The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-08-08
Mr.. Tilden ard the Electoral Com
miagfo-

lish letter from MANT0N MARBLE in re-
gard to Mr.. Tilden's action and his atti-
tude to his political friends at the excit-
ing period Of the count of electoral votes
for the presidency. The purport of the
letter, which is extremely lengthy, is that
Mr.. Tilden was inAexibly opposed to the
creation Of the electoral commission and
urged upon the democrats in congress to
insist upon the countin the ordinary manner.
He even went so far as 10 have compiled a
pamphlet containing an account of every
electoral count from Washington down to
that time, and the full congressional pro-
ceedings in connection Herewith, which
he deemed conclusive of the case both in
law and precedent, and claimed that it was
the only true and constitutional method,
and the only one which was
polite or wise to pursue. SO
far as this information relates
to Mr., Tilden's views Of what
congress could rightfully do and what
ought then to have been done, aud as to
the effect it would likely have produced
upon the couspirators who were bent upon
making Hayes President by actual fraud
by assuming q determined and inhexible
position against the consummation of the
fraud, this communication will tend to
place Mr.. Tilden in better light before
the people, and to free the minds OF demo-
Gratis from the suspicion that he acquiesced
10 the creation of an electoral commission
without protest, or with but feeble express
SION of dissent. In point of fact it appears
from Mr.. Marbles statement that Mr..
Tilden took high constitutional ground in
regard to the duty of congress, and espe'
cially of the House of Representatives, in
solving the question Of counting the electo-
raj vote, and that he pointed out in clear
forcible, and logical manner what course
the democracy ought to pursue, and indi-
Gated with precision the fatal results whic }
would follow a deviation from the direct
and constitutional requirements which the
contest demanded.
While there is no reason to believe that
Mr.. Hewitt and other northern demo
Gratis in congress were actuated in thu
course they pursued by other than a pa
triotic and honest desire to settle the cleo
ton in just and rightful manner, it ii
equally plain from Marbles statement
that they were influenced little if any BY
the plans and arguments of Mr.. Tilden
This fact certainly relieves Mr.. Tilder
from all responsibility for their persona
acts, but at the same time it shows tina
Mr.. Tilden must have lacked at this crit
cal moment the elements and the com
handing force of great leader. Hi
trusted lieutenants, the men who had beer
prominent among the democracy in carry
ing on the presidential contest, must either
have deserted his fortunes in downright
abandonment, or else, Notwithstanding al
that Mr.. Tilden said and urged as to wha
was best to be DONE they must have fel
that his leadership in such an emergency
was weak and Enthusiastically,
Up to the present time, MIR. Tilden ha
never before been distinctl
and openly heard respecting
his views, or the position he oc
cupied as to the proceedings of congress
upon the electoral vote. In a vague AM
general manner it has been generally con
sidered that the acts and utterances 0
Mr.. Hewitt in and out of congress in
large degree were the reflection of Mn
Tilden's ideas and purposes. Mr.. Marble
who is understood to speak as the expo
nent of Mr.. Tilden, in his recent communi
cation, puts an entirely different phase up
on the subject, and in one or two points 0
view which we have indicated, exhibit
him in better light and as having ha
distinctive opinions of his own which
would have been well for the democrac
and for the nation had they been folIowe
out
But during all that exciting and all in
portant period which interviewed betwee
the election Of November and the countin
of the electoral vote, one great. and as W
think the fatal mistake of Mr.. Tilden wa
that he kept himself secluded from the pee
pie and failed to come forwar
with the bold aud manly d.
claration, that in the name of th
people he demanded his and their rights
that no unusual or extraordinary device
should be instituted or resorted to in ordt
to determine who had been elected pres
dent, aud that long established preceden
and the existing law of the land should |
the test and afford the means of reachir
the decision. Mr.. Tilden is reported
have said in Directing to the creation |
congress of an electoral commission,
may lose the presidency but will n
rattle for it''-a sentiment which do
honor to his patriotism and his abidiI
regard for the laws of the land, but for /
that those who in the eyes of the natl,
were looked upon as his especial and I'M
mate friends, and as, in personal sens
representing his views and wishes did pa
ticipate in the rattle, and to this day N
Tilden has never before asserted, or a
thorized any one to publicly assert, th
he did not consent to or acquiesce in wh