 In the days after the Republican convention , McKinley remained in Canton . Hanna had been elected chairman of the RNC during the convention ; he established campaign headquarters in Chicago , in the electorally @-@ crucial Midwest , appointed an executive committee and began to organize the campaign , which as chairman was his responsibility . McKinley oversaw the activities of Hanna and other key managers , and addressed delegations of workers who came to visit him . He met with Hobart , who came to Canton on a brief visit on June 30 , 1896 , and who joined his running mate in speaking to a crowd of visitors . In his speeches , McKinley concentrated on tariffs , which he expected to dominate the campaign , and gave short shrift to the currency question . As McKinley awaited his opponent , he privately commented on the nationwide debate over silver , stating to his Canton crony , Judge William R. Day , " This money matter is unduly prominent . In thirty days you won 't hear anything about it . " The future Secretary of State and Supreme Court justice responded : " In my opinion in thirty days you won 't hear of anything else . " 
