Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-10-23
Hon. ]. G. S. Blackburn Comes Out
Strong for the Man who was
Chosen in '76.
What he Asked Mr. Hendricks, and What
Mrs. Hendricks Instantly Replied.
Democratic Prospects and the Re-
publican Differences in the
State Of New York.
LouisyilIo Courier.Journnl.l

trio current Of popular feeling, whether
it originates in the party batteries or
in the storm clouds Of the political
sky, and none is quicker to respond to
its changes and variations. Captain
Blackburn is a type, in general way,
Of the politicians of this section of
Kentucky-quick to comprehend, alert
to gain the advantage of position, posi-
tive in his convictions, and obstinate
IN their defense, regretful of nothing
but defeat, buoyant and hopeful in
temper, and frank to fault. Such a
man is likely to reflect the sentiments
of thousands Of others, and for that
reason, if for no other, his utterances
are worthy to 60 on record.
Captain Blackburn was met by an
emissary of the Courier j ournal to-
day on the streets of the capital of the
Bluegrass. He was in hurry to full
ill an engagement with a party of
nOtables, but, standing in doorway
on the main street, he found time,
brief, but sufficient, to give pretty
full account of his notions on the
Presidential question, particularly as
regards
MR.. TILDEN AND HIS CHANCES
for the nomination. Without repeat
ing the interrogations Of the news
paper man or his interieetional re-
marks, which were few, and not at all
interesting, the substance of what
Mr. Blackburn said is given in con-
nected way.
Well, said Mr.. Blackburn, "this
Ohio election has changed the aspect
of affairs considerably. / had no idea
that we should carry the State, but [
was not prepared for such disastrous
result. Its significance is plain. 1t
puts out of of the question all thought
Of Senator Thurman as Presidential
candidate, a result for which | am
truly sorry. You know he was NY
choice all along. | was
IN FAVOR OF SOME WESTERN MAN,
with Western broad gauge views, and
Thurman was that man. This crush
ing defeat in Ohio shelves him COM
pletely. | am now for Mr.. Tilden as
the Democratic candidate for the
Presidency. if he can carry the State
of New York, as | think he can. [
never was opposed to Tilden so much
as | was in favor of another. Ny
opinion is that he will force his nomi-
nation on the party. | am satisfied
that he did not care to see Ewing
successful in Ohio. Mr.. Beck and
myself went to New York and saw
August Belmont and some others
about contributing something to as
sist in the election of Ewing, but they
would give nothing. They we're hard
money Democrats and the friends of
Tilden, and they could not be induced
to assist cause whose success would
work injury to their and his interests.
AS to the election in New York State
! feel confident that
TILDEN WILL CARRY IT,
or Robinson, which is the same thing,
because the influence Of money is on
his side. People who have not been
East and watched the workings of the
political machine there cannot under
stand how it is that money cuts such
an important figure in elections. But
it is a fact that in the Northern States
victory is on the side of the largest
campaign fund. In New York State
there is as great a split in the Repub-
lican party as there is in the Demo
cratic party. The detection of Kelly
is no greater, if as great as the defec
tion of the Republican oficeholders.
In the last congress there was severe
struggle to remove Cornell from the
collectorship of New York. He was
ehampioned by Conkling, who made a
determined fight in his behalf. He
was removed, and thereupon exerted
himself to secure for him the Repub-
lican nomination for governor of New
York. Now the custom house under
stands very well that the election of
CORNELL MEANS C0NKLING,
and no money for his campaign can be
l'Obtained from that source. Mr. Sher-
man is too shrewd to throW the weight
of his influence in favor Of Conkling:
so there will be no collections from
the clerks of the departments. Thus
the Republican campaign must be
made upon a slender fund, while Gov.
Robinson goes into the fight with
plenty of money at his command. /
think he will win. If he does, there
will be littls or no opposition to the
nomination of Dir. Tildep for the
Presidency. AS to the feeling in
Kentucky toward him, | can say this:
There has always been an undercur-
rent Of popular sentiment in his favor,
not so much on account of the man
himself as on account Of his availa-
bility, his OvermasteTing position as
combining
THE BEST ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS.
He never had such a hold on the
people as Thurman or Hendricks had.
but he surpassed all competitors in
availability. In the event Of Mr.
Tilden receiving the nomination, am
positive that Mr.. Hendricks will not
accept the second place. asked him
that question direct at an interview |
had with him at the Fifth Avenue
Hotel in New York. His wife was
present. / said Mr.. Hendricks,
would you accept the second position
on the ticket under certain circum.
stances ?
His wife Immediately answered for
him, Under no circumstances. Mr.
Hendricks commented by telling his
wife that she had answered correctly.
He may, therefore, be as well left out
OF the Presidential consideration en-
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