Hay spent part of the spring and early summer of 1896 in the United Kingdom , and elsewhere in Europe . There was a border dispute between Venezuela and British Guiana , and Cleveland 's Secretary of State , Richard Olney , supported the Venezuelan position , announcing the Olney interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine . Hay told British politicians that McKinley , if elected , would be unlikely to change course . McKinley was nominated in June 1896 ; still , many Britons were minded to support whoever became the Democratic candidate . This changed when the 1896 Democratic National Convention nominated former Nebraska congressman William Jennings Bryan on a " free silver " platform ; he had electrified the delegates with his Cross of Gold speech . Hay reported to McKinley when he returned to Britain after a brief stay on the Continent during which Bryan was nominated in Chicago : " they were all scared out of their wits for fear Bryan would be elected , and very polite in their references to you . " Once Hay returned to the United States in early August , he went to The Fells and watched from afar as Bryan barnstormed the nation in his campaign while McKinley gave speeches from his front porch . Despite an invitation from the candidate , Hay was reluctant to visit McKinley at his home in Canton . " He has asked me to come , but I thought I would not struggle with the millions on his trampled lawn " . In October , after basing himself at his Cleveland home and giving a speech for McKinley , Hay went to Canton at last , writing to Adams , Hay was disgusted by Bryan 's speeches , writing in language that Taliaferro compares to '' The Bread-Winners '' that the Democrat " simply reiterates the unquestioned truths that every man with a clean shirt is a thief and ought to be hanged : that there is no goodness and wisdom except among the illiterate & criminal classes " . Despite Bryan 's strenuous efforts , McKinley won the election easily , with a campaign run by himself and Hanna , and well-financed by supporters like Hay . Henry Adams later wondered , " I would give sixpence to know how much Hay paid for McKinley . His politics must have cost . " In the post-election speculation as to who would be given office under McKinley , Hay 's name figured prominently , as did that of Whitelaw Reid ; both men sought high office in the State Department , either as secretary or one of the major ambassadorial posts . Reid , in addition to his vice-presidential run , had been Minister to France under Harrison . Reid , an asthmatic , handicapped himself by departing for Arizona Territory for the winter , leading to speculation about his health
1896 Democratic National Convention
1896 Democratic National Convention
John Hay