Middletown transcript., 1877-07-07
Mr.. TIlden ana the Electoral BllI-Inside
Eacfa Coming Ont.

Il
ting the electoral commission, is the
subject Of much comment in political
circles here, especially by leading dem
ocrats who have intimate knowledge d
all the material facts, and are in a po-
sirion to know how that act came to be
passed.
When the conspiracy was first de
veloped, by which Louisiana and Flor
ida were to be captured through return.
ing boards, and Mr.. Zach Chandler
telegraphed over the country on the
8th Of November, Hayes has one hun
dred and eighty-fve votes and il elect
ed" right in the face Of the returns fol
Mr.. Tilden. Mr.. Hewitt and others o.
International democratic committee were
urged to appeal to the country, and to
prepare measures to defeat this daring
scheme to steal the presidency.
Had Mr.. Tilden and his friends pur-
sued this course promptly and energet-
ically it is believed the conspirators
would have halted in their design when
confronted with a popular majority oi
a million Of white votes and a quarter
Of million Of white and black, indie
pendent of clear and honest majority
in the electoral colleges.
The New York managers hesitated
to take this responsibility, and ofeourse
they consulted with Mr.. Tilden. Their
excuse was that Congress was about to
meet, and it would be better to wait and
take counsel Of the democrats in both
houses. When Congress came together
on the first Monday in December no
line Of action was marked out, and
opinions were loose and unsettled.
Naturally enough the democrats
looked to Mr.. Tilden as their leader,
and expected from him some sugges-
ton Of positive policy. None was
made. Meantime the conspiracy was
growing in strength every day by the
supineness, distracted counsels and alb
sence Of unity on the democratic side,
because there was no rallying point
where their strength might be concen-
trated. Troops we're drawn to Wash
ington, and preparations were made for
state of flagrany war, about which the
public has been but indiferentlyAin-
formed.
Finding that New York would not
move or lead the way, the Western
democrats in Ohio, Indiana and Hi
nois made demonstrations Of purpose
not to submit tamely to the intended
fraud. IF that movement had been
seconded warmly BY meetings over the
North-for the South had its hands
tied and was little more than passive
spectator-the plot might still have
been arrested, though it had gained
headway and become formidable.
Mr.. Hewitt and his advisers turned
a cold shoulder Oh this movement, and
discouraged it in every way, 50 that it
may be said to have fallen still-born.
With this failure disappeared the last
hope Of crushing out the conspiracy BY
a popular rising against it. Mr.. Zach.
Chandler and his associates were Ella
ted, and the democrats were depressed.
During all this time democratic mem
bers Of the Senate and House Of Rep
resentatives were constantly in confer
enee with Mr.. NIden, without being
able to obtain from him any plan or
decision which would solidify the
party.
The session was drifting on and the
day fast approaching for count Of
the vote. Mr.. Edmunds had drafted
his bill for the electoral commission,
and it was referred to committee. In
this state Of things, and before either
party was committed absolutely, three
members of the House Of Representa-
tives went to New York and consulted
with Mr.. Tilden, bearing messages from
some Of the most distinguished Sena-
tors The alternatives presented were
a resolute call upon the people to de-
fend their rights, submission to the IN
iquity, or the PASSAGE of tile electoral
bill. Mr.. Tide atient-
ly, considered al closed
by saying don't 9th
ers saw him withou. v deci-
sive Judgment or advice, .lg Jet be-
lieving him for the bill and another
against it.
Under these circumstances the bill
became law. The democrats were
never confident Of success, but they
we're encouraged by the belief that
Judge Davis would be a member Of
the commission, and they expected
much from his impartiality, moral
courage and practical mind, in sweep
ing away the devices and deceptions
and frauds Of the returning boards. He
was unexpectedly elected to the Senate,
and having decided to accept that place
refused to sit on the commission even If
unanimously chosen.
The rest is recent history and need
not be repeated, Mr.. Dorsheimer's
statement i unchallenged, but it must
be said he enjoyed confidence from
Mr.. Tilden which was strangely with
held from his best friends in Congress
and from the leaders Of the party who
were entitled to know his opinions on
this subject. Mr.. Tilden has many
statesmanlike qualities, but he is not a
leader Of men. His mind is slow, de-
liberate and well poised, but he lacks
the spirit Of prompt action and Of en-
ergetic command. He may be said to
have thrown away the presidency ow- |