Munsey's Magazine, April 1908

# Munsey's Magazine, April 1908: "Famous Speeches at National Conventions"

Lyndon Orr traces the history of American political convention oratory from 1831 forward. The article recounts how early conventions featured unremarkable nominating presentations until James K. Polk's "dark horse" nomination in 1844 sparked the first recorded "stampede." Orr describes the 1860 Republican convention where Lincoln's managers filled the Chicago "wigwam" with supporters, creating such overwhelming noise for Lincoln that it drowned out cannon fire and overshadowed Seward's candidacy.

The piece details Robert G. Ingersoll's celebrated 1876 speech nominating James G. Blaine, coining the phrase "plumed knight." It discusses the contentious 1880 Chicago convention where Roscoe Conkling theatrically nominated Grant for a third term through arrogant tactics and dramatic platform antics. Included are photographs and brief accounts of other notable convention speakers: William J. Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech (1896), and orations by Chauncey M. Depew, Joseph B. Foraker, and others.