The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-04-10


casioa but he has been equally firm.
self-poised and clearsighted on every
occasion. Senator Bayard has never
made political mistake or miscalculation
in relation to any important subject On
the currency question he stands almost alone
in never having exhibited the slightest symp-
tom Of weakness or vacillation either in the
Senate or on the stump. He did not wait to
consult with friends before deciding whether
he would receive the back pay, but spurned
and refused it at once. He is gentleman
of such high honor and robust integrity that
he is quite incapable of hesitation in any
point of conduct which has q moral side. A
man whose whole nature thus recoils from
trimming expediencies commands the respect
Of his political adversaries. His character
is shield which blunts the weapons of par
tisan attack, and his chances of election
would be decidedly better than those of any
other democratic candidate.
There is no other way in which Governor
Tilden can SO strongly intrench himself in
public confidence, or SO fully estab-
lish his political influence, as by
withdrawing his claims in favor of
Senator Bayard. He will thereby clear
himself of the suspicious and asper-
sions which have been cast on his motives.
1t will then be apparent that he has not
wooed Reform for her dover. It will then
be acknowledged that he values honest gov
eminent above his political advancement
Besides acquiring an enviable reputation for
disinterestedness and public spirit he will
be regarded as power behind the Presi-
dency greater than the Presidency itself.
Even without the hint recently given him
by Governor Seymour. that the highest polit-
ical influence may be exerted by citizen in
private station, Mr.. Tilden should know
from his own personal experience and polit-
ical observation that this opinion of Cover
nor Seymour is well founded. The exam
pies of Dean Richmond, Thurlow Weed,
Francis p. Blair, and that of Mr.. Tilden
himself are cases in point He exerted MS
much real power when he was the mere
adviser of the democratic party in this
State as he does as Governor; and
at that time he escaped the irksome
labors of official detail and had the
credit of acting from unselfish motives. In
taking the Governorship he made q sorry ex-
change, and he will find his pursuit Of the
Presidency like the apples Of Sodom-fair
to the sight but turning to ashes in his
mouth. We advise him to consult his tran
quillity and give up vain chase. If Mr..
Bayard should be elected President he
would of course, offer Governor Tilden his
choice of places in the Cabinet, and, like
Mr.. Seward, the Governor would acquire
more credit as Secretary of State than he
could gain as President. Besides, his repu-
tation as long-headed statesman would
cause the most far-reaching measures of the
administration to be ascribed to him, SO
that he would acquire much honor with
little anxiety and toll.
With Senator Bayard as the democratic
candidate the chances would be very good
for the success of the party. New York will
be the main battle ground of the Presiden-
tial campaign, and Mr.. Bayard would be
more likely to carry this State than Gov
ernor Tilden. He has not personal enemy
in the whole State, which is great deal
more than can be said of the Governor.
Moreover, he would have the full advantage
of Governor Tilden's popularity in addition
to his own, inasmuch as high official promo
ton for the Governor would follow the sue
cess of the canvass. If Governor Tilden
will but have the magnanimity and sagacity
to support Mr.. Bayard every rival can be put
out of the field before the Convention meets
at st. Louis and the candidate be nominated
by reclamation.