Daily Kennebec journal., 1876-09-30
Tilden on Soldiers and Civil Ser
vice Reform.

The most sensational feature Of the great re-
union Of the Boys in Blue at Indianapolis, was the
exposure by the Rev. E. w. Flower of Tilden's
hatred for Union soldiers. The Rev. Mr.. Flower
served during the war as a soldier in the Eighth
Michigan Infantry. At Spottsylvania Court
House, Virginia, his left leg was shot off by the
rebels. In 1865 he was discharged from the
United States vol army, and the same year was
appointed to a clerkship in the Internal Revenue
service at New York, and afterwards transferred
to the customs service on the mmendation II
Senator Chandler, of Michigan. In 1867, Andy
johnson, having accidentally become President of
the United States, turned over to Sam. j. Tdcn,
then Chairman of the New York Democratic
State Committee, the government patronage; and
that great reformer at once removed all of Mr..
Lincolns appointees and replaced them with good
sound reform democrats. Among others removed
was Mr.. Flower. That gentleman's experience
with Mr. Tilden is given in the following letter to
Mr.. Samuel Post, Pension Agent at Detroit, which
was read from the balcony of the Bates House by
Senator Logan of Illinois. The reading of the
letter created great excitement.
DETROIT, Mich, Aug. 10, 1876
Samuel Post, Esq
My DEAR SIR Press of other matters de-
manding my attention has caused me to delay put.
ting in writing as you desired. the story re lated
to YOU of an interview | once had with Samuel j.
Tilden, the democratic candidate for the Presi-
dency.
Tue facts are as follows: In February, 1866, l
was discharged from the United States volunteer
army on account of having lost leg in the line of
duty during the War of the Rebel on.
was in the city of New York, aud in March Of
the same year | was appointed to a temporary
clerkshio in the Internal Revenue service. In
June. 1865, the office of Superintendent Of Exports
and Drawbacks for the ports of New York wss
created. | was ndorsed for an appointment in
this Office by the Hon. Zach Chandler and the late
Judge Longyear, who knew me personally.
continued to perform the duties assigned me
in this Office till October, 1867. About that time
MIR. w. L. Warren, the Superintendent (than
whom more nnfilnching republican, or man of
more unmpeachable integrity and business ca
pacity never held ofhce), was removed by the late
Andrew johnson to make way for a democrat. |
suspected there would be difficulty in retaining my
place, aud had talk with the new Superintendent
about the matter.
lie told me that he wanted me to remain at nv
desk, but that he could not reappont me without
the endorsement of S. J. Tilden, then Chairman of
the State Central Democratic Committee. He
gave me letter Of introduction to Tilden, stating
my qualifications, experience, ETC., for the place.
l called on the great Reformer" at his Office at
Nassau street Il Think Mr.. Ti!den read the let
ter, and then asked me if l were a democrat.
replied in the negative. lie inquired again, "Will
you vote the democratic ticket this fall. and work
in your district for that partyi" l replied that
could not.
In sneering kind Of tone he asked what claim
| had on him for the place.
stated in reply that had acquired considera.
BILE valuable experience in my particular branch of
the Civil Service, that had been instrumental in
detecting, on more than one occasion, attempted
frauds on the government, thereby saving the
government several thousands of dollars, and that
my work had been done in q satisfactory manner.
Added TO this said Thought TO sustain the gov.
eminent under which you now living in peace
and prosperity, and suffered the loss of leg, as
you can zee" Il was there on crutches Ger.
tany might have a chance Of earning nv living
in the Civil Service after this"
Mr.. Iilden flew into a violent passion, with the
most terrible profanity he cursed me for having
gone TO the war; said it served me right, and il
was pity hadn't lost both legs! He insulted
the memory Of the heroic dead who had fallen on
our battle felds he cursed the living witnesses
and actors in that terrible struggle.
Can any man who has spark of patriotism in
him vote to place such a heartless "Copperhead"
in the Presidential chair OF our glorious Union.
cemen,ed together by blood and unfaltering de.
votlonf Yours truly, +. w. FLOWER.