The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-10-21
Mr.. Tildsn's Dex1al .

The particular form OF expression Is In |
material in answer to allegations of an OPP |
ponent If the denial is full, explicit, aud
covers each material allegation. 1t is not
necessary to put words in Mr.. Tildens
mouth 10 make his denial broader or
stronger. 1t is as full and comprehensive
as the nature of the case requires. His
language is as follows:
mo offer to give the certificates or any
returning board or state canvassers Of any
state to the democratic electors in consid-
'errtion of promises of Office or money or
property; no negotiation of that nature 10
behalf Of any member of such board or
with any such member; no attempt to in
..auence the action of any eIector of presi-
dent and vice president By such motives,
was ever eltertsined, considered, or toler-
'ated by me, or by anybody within my in
'Auence, by my consent, or with my knowl
edge or acquiesceDce..' To these words
Of denial there is added the assertion that
mo such contemplated transaction could
at any time have come within the range
of my power without that power being in
'stantly exerted to crush it out.
Mr.. Tilden neither afirms or denies the
commences of the kilograms published
By the New York Tribune or that they have
Deen correctly translated. But he does
say, II have no knowledge of the existence
''oS these kilograms, nor any information
about them, except what has been deriv-
led from or since the publication Of the
Tribune. A statement, which If true
entirely exonerates him from any COM
plicity in their origin or use. The Tribune
dees not show or pretend to show any facts
contrary to this sharp and positive denial.
Thus far Mr.. Tilden stands as guiltless
Of any completely 10 the published tele-
grams as he does of the cipher
kilograms sent by the republi-
can managers. The presumption of inno-
cence is assuredly in his favor until sufh-
cient facts are adluced to repel the denia
aud raise the presumption Of guilt. As
to have been done, aud Mr.. Tilden in the
light of any evidence yet given the public
is as innocent of fraud or attempts al
fraud as any of his fellow citizens. There
is not single item 10 the pretended tele
grams which directly or indirectly impli
Gates him. and the gratuitous assertion
that he is too wary and cautious to put
himself in condition to be caught in the
act is wholly uucsled for. On the face Of
the kilograms he appears innocent, he de
clares he is innocent, and the necessary
conclusion is that he really is, unless proc
to the contrary can be produced. Ther'
is even less indications that he was in any
way cognizant of what was Transporting thar
there is in regard to Mr.. Hayes who wal
visited by men from the south prior to tht
count Of the electoral vote and sounded il
regard to what he would do in the event o.
his reaching the presidency, In view o.
that fact there is a remarkable significance
in MIR. Tildens observation. The preg
''nant fact Gl10dys remains that none Of
these corrupt boards gave their certifi
''cates to the democratic electors, but they
ALI did give them to the republican elec
tors"
Considering the gravity of the situation
and the character Of the pretended tele
grams it is somewhat remarkable that 10 &
general way the republican press have
made so little noise and outcry. From tbs
manner in which they magnify and goa
over reports Vt southern outrages it wouIC
naturally be expected they would exhibit
unwonted Indignation aud employ the mos
vigorous and deDunciatory language IN re
gard to an attempt to bribe the incorrupti
BILE electors of sovereign states. PROBABLY
the fact that 1t is generally understood I
damaging exposure oftelegrams from theil
own side is waiting its turn to be made pub
lie may have moderated theil
zeal in invsighing against democratic cor
ruption and fraud. The Potter COMMITTEES
OF investigation has been standing object
of ridicule and the subject of innumerabl.
sneers On the part of the republican press
and the Tribune's publication of telegram,
was undoubtedly designed as q counter /,
the damaging evidence already obtained
by the committee. 1t is merely saying i
We are guilty of fraud and outrage SO ar,
you, if the pot is black SO is the kettle.
The subject demands serious aud solemn
consideration. There was a time in tn
better days Of the republic when sucl
charges would have excited the mos
serious. apprehensions and would hay
called forth the most searching investiga
ton. Let it be done now. Let the wors
come to light and the exact truih be give
to the people no matter who may be dam
aged or destroyed by such proceeding. /
the will Of the people has been defeate