The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-04-06

1t many endorsements, coming upon the
eve OF presidential canvass, 1t has sub
jected him to the imputatIon of working
out good results for personal purposes. -
This has led his political opponents to
thwart his measures with view of lessen
ing his credit In this they nave made a
mistake. They have helped more than
they haye hurt hin. should be glad to
see Gov. Tilden nominated, if it is done
with the good will and cordial assent of all
sections of our country. l do not think he
wishes TO be put at the head of the ticket
by machine power, or at the expense of
the harmony OF the party to which he be-
longs, nor do believe he will make a
struggle for a nomination, although he
naturally desires friendly delegation
from his owr state.
Correspondent-You don't think then
that Gov. Tilden is very anxious to be
nominated at st. LOUISE
Mr.. Seymonr-Not so anxious as is
thought. People confound the pleasure
man feels when he is talked of for an hon
orabe Office with desire to hold the posi-
ton. All men are grateful when they
learn that they are held in high regard by
the public 1t is churlish to treat with
indifference, or with ashow of indifference,
mplimentary expressions. Ambition
we'll directed is honorable, but it does not
follow that every ambitious man wants to
to be president. 1t has become maxium
with us that every man longs for that
position because it was sought by men like
Webster, CLAY, and Calhoun. | do not
think either of them, if living now, would
accept the position, not because they
would be less ambitious, but because they
could exert more influence for the public
welfare in other stations. Thirty years
ago the duties of the Office were of an in
tellectual character. To-day it is merely a
center of vast political patronage. Then
Washington was comparatively a secluded
village, and the labors of the executive
less than those of the governor of the
state of New York at this time. Now
the White House is besieged by an
army OF clamorous applicants, some
driven there by distress, but more of whom
are unscrupulous, trained intriguers, with
out principle or rectitude The president
lives in an uncomfortable house, filled by
the worst company, without leisure for re-
| Election, and he does not hear an honest
truth during his term of office The great
work of administering the affairs of the
government is divided among the depart
ments. Mr.. Lincoln told a truth which
applies to all modern presidents when he
said he had but little influence with his
administration. Formerly presidents made
parties; now parties make presidents.
They take up the man who will run best
through the canvass. After that is over,
he must DRIFT with his advisers and friends,
You may think (smiliDg) that as l was
once candidate, and was defeated, it is in
bad taste to decry the office. This may DE
so, but what l have said is none the less
true.
Correspondent-Wh all that you say
is tue, don't you believe that Gov. Tilden
desires the nomination?
Mr.. Seymour-It may be that he does,
but the desire must be lessened by the fact
| that be knows the sacrifices, annoyance,
and toll involved IN the canvass and con-
Continued on third uage.)