The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-10-28
TOUCHED on A TENDER SPOT.

The fact that Mr.. Tilden has written a
letter to Mr.. Hewitt,-or, rather, has writ
ten letter addressed to Mr.. Hewitt, but
meant for the eyes of the people resident
north of Mason & Dixon's line, and that
this letter has been made public, touch
ing the almost universal apprehension that
Democratic success in November foreshad
ows the payment of millions for Southern
war claims, shows that somebody is getting
hurt. Evidently Mr.. Tilden and his ad-
visers vince under the exposure of this
portion of their political programme.
The issue of this letter is the only really
prompt action Of Mr.. Tilden since the
campaign began, and it evinces a sensitive
ness upon his part quite out of his accus-
toned habit. He and his party have dis
covered that the great mass Of Northern
voters do not propose to be handed over by
the Democratic leaders like sheep, to be
sheared by Southern rebels, so that Mr..
Tilden finds it compulsory upon him to put
in denial or demurrer regarding the seri-
GUS charge that he and his party are COM
mitted in advance to meet the drafts of the
"Solid South, when the promised price of
its vote is demanded.
Plausible as Mr.. Tilden's letter is, it is
open to very grave suspicion on the score
of its amounting to anything practically.
To be sure, its writer is prominent just now
as Democratic figure head, but there is
nothing in his past history or present posi-
ton which will Justify his being regarded
as leader of the Northern wing of his
party, either now or in the improbable
event of his election as President of the
United States. The fact that before his
racy opposed him at ST. Louis personally,
and through their most influential news
papers, and only finally supported him
because "Solid South :" clamored for him
as their best friend at the North, shows
conclusively that his leadership is repudi
ated and that his candidacy is mere tenn
PORTING expedient to try to get into power;
and his course in giving way on every point
of individuality as regards previously ex-
pressed opinions on finance, &C., also shows
his abdication of all assumed leadership of
the hungry horde who are trying to push
him into a position where he can do them
the most good
In this view of the matter, what can the
most liberal promises upon his part amount
tp ha IN, J.
these or any other promises, it is evident
that he has not the power to make them
good, and his sincerity is to be doubted in
view of his course on the hard money and
has VIGOROUSLY, like orator Puff, had two
tones to his voice. But whether sincere or
not in his latest utterance, he has under
taken, or promised to undertake., Il con-
With the "Solid South - as the chief agent
in his election, who does not perceive how
powerless man like Mr.. Tilden, whom
even Hendricks so signally cowed, would
be to resist whatsoever the Southern rebels
might demand; and since there is every
indication of his nomination having been
the result Of bargain with the South, it
is absurd to suppose that he could, if he
wished, avoid paying the price.
The country is in no condition; the peo,
pie are in no temper to take any chances in
this matter. The North is in no mood to
submit to impoverishment and ruinous tax
alton for the enrichment of unrepentant
rebels. About this there cannot be the
shadow of a doubt, and the Democracy
having discovered this have put forth their
eleventh hour card in order to allay sus-
picons and apprehensions fatally compli-
eating their canvass at the North. Kept
back until day so late as to prevent
Southern voters from seeing it, the letter
of Mr.. Tilden is meant only for effect at
the North. But it will be mainly useful
in convincing intelligent persons that the
path of absolute safety lies in supporting
the party which is not under bonds to
satisfy "Sold South"