Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1876-07-01
THE PRESIDENTIAL QUESTION.
Gov. TiIden's Strength at HOme---The
Opposition to Hines Power
ms a Party Leader.
Those Who Oppose Ais Nomination
Refuse to Back Their Judg-
ment with their Moneys

Refuse to Back. Tlleir Judg-
ment with their Moneys
The Hon. Henry d McHenry, ex-
member Of Congress from the Second
District of Kentucky, and member Of /
the National Democratic Executive
Committee, being in the city after a I
sojourn of ten days in New York and I
Washington, reporter Of the Courier- |
Journal called on him at the Louis |
vile Hotel, where the following con-
versation occurred:
I You have been East, Col. Nc
Henry?"
"Yes, sir
Had your visit anything to do with |
the pending presidential canvass, may
1 ask2s N R8G @#&A
I" went upon my own private bust
ness, but, as the presidential question
takes precedence of all other topics OF
conversation, it was necessarily thrust
upon my attention every day.
Have you any objection to answer
ing few questions as to what you saw
and heard ?"
None whatever"
fThen may ask the meaning of the
reported opposition to Gov. Tilden in
New York;"
II made that matter of particular
inquiry in New York, combining myself
to no class of informants, but taking
them as they came. 1t was my impress
sion when l went to New York that
the schism amongt the New York politl
clans put the nomination OF Gov. ILL
den out Of the question. Nor was |
aYerse to this. Like many others, l
was somewhat FESTIVE under Eastern
leadership. But i had not been in
New York two days before / became
thoroughly satisfied ottwo things first,
that the opposition to Tilden had been
greatly magnifed, and was fast dying
out and, second, that we can be sure
Of New York with no other candi-
date" -..,--r. a.-...-,.
How didyou reach this conclusion2"
Il got itchiefy from those who OPP
posed Gov. Tilden.'
who are they?''
''As far as could gather from per-
sonal contact and from hearsay, they
are disafected politicians, ench having
either aFgrievance or an ak to grind. l
say this in no spirit of unkindness.
Gov. Tilden is a man of iron nerve and
resolution he has been no man man,
but his own master, and, as he has had
to do some of the ugliest work that
ever was given man to do, he has
necessarily raised up bitter, if not pow
erful, enemies. In every case, how
ever, found cause of grief, and in
no instance did | meet responsible
person, no matter how hostile to Gov.
Tilden, who went further than to say
that in his opinion some one else would
harmonic the party better. | had a
protracted conversation with Mr.. WI m.
Henry Hurlburt, Mr.. Marbles sue
cessor, the new editor of the World,
very brilliant and very candid man.
1t occurred at luncheon party, Judge
Brady, of the Supreme Court, and Mr..
George Quintard being of our immedi-
ate group L told Mr.. Hurlburt that
| was seeking information and should
publicly use whatever he might give
me. There is an impression that the
change In the editorial management of
the World was anti-Tilden, and yet
Mr.. Hurlburt said explicitly that Til
den could carry New York, that he is
immensely strong in the State, par
ticularly in the rural districts. talk
ed also with many Republicans, and
could see that they only dreaded Til
den. The Radical press in York abuses
him as though he were already the
nominee"
What about Tilden's friendsY'
They are confident and cool. They
are Of the best men in the city; not
the capitalists and bankers, as has
been said-for Mr.. Belmont, Mr. Schell
and Mr.. Kelley, all millionaires. are
against Yilden-but professional men
and plain, disinterested people, who
| like the governor for his own sake, and
who respect him for what he has done
in cleaning out the Augean stables
They say that he is buster now, on the
heels of the st. Louis convention, pro-
scouting thieves than prosecuting his
own canvass. Whilst l was in New
York, Lord, one of the most powerful
leaders of the canal ring, was convict
ed. Other convictions will follow,
The men convicted are not obscure
men, but men with large political and
personal connections. Tilden does not
| stop for these or seem to care for them.
OF course they hate him, and are do
ing all they can to injure him, but,
considering their character aud cause
of grief, it is wonderful that they have
| been able to make so weak stand
against him. His supremacy in New
York is nearly absolute, and it can be
seen on all sides and at glance. /
was never more surprised in my life,
for, as said, went to New York
| thinking otherwise.
How about Tilden and the fnances?"
There have been great many false
stories told about him. He is an en-
inent, practical man of business, and
his financial theory is simple and SEN
sible. He believes that the country
can be brought back to specie without
contraction His idea is, and he de-
velops this by facts and figures, to
estab lish systematic financial policy
which will restore public confidence,
supplement this with cheap and honest
government, and leave the natural re-
sources of the country and the energies
of the people to do the rest. He is not
an immediate resumptiOnlst or a wild
! financier He is true to the traditions
of his party, but he. is also true to the
necessities of the time and the sug-
gestions of common sense"
You think lightly, then, of the re-
ported schism In New York;"
1T is just what l have described,
growing small by degrees and beauti-
fully less. There is no bottom to it.
1t has no popular following to speak
of. As soon as Gov. Tilden is nomin-
ated, twill disappear altogether. That
much | got from all sides. -
Where does Tilden's strength lie?'
He is strong in the city of New
| York, but his stronghold is in the
rural districts, among the people, who
hail him as their deliyerer from public
plunderers, as the man who has re-
duced their taxes, and who will not go
back on them.
Then you are Tilden MANI"
II have not said | was. You have
asked me direct questions and | have
given you honest answers. As far as
they indicate preference, you are
welcome to it. "
The reporter then withdrew, carry
ing along with him the notion that if
Gov. Tilden is nominated at st. Louis
Col. McHenry will not bolt the ticket.