New-York tribune., 1879-11-25
HEWITT ON TILDEN.

AIR. TiLDEN's KNOWLEDGE Oh THE ELECTORAL COM
MISSION BILL-ME. HFwTT1's CONSULTATIONS
WITH HIM-xo MONTY GRIEVANCE BETWEEN
THEM.
AbFam g Hewitt in conversation with TRIBUNE
reporter last night, stated how he consulted with
Mr.. Tilden in reference to the Electoral Commission
Bill when it first came to his knowledge. He said
the bill was amended and modified 10 meet sugges-
tons made by Mr.. Tilden 40 the time lie denied
having any money grievance against Dir. Ilden'
and declared that he had no quarrel with him, but
he thought Mr. Tilden had used him unfairly IN
allowing Mr.. Watterson's attacks upon him to 90
uncontradicted. Mr.. Hewitt stated how far Mr.
PeltOn and Smith NJ. Weed were connected with
the National Democratic Committee IN 1876. He
does not think Mr.. TIlden will again be nominated
for the Presidency.
THE CONVERSATION WITH Mr.. HEWITT.
Hugh Z. McDermOtt recently printed in The
Jersey oiis Herald account OF conversation held
with samuel J. Iildcn and Smith NJ Weed, In which he
represented Mr. Tiden saying him, in reference 10
the Electoral Commission Eill that IL unconstitu-
sna and that he dsapproved of IT, bat that his wishes
were not consulted, opinion asked regard
ing the bill bv OF those having IN charge-not even
Mr. Hewitt sought aDout H. and therefore could
not interfere TO oppose It," TRIBUNE reporter called
Mr.. Hewitt residence lst night 10 ask nm Ia
regard TO the truth Of the above statement
"Mr. McDermott have misunderstood Mr TIL
den." said Mr. Hewitt. "I do not think he ever made
that statement. though II has been extensively pub
hshod by the press The only thing which affects me 4.
the statement rnat did rot 20 riIden respect
70 that bill. Mr.. Tden Is truthful man and never
knew him 20 lie prevaricate partcle lhave s1owD
HIM be dreaduly silent. but n be speaks he speaks
the truth. The fact sought Mr. Tiden nj the very
earliest possible moment. The bill un6er considera-
the Committee, and the first meeting the
House Committee had regard to It the 18th Of
January when they met In consultation with the Senate
Committee. The Senate Committee then gave US the
draft OF hill which they, both Democrats and Re
pubhcans had agreed That Is the ars time ever saw
IT."
Was that the first you had heard OF tf'
Yes II was the first time any the House
Committee heard Of it. We knew the senate Com
mittee holding meetings. but what they were ais
cusslng did not know. The House Committee was
also holding meetings Of which the Senate COMMITTEE
nothing. On Friday. the 12th of January. we met
N Joint committee. then the draft OF the bill was
presented; ana after the bill was discussed TOOK IL
70 room. There pledge of secrecy IN
regard the whole subject and it was so jealousy
kept that reporter knew what was IN the Dill
Not members OF Congress outside OF the committee
we're allowed 10 know anything about H. Tue nFst
thing whether this pledge OF secrecy was 70
apply also the two Presidential candidates. Nj
Tllden and Mr.. Hayes. The four Democratic members
In consultation upon IL. We believe the EepuDn-
cans would surely II known % Mr.. Hayes and We
come the conclusion that therefore bad the right
10 make it known 10 Mr.. Tilden- As a consequence
forw arded the copy bi-the only copy had-to
Tlden Saturday morning, which was the earliest
moment at which could DO II. followed the bill my
self Saturday night, ana when met Mr. Iiiden on
sunday mOrlng he mad the oil IN mis- hand told him
had consult in regard 10 II, and get his advice
and during the whole of sunday. and the Sunday
evening, We had Dill under discussion. He never
told NE that he thought 1t was unconstitutional lie
might have thought but he did not tel me so lie
never advised reject II; he advised Us to
adopt It,"
Did he not suggest any amendmentP
Yes he suggested several amendments and modin
cations which were substantially adopted. This per
haps did not commit the bill. rs be suggested
| that various points In II might be changed went
back 10 Washington with the bill in my possession
have II now The bill was alluded to between the
committees until the following Thursday, although they
we're discussing IL IN the Senate and between the Sunday
night wnen returned and the following Thursday, Mt
Tilden was apprsed by telegraph through Mr.
Cooper. appears by Marbles statements' OF the
nature Of the discussion going on and the
notifications proposed. and / got Mr.. nlden's
answers Marbles letters show that for he quotes the
telegrams that sent during that time. was en-
deavorng Mr. Tldens advice upon and succeeded
In instances shows the ectness Of this
statement by Mr.. NcDermott. lie never said however.
that the bill was unconstitutional. and lie never ad-
v,sed IA 10 reject IT. think Mr. McDermott have
Il
made a mistake"
DIFFICULTY IN GETTING AN OPINION FROM Mr..
TiLDEN.
But this statement has been made by others beside
Mr. McDermott-"
w. II was made use OF In the watterson contro-
versy aud gave the same dates that now give
10 you. But discussion shows that Mr.. Iiden was
sought and mis- advice asked, aud stated then the di
emily had 70 get express opinion the ques
ton whether approved or did not approve OF the
| bill. or course there Is no reason 70 impugn-
my evidence, because Mr.. Illden, in Ills own
statement, says l did seek him and II any other
evidence necessary there were plenty OF gentlemen
In Mr. Tden's house that Sunday afternoon VINO could
sneak III regard TO II. not wish 20 mention their
names but suppose there dozen go there II
IL uunecessary however nobody vii doubt the facts
| tnat I give YOU"
Has Mr. Tlden ever said directly that you did n OF
| seeB his advise q
! No; on the contrary in a communication Mr
Marble. he says never for momenl guesiioned ed
ali tnaf sort OF thing Mr. Tden bas never mentioned
! the slightest disregard OF my part oil Ais wishes
Did say anything ~ you soout the Dih alter II
dy rrconecton Is that when next rsaw him. not
Only did make objection, out thought there was
little exultaton in manner But tnen would not
| ike 10 say he sgowed any approval Certainly he
showed iisapprOvaL Al no time ever after 10 me,
! dld no d.sapprove OF IL Ia the tine be
tween Monday and IHgrsy Snes tns o was uIHer S
gently ia They discussrd II Tor While
| Senate, u-tcfuIlurU 10 nafc ul,-
cus-ion IN the House senate got through. Mr.
ILdens senate were diligently pushing
| the Dill, and Senator BsruuIn. among Otuers. would
! never done n rdrn were opposed 70 IL"
MR.. P2LroN's RELATIONS WITH MR. TILDEN.
i Did not AIR. PeltOn represent Mr. Ilden T.
.lwii not say how much Mr.. Peton represented Mr..
! alden in TACT II be did not, he Thought he did"
Did he not represent him before the National Dem
ocTatic COmmiteep
SOw you wanl To commit me- butI will say that IN
regard Mr.. Peltons connection with the committee