Vidal Gore — Eighteen Seventy [2343]

THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE for president of the United States is one Rutherford Birchard Hayes, three times governor of Ohio, a general of no distinction in the late war, and a man entirely unknown to most of the convention that has just nominated him. When I came back to the house and told my host the news, he said, “The Governor is honest but a bigot. He is always campaigning against the Catholics.” My host is a Roman Catholic. “Even worse,” said the good man from Wiesbaden, pouring us each a mug of beer, “he is a Son of Temperance, and would outlaw alcohol. — Vidal Gore, Eighteen Seventy, 2343

Note

The introduction of Rutherford B. Hayes is succinctly framed with contrasting descriptions from different perspectives, providing insight into the political climate and personal biases of the time. The use of humor via the Roman Catholic host and the description of Hayes’ personal beliefs establishes a critical tone.