosevelt, we've all seen the numbers." He said pointing to the sheet that read: 826

President Chester Arthur of New York- 312
James Blaine of Maine - 297
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 101
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 51
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 50
Senator Joseph Hawley of Connecticut - 15
Secretary of War Robert Lincoln - 3
General William Sherman of Ohio - 3


"Of course! But they must look at them more!" Cried Roosevelt. "This is quite a fine matter! Look at the finer details good sir. Look how little President Arthur is supported by the North! He doesn't even have all of New York! What a shock that must be to him."

"You're from New York Roosevelt. I hardly expected you to vote for anyone but Edmunds." Long replied curtly.

Roosevelt glared at the former Governor of Massachusetts but continued forward with cheerfulness. "But others have voted for others as well. Look some went for Old Blaine but a good number went for Senator Edmunds. This to our advantage. We must hasten quickly and press it to the fullest. I suppose the delegates of the Shermans may be reformist enough to be swayed. Logan is a corrupt hack, he will surely back whoever promises to give him power, he is a lost cause. I know little of Hawley…"

"Roosevelt, please, do not expend so much energy now. If Edmunds is to win it will be after a long fight. You must conserve energy."

"Ahh yes. Conserve energy. Splendid idea good sir." Roosevelt replied and began bouncing around on his toes. "As I was saying I have no idea who Hawley is. So someone who does know needs to figure out if we can sway him. We need to remind reformers that Machines like the one in New York that Arthur ran churned out more corruption then the whole north made bullets in the war. And the southern delegates are ripe for picking, they never expect grand gestures, only personal favors. And of course someone has to keep our own soldiers in line. I volunteer for that duty. Now what else…"

"Roosevelt PLEASE!" Cried Long. "I am in charge currently, now go get yourself a drink or something so that you are prepared for the second ballot!"

Grumbling Roosevelt sulked away into the crowd that had grown around his antics.

"Why do you keep him around?" Asked a Delegate.

"His wife and mother both died recently. So I cut him some slack. And he's a savvy politician. He is a credit to our campaign." Long replied.

"What do we do sir?" Asked another delegate.

Long sighed and replied. "Like I said, he's a bright young man. Follow his suggestions. But, please dear God, with more tact."

+++
Augusta, Maine


James Blaine of Maine - 320
President Chester Arthur of New York- 312
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 93
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 52
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 34
Senator Joseph Hawley of Connecticut - 14
Secretary of War Robert Lincoln - 5
General William Sherman of Ohio - 1


The reports from Chicago were pleasing to the cluster of political men sitting in Augusta, especially James Blaine. Weakness was showing in the Arthur camp and Stalwarts and Reformers both were unsure of the President's loyalties. However the Half-Breeds were falling in behind Blaine. If he could keep the momentum going he could win the nomination on the first day. The obvious target was Senator Logan, a solid party man. And so a series of electronic pulses were sent from Augusta to Chicago and then from Chicago to Washington.

Senator Logan STOP

Your support at the convention would be greatly appreciated by myself and the Republican Party STOP Such a sign of faith would of course bear fruit STOP Many open cabinet positions STOP As is the Vice Presidency STOP Your colleagues in Illinois would be rewarded as well STOP Especially if Illinois were to retain its admirable streak STOP Awaiting response STOP

Best Regards, James Blaine STOP


Soon a flurry of telegrams began.

Mr. Blaine

Many Delegates Concerned about your nomination STOP Some threatening to vote Democrat STOP I may be a better compromise candidate STOP Secretary of State would be yours STOP One term pledge would be made STOP Full support in four years time STOP Half Breed nominations STOP

Regards, Senator Logan STOP


Uproar in Augusta and with the Blaine camp in Chicago ensued and a retort was sent.

Unacceptable STOP

Logan would be Postmaster General or Vice President STOP Possibly other position if you so desire STOP Rewards for supporters STOP Assistance in legal issues as well STOP

James Blaine STOP


A nervous calm settled over Augusta as they awaited a response.

Mr. Blaine

Possible STOP Postmaster General would be acceptable STOP Withholding final agreement until further consultation STOP

Senator Logan STOP


The tension in Augusta was briefly cut by new the ballot results arriving.

James Blaine of Maine - 324
President Chester Arthur of New York- 315
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 98
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 45
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 29
Senator Joseph Hawley of Connecticut - 14
Secretary of War Robert Lincoln - 4
General William Sherman of Ohio - 2


Soon afterwords a new telegram arrived.

Mr. Blaine STOP

Accepted STOP

Senator Logan STOP


Cheering erupted in Augusta.

+++
West Point, New York

They hadn't meant to be listening to the results together. They hasn't really meant to meet each other today. But they had and they were. Sitting in a little room at West Point, awaiting the results from the convention.

"Pass the Whisky Robert." Growled William Tecumseh Sherman.

"With pleasure General." The Secretary of War replied and passed the bottle over.

Taking a swig Sherman asked "So, who do you think will get the nomination?"

"I don't know perhaps they'll draft someone."

"As long as it isn't me." The General said, taking another sip. "Not that they'd like me once they took a good look at me. They should just nominate John. Its close enough to fool the voters."

"Your brother may have his day. But it will not be today. Perhaps it will be at this convention. Or perhaps not. But it will not be today."

"Now you, Secretary, you are everything the Grand Old Party could ever pray for. If they draft you, you best be prepared to run."

"For President or away from the Party?"

"It's up to you."

"I've made my positions quite clear. So General, who do you believe will receive the nomination?"

"Some random ass Ohioan nobodies heard of. How about you? If it isn't a dark horse that is."

Lincoln pondered for a moment and replied "President Arthur."

"That old hack? He can't even fight off some old boss from Maine!"

"There are many who would rather vote Cleveland…"

"Who?"

"Governor of New York. Anti-Tammney. He's probably going to win the Democratic nomination."

"Oh, him." The General replied.

"Well many see him as a clean man, and would vote for him over Blaine. That will scare the bosses, besides with Logan out I don't see how he can get anymore delegates quickly. And the concept of President Edmunds is laughable. That leaves Arthur. No one really loves him, but he's reasonably popular and moderate. A compromise candidate. Plus as president he has the power to throw a bit of weight around."

"Him more then most." Sherman said and then let out a harsh laugh.

"He's a nice man."

"He's a nice Walrus. But that said I suppose you have a point."

Just then a solider stepped in, saluted and handed Sherman a telegram.

Fifth Ballot​
James Blaine of Maine - 339
President Chester Arthur of New York- 328
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 89
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 57
Senator Joseph Hawley of Connecticut - 14
Secretary of War Robert Lincoln - 4
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 2
General William Sherman of Ohio - 0


"Well look at that Robert!" Sherman laughed. "I will not be President of the Untied States." The General put a hand over his heart in mock surprise.

"What else?"

"Blaine slipped a bit after Logan's endorsement failed to cause him to be crowned King of the Republicans. And my dear brother seems to be gaining at Edmund's expense."

"And me?"

"Still only four delegates. Just hope they don't draft you."

"If they do I'll just quote you. Now pass me the bottle, its going to be a long ride." Lincoln replied.

_______________________________
 
Of the Party, By the Party and For the Party
_______________________________
Chicago, Illinois

SIXTH BALLOT​
President Chester Arthur of New York- 338
James Blaine of Maine - 329
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 83
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 63
Senator Joseph Hawley of Connecticut - 14
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 2
Secretary of War Robert Lincoln - 1


"I'd say the petition tactic went well." Harry Bingham said. "A list of delegates who will never vote Blaine here. Shows how broad his opposition is."

"I'd vote for Blaine in the General." One delegate replied.

"Well yes. We never actually stated the list was one of people who would bolt if Blaine was nominated. We only implied it. Even if some savvy man figured it out it still shows how large of a hump Blaine will have to jump."

"The President's lead has been regained. That will be of great help to our efforts."

"Yes it will. He's the President of the United States, he has served the nation well. No need to deny him the nomination. He's the only one who can win it without a fight that will offend large parts of our party."

"Harry, we're all Arthur supporters."

"Ahh. Yes. Well that's what you should be telling everyone else. Any word from the Hawley camp?"

Another man piped up. "I just got back. The Edmunds camp are pounding him hard as are Sherman. But Sherman's not a frontrunner yet and Edmunds has nothing to promise. The offer of possiblySecretary of the Navy is the best he'll get. His people said that they'll think about."

Bingham nodded and said "And that's the best we'll get. Let's see how it goes."

……

SIXTH BALLOT​
President Chester Arthur of New York- 368
James Blaine of Maine - 328
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 78
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 60
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 2
Senator Joseph Hawley of Connecticut - 0
Secretary of War Robert Lincoln - 0


Bingham pushed his way through the crowd, with a face more somber then the cheers that were overtaking the section.

"Sherman won't drop out." He said gravely. "I didn't even get to the too people with Edmunds. This bucked-tooth man with glasses threatened to shoot me."

"So we're going to have to fight the long way?"

"Yes."

+++
Chicago, Illinois

John Davis Long raised his glass in the Grand Pacific Hotel. "To a profitable arrangement with the Sherman camp."

The other members of the group raised their glasses.

"So," John Lynch, the only negro man amongst them began "we can expect to receive a good one hundred and thirty votes total then?"

"Yes." Replied Long. "And possibly more. We've been quite loose with the secret of the deal some may feel the tide is turning."

Lynch nodded. "Of course, this presumes that Senator Sherman agrees to the deal."

"Don't be a fool boy, of course he will. Secretary of State in what is sure to be a well regarded one term administration? A shoo in to win in eighty eight." Long replied. "Senator Sherman would be a fool to accept."

"I suppose so Mr. Long. But now we must continue our path. How will we expand? The most obvious place is in the southern ranks. Arthur is relativity popular for his support of the Virginian Experiment, but with enough promises and the backing of a Sherman some might sway. Perhaps we nail a platform plank on detailing a more vigorous court protec…"

"We'll just grease the wheels a bit and the whole south will be falling towards us. Those boys know they aren't going to get elected. They'll do it for a pretty penny that's all." As an afterthought Long added "Present Company excluded of course."

"Of course." Replied the Mississippi Delegate.

"Now the other Arthur delegates might be swingable, some are reformist. But a great many are stalwarts. But Blaine's might help us the Half-Breeds are nominally anti-corruption, however dodgy Blaine's past might be."

"Now tell me good sir, what happens if we drag on as we did four years ago. Who might our camp find acceptable?"

"No need to be pessimistic boy! We're on the verge of victory!"

Suddenly an out of breath Theodore Roosevelt ran up to the drinking men and handed them a note.

From Senator Sherman STOP

Never STOP


+++
Washington, District of Columbia

SEVENTH BALLOT​
President Chester Arthur of New York- 367
James Blaine of Maine - 322
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 90
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 55
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 2


The news of his slippage in delegates did not really concern President Arthur. It was only a few and he held the utmost confidence in his men. As he understood it the men had bolted over rumors of a deal between Edmunds and Sherman that had never come to fruition. If anything this would help him, spreading dissent amongst the reformers. Blaine seemed to have hit the ceiling. Edmunds and Sherman had failed to come to an agreement and would be unable to make progress. This left him at the head. He sent one last farewell telegram to Chicago before going off to attend to some late lunch.

There would be backlash against Edmunds after his failed deal, if his men could capitalize on it they could resume their climb upwards. The other thing to do was to prevent the rise of any dark horses to oppose his nomination.

Deadlock between the front runners had led to the emergence of Garfield in 1880, replacing established powers. While this had sent Arthur towards the Presidency he had no wish for it to be repeated. So if his supporters were smart, and he thought they were, they'd start knocking down possible contenders and favorite sons.

+++
Chicago, Illinois

EIGHTH BALLOT​
President Chester Arthur of New York- 375
James Blaine of Maine - 323
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 73
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 64
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 2


Senator Benjamin Harrison had scarcely noted the results of the ballot and Edmund's fall when a shrewd man called Bingham had shown up to the Indiana delegation and began to talk. It had meandered its way to how the state was voting.

"Please, Mr. Bingham. Our state delegates are for Blaine. We respect the President by…"

"With all do respect Senator I feel like you said this just four years ago before switching to President Garfield. Now we are slightly concerned that you may be attempting to prolong the convention with your incessant defense of Blaine."

"Prolong the convention? Why would I do that?"

"To further your own agenda."

"What? You don't mean? I have no Presidential aspirations."

"Neither did Garfield. And you both share a skill for oration. Your support for him was quite helpful."

"I assure you I will not serve as President of the Union."

"Very well then. I'll believe an old solider. Your honesty is appreciated. But good sir, consider the consequences of prolonging the convention. Every ballot is a bullet for the Democratic Machine. You could help save the party. And be rewarded in the process. There are a great number of chairs that may open in the cabinet. And an Indianian will always be of use to our Party."

"Sir…"

"Of course I realize that you have no dreams of becoming President now. But perhaps in the future you might. Or perhaps you might seek the governorship of Indiana. And should you back us the full weight of the Stalwart faction and a good number of reformers with fall in line behind you."

"Hmmm.…" Harrison mused.

+++
Augusta, Maine

NINTH BALLOT​
President Chester Arthur of New York- 407
James Blaine of Maine - 298
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 73
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 59
Senator John Logan of Illinois - 0


A hush fell over the men in Augusta. Arthur was getting close. 413 was the magic number. He was six votes away. Some scrambled to send telegrams to Chicago, demanding to know who had flipped sides. Some talked amongst themselves, noting that his failure to gain the nomination after such a large flip would actually hurt President Arthur. He would stall, they told themselves, and Blaine would triumph. And if Blaine did not triumph then whoever did would only do it by Blaine's good graces. They would win either way.

But the man they served knew the truth. He knew what would happen. Whatever his supporters said was wrong. But Blaine knew. He knew it was all over except the shouting.

No.

It was all over except the Vice Presidential selection.

+++
Chicago, Ilinois

TENTH BALLOT​
President Chester Arthur of New York- 441
James Blaine of Maine - 283
Senator George Edmunds of Vermont - 68
Senator John Sherman of Ohio - 40


Bingham was distracted from his cheering by a man bearing a telegram. It was Martin I. Townsend, a fellow Arthur supporter.

"What is it?"

"The Bosses in Washington came up with it along with the President. List of possibilities for Vice President. They want us to choose."

"Let me see it."

Possible Vice Presidential Nominations STOP

Senator William Joyce Sewell from New Jersey STOP

Senator Benjamin Harrison from Indiana STOP

Senator George Hoar from Massachusetts STOP

Former Secretary of State Elihu Washburne from Illinois STOP

Senator Joseph Hawley from Connecticut STOP

Current preference of President is Hawley STOP If not viable Harrison STOP If not viable choose based on feeling of the convention STOP


"So Hawley?" Asked Townsend.

"Ehh, he'll get nominated but he won't energize the party. It would be a lackluster way to start our campaign."

"Who else is there?"

"The only useful one would be Harrison. War hero. Indianan. Helped us gain the nomination."

"It will look like a deal."

"It kind of was. But so was Hawley."

"Well Arthur wants Hawley."

"The convention wants someone they know of."

"You said yourself they'll take Hawley."

"With a befuddled look instead of smiles."

"Well we've got to choose."

"Here's an idea. Go around to the various faction leaders. Ask them who'd they prefer."

"Alright."

+++

ARTHUR/HARRISON TICKET NOMINATED IN CHICAGO

+++
Chicago, Illinois

The cheers of victory had just died down when a man stepped onto the podium, banging a gavel for quiet.

"A brief message of thanks from Governor Cleveland!"

Cheers erupted in the Chicago Exposition Hall.

"He expresses his utmost thanks for the nomination and is confident of victory in November!"

More cheering.

"He would also like the convention to select Thomas Hendricks as the Vice Presidential candidate."

Cheering.

The race had begun.
 
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