The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1877-07-13
MR.. TILDEN AND THE ELECTORAL BHL---IN.
SIDE FACTS COMING OUTi

Iildcn was opposed to the passagy yof the law
creating the Electoral Commission, is the
subject of much comment in political circles
here, especially by leading Deuocrats, who
have Intimate knowledge of al|thc material
facts, and are in position to know how that
act came to be passed.
When the conspiracy was first developed,
by which Louisiana and Florida were to be
captured through returning boards, and Mr..
Zach Chandler tclcgraphcd over the country
on the Sth November, "Hayes has 185 votes
and is elected, right in the face Of fhaSe.
ttprrs fvrA ib,HayssJ It>.siit and bars
of theNafienal d Democratic OomuliftaS~<X
urged to appeal to the country, and to pN-
pare measures to defeat this daring scheme
to steal the Presidency Had Mr. Tildcn
and his friends pursued this course promptly
and encrgetically it is believed the conspira-
tors would have halted in their design when
confronted with n popular majority of mil
lion of white votes and a quarter Off million
of white and black, independent of clear
and honest majority in the Electoral Col.
leges. The New York managers hesitated
to take this responsibility, and of course they
consulted with Mr.. Tildcn. 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 Con-
gress came together on the first Monday in
December no line of action was marked out,
and opinions were loose and unsettled Nat
urally enough the Democrats looked to Mr..
Iilden as their leader, and expected fromhim
some suggestion Of positive policy. None
was made. Meantime the conspiracy was
growing in strength every day by the supne-
ness, distracted counscls and absence of uni.
ty on the Democratic side, because there was
no rallying point whore their strength might
be concentrated. Troops were drawn to
Washington, and preparations were made
for state Of fragrant war, about which the
public has been but indiffercntly informed
Finding that New York would not move
or lead the way. the Western Democrats in
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois made domonstra-
tions Of n purpose not to submit tamcly to
the inteudcd fraud. If that movement had
been seconded warmly by meetings over the
North--ior the South had its hands tied,
aud tnS TqS SI54 ttIs more than passive spectator
formidable. Mr.. Hewitt and his advisers
turned cold shoulder on this movement
and discouraged it in every way, SO that it
may be said to have fallen stillborn. With
this failure disappeared the last hope Of
crushing out the conspiracy by popular
rising against it. Mr.. Zach. Chandler ank
his associates were clatcd, and the Demo.
Gratis were depressed. During all this time
Democratic members of the Senate and
House of Representatives were constantly in
conference with Mr.. Tildcn, without bcin,
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 tie
-tleotasul Commission and it was referred
70 II committee. In this state of things,
aud before either party was comrS,tcd alb.
solutcly, three members of TIC House
OF Representatives went to New York
and consulted with Mr.. Tildcn, bear
ing messages from some of the most dstn.
guished senators. The alternative prcsen.
ted were resolute call upon the people to
defend their rights, submission to the in.
iquity or the passage Of the Electoral BILL |
Mr. Tildcn heard them patiently, considered
all the points, and closed by saying "don't
be in hurry" Others saw him without
getting any decisive Judgment or advice,
one set believing him for the bill and an
other against it,
Under these circumstances the bill be- |
came law. The Democrats were never
confident of success, but they were encou,-
aged by the belief that Judge Davis would
be member Of the Commission. and they
expected much from his impartialiry. moral |
courage and practical mind, in sweeping
away the devices and deccptions aud frauds
OF the returning boards. He was unex-
pcctedly elected to the Senate, and having
decided to accept that place refused to sit
on the Commission even if chosen.
Tie rest is recent history, and need not
b, repeated. Mr.. Dorsbeimnr' sta,cu,nt : |!
but it must be said he en-
Joycd confidence from Mr. Tldcn which
was strangely withheld from his best friends
III Congress and from the leaders of the
party who were entitled to know his opin |
iors on the subject. Mr.. Tildcn has many
statcsmanlike qualities, but he is not lead |
er OF men. His mind is slow, deliberate
and well poised, but he lacks the spirit of
prompt action and of energetic command.
He may be said to have thrown away the
presidency from this constitutional organism.
If Mr.. Tildcn had given the least st-sfrn ssfirn of
disapproval the Electoral bill never would |
have passed. As it was, his nephew, Mr. |
Pclton, was established with large suite
at the Arlington HOTEL during the whole
Al