Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-09-01
From the New York Times.
Periurer aud Presidential Candi-
date.


We have had incapable and unworthy
Presidents. but never dishonest one.
The democratic party has more than once
supplied the country with an Executive
who has been influenced more by parti-
sanship than by patriotism. 1t has dived
into obscurity for President, as in the
case of Pierce, and has trusted with pow
er a man so weak and vacillating that he
was unable to distinguish between loyalty
and treason. or the line of his duty in re-
gard to either, as in the case OF Buchanan.
But even the democratic patty has not
hitherto outraged the national sense of
decency, and made our form Of govern
ment byword and reproach in the esti-
nation of other nations, by placing at the
head of the Republic a man tainted with
well-grounded imputations upon his per-
sonal integrity. AS a rule, the Office has
been elevated by the purity of its occu-
pant, and the country turns with pride to
the spotless reputation of its early Presi-
dents as among the causes of the success
which has attended the operation of its
administrative system.
Happily, Mr.. Tiden is not President,
and is not likely to be. For that deliver
ance, however, no thanks will be due to
the democratic party. We shall be I'M
der no obligation to its managers when
Mr., Tlden stands pilloried disgraced
as well as a defeated candidate. His
nomination was made with full knowl-
edge that he was then defendant in a
suit which proceeds on the allegation that
he betrayed an important financial trust
and plundered clients whose interests he
was bound to protect. The suit is pend
ing still. Mr.. Tilden's course in regard
to it has from the outset been one of pro-
crastination Instead of facing the Or
deal promptly, with the courage of con-
scious integrity, he has availed himself of
all possible delays. But there are limits
to delay even in law, as Mr.. Tiden ought
to know The case will come on for trial.
Let US. then, stretch ina gination so far as
to suppose Mr. Tilden elected to the Pres
idency. What should we witnessP A
President of the United States on his de-
Tense in court of law, charged with mis-
appropriating stocks and bonds OF the St.
Louis, Alton and Terre Haute railroad
and required to meet evidence which, to
the lay mind at least, seems conclusive.
The charge is specific and sweeping. He
was retained as counsel and agent. He
had unlimited authority, and he repaid
the confidence that had been repo,ed
in him by issuing. taking, and with GER
tain "pals" dividing very large amount
of bonds. for which the company got no
equivalent. and, by Issuing and disposing
In some unknown way, of very large
amount of shares. Such, in brief, is the
accusation preferred against Mr.. Tilden.
1t implies conduct SO scandalous and dis
honest that it would destroy faith in the
uprightness of any man, as lawyer or Cit
izen. What language can adequately de-
scribe its bearing upon man occupying
the highest Office within the gift of the
American people? Who can look with
patience upon the bare possibility of the
President OF the United States figuring in
a law court, quibbling to evade the course
Of justice, resorting to every possible de-
vice to prevent trial of the case on its
enthusiastically hiding behind technical
tiles to avert condemnation as common
rogue
Let us keep up the supposition of Mr..
Tiden's election little longer If the le-
gal officers of the Government now do
their duty, another suit will be brought
against Mr.. Tilden. He will be proceed
ed against for defrauding the Govern
ment. That trial will take place after the
election. If he happened then to be sue
cessful, we should have a President of the
United States defendant on a charge of