The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-06-01
THE NIGHT ASSAULT ON TILDEN.


THE NIGHT ASSAULT ON TILDEN.
You doubtless, with others outside of
New York, have been surprised at the
sudden aud combined attack which certain
Democratic leaders in this state have
made upon Governor Tilden. But to
those in New York who have been con-
versant with the situation, this night
assault or attempted coup de man is
neither surprising nor unexpected
Furthermore, Governor Tilden himself
anticipated it, Weeks since he stated, in
my hearing, that he did not have any
sympathy and support of the old Demo
cratic leaders in this state, but he thought
he was strong with the Democratic masses.
Before proceeding to explain the indi-
vidual motives of the men who make up
this combination, | may state that they
would not have shown their hands in so
public a manner had they not been
prompted by fear that Tiden really was
to be nominated and might be elected
president. They would much preferred
to have kept in the book ground, working
quietly and stealthily against Governor
filden. But their fears got the best of
them, and so they have come out boldly,
TO Brighten Democrats in other states from
electing Tilden delegations. Governor
Tilden could have no greater evidence and
assurance of his strength than the fact that
these men have come out from behind
cover and publicly arrayed themselves
against him. Chief Justice Church, of
Albion, who heads the Democratic con-
spirators (for such they are,) is a disa-
pointed man, belonging to the canal ring
wing of the party, aud has always been OPP
posed to Governor Tilden. Two years ago
this coming autumn he desired the Demo-
cratic nomination for governor. A few
days before the state convention met a
conference Of Democratic leaders was
held at Albany, for the purpose Of
persuading Samuel j. Tilden to
withdraw from the contest in favor
of Judge Church. Joseph War
rem the editor os the Buffalo Courier, was
the leading spirit of the conference. Mr..
Tlden Indignantly repealed the PROPOSE
ton as an insult, and then he triumphaDtly
carried the state convention against the
field, and was elected governor of the
state by majority of SO, 900 over John A.
Dix, who two years before had been
chosen governor by majority of $4,000
over Francis Herman, When Governor
Tilden inaugurated his war upon the
canal ring, he struck at Judge Church S
political friends in every quarter, aud from
the time that he took the guberDatorial
chair. Judge Church, who, as the
presiding Judge of the court ofappeals,
and spends most of his time in Albany, has
sneeringly alluded to the present execu'
tive,
John Kelley, last fill, was all intent
on defeating the reelection OF Recorder
Hackett. He had set his heart upor
this, and knew that if he failed his pres
tige was gone. He desired to have Gov
ernor Tilden recognize him and Tam
many Hall as the only legitimate wing
the fight. But Tilden refused to taxi
sides in the contest between the TIVE
Democratic factions in the city. Tam
many, owing to the fusion consummateC
between the anti-Tammany Democrat
aud the Republicans, was overwhelm
ingly defeated John Kelley went t.
the wall, and from that day to this h
has never forgiven Tilden because b
would not recognize and work wit
Tammany as the only Simon-pure Demo
cratic organization in the metropolis. Thi
explains why John Kelley Tammany Ha
and their organ, the EUeniRg- Express, ar
now arrayed against Tilden. Erastu
Brooks desired to 60 to the state CONVEX
ton from Richmond county and to be sen
By the state convention to the nations
convention, But Mr.. Brooks was dc
teated as delegate by gentlemen VIII
are recognized friends of Mr.. TildeI
and Erastus Brooks is to-day opposed t
nominating Mr.. Tilden for president
Mr.. Hurlbert, the new editor and pre-
prietor of the World newspaper, has nc
now, and never has had, anything in com
mon with Mr.. Tilden. The two men ar
wholly unlike, and it is perfectly naturi
that the former should oppose the latte
now that he has an opportunity of doin
so, might go on and reveal the privat
griefs and animosities of all the Democri
tic leaders who have organized the ant
Tllden movement in this state. ] hav
sufficiently exposed the motives, howeve
and shown what the organization origina
cd in. IL does not weaken Tilden in tn
slightest degree in this state, because tn
men composing the organization cannC
publicly be more hostile to Mr.. Tide
than they have hitherto privately beer
1t is exceedingly probable, however. tia
the movement will damage Mr.. Tilden
chances in other states, by creating tn
impression that he (Tilden) is not stron
here in his own state. So far from thi
being true, however, | have no hesitatio
in asserting that he could carry New Yor
against any candidate the Republican
might nominate, except Blaine or Bristov
The New York Times now only assert
what is fact, and what this correspol
dence has all along maintained, that Ii
den would beat Conkling out of sight
New York. / have travelled through til
state good deal and l am more fully col
WINGED than ever that Senator Conklin
has no strength in New York outside
ofice-holding circles. The entire rur
districts are for Blaine or Bristow on tt
part of the Republicans, and for Tilden Q
the part of the Democrats.
have thus briefly sketched the Tide
opposition movement in this state becau,
no New York paper has done it, and b.
cause the facts in the case can but be d
sired by those of your readers who are il
terested in political matters. AS | hay
repeatedly said. good many of Us Repu
licans in New York would like to have I'll
Democrats nominate Tildep, because tn
would compel the Republicans to nomina
strong candidate, and we should thu
have two good tickets in the field.