CHAPTER XX

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THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1876--AT HOME--THE MARSH FARM NEAR LANSING.

Mr. Chandler made Chairman of the National Republican Committee--His original confidence in the result--Apathy in the West--Aid to Ohio--The closeness of the contest apparent--Measures to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat--Mr. Chandler's firm attitude during the remainder of the contest--Its great value--Dissent from the "policy" of the new Administration--A Cabinet anecdote--Mr. Chandler retires to private life--A visit to the Pacific coast--Other extended trips--The marsh farm near Lansing, Michigan--An important experiment in the reclamation of wet lands--Mr. Chandler's "expensive theory"--The method of drainage explained and illustrated in detail--Successful results of the earlier experiments in cultivation--General farm equipment--Houses, barns and stock--Relaxation at the farm--Mr. Chandler's correspondence--The answering of every letter his rule--The power of his oratory--Terse sentences, Saxon words, and brief speeches his aim--The sincerity and honesty of the man--The strength of his friendships--His hearty social qualities--His Washington and Detroit residences described--Narrow escape from a serious accident in 1858--Mr. Chandler's family--His domestic happiness--His wife and daughter his sole heirs. 356

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