"There's going to be a battle royal," predicted one Republican official nine weeks ago when Mary Louise Smith quit as the G.O.P.'s national chairman. A wise forecast: the Republicans promptly began a raucous free-for-all—in the best brawling style of the Democrats—to decide who should get the job. Last week 161 members of the National Committee finally convened in Washington's Hilton Hotel and, after three ballots, settled on a compromise candidate: former U.S. Senator William Brock III of Tennessee.
As the fray developed, President Ford's choice was his efficient and low-keyed campaign...
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