The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-11-27

How Hayes Takes Care Of His


How narrow Hayes escaped defeat IN
OHIO in 1876 is'still known to compara-
lively few, and the exact means OF his
salvation have never before been made
public. A lstalwart Republican, who Is
now thoroughly disgusted with Hayes.
but who took an active part in manag-
ing his canvass in 1876, tells the follow
ing incident of that campaign:
IN 1875 Hayes ran for Governor
against William Allen. Much money
was used in the campaign, and large
drafts: were mades upon the party IN
other States. Hayes had just come in
TO possession of fortune OF some $780,
900 or S15O, 900 and handsome contri-
button was expected from him. He
subscribed $1,000. He paid 800 down
and said he wonld pay the balance
afterward. Hayes didn't say anything
about the matter during the campaign,
and the Republicans pulled through
without duuning him for the balance.
"In 1876, when all the States had
their elections to ,iook out for. and the
politicians had need of their funds at
home. the Ohio campaign committee
became desperately short of funds.
Assessments were exhausted, and the
leading men in the party had contribu,
ted all they conld afford. Hayes was
running for the Presidency, and those
who had not had dealings with him the
previous year expected every day big
contribution--S25 900 at least. Chairs
man Wikoff, of the Republican State
committee felt bound by sense of del
icacy to refrain from asking Hayes for
this contribution. but he ut last ventur-'
ed to hint that the campaign fund was
exhausted and that the State was in dan
ger. Hayes was evidently concerned
abont the result. A day or two after
wards he called npon General Wikof to
talk over the question of finances. BY
the way said he. as the desperate sits
uation was laid beforei him. ''did / ever
pay you the ballance.of my subscrip-
tionlast year?'
"No, said Wikoif "There: was a
balance of 5000"
"Ill pay it now then" said Hayes
and wrote a check tor the amount.
'That was the total amount" added
the gentleman who tell the story. ''of
HAYES contribution in the Presidential
campaign of 1876" A few days after
ward General Wikoff got telegram
from Don Cameron. OF Pennsylvania.
requesting Gen. Wikoff to meet him
ut railroad station on the route that
he WAS taking in passing through the
State.
"What ia the outlook here?" Gamer
or inquired anxiously as soon as he
saw General Wikoff General Wikoff
expressed his fears as to the result and
Mr.. Cameron at once demanded the
cause for this condition of things.
Wikof gave what seemed to Cameron
Inadequate canses. aren't you ont of
money!" Cameron demanded bluntly.
Wikotf confessed that such was the fact.
"How much has Hayes given you?'
was the Eext question. Wikoff's aus
wer is said to have excited the Penn
sylvanisn to high pitch ofsdisgust and
much emphatic language. But after
ALL" said Cameron. '.it's necessary
that we should put Hayes through any
how, and the money must be raised. l
have given 800 600 in Pennsylvania,
he continued. "but I'll try to do some
thing for yon here"
A day OF tspo later the State commits
tee got Don Cameron's cheek for $40, 900
and HAYES carried Ohio.
"Apd the absurdest thing of all,
said Hayes whilom friend, is that
Hayes now actually thinks he stands a
chance of denomination. Why that's
what he made that Western trip for and
it WAS for that he spouted all that soft
headed talk to the farmers. He really
believes he is popular, and that in the
scramble between Sherman. Blaine, and
the rest he is likely to be taken up again
He wants the office for the money there
is in it. He saves two thirds Of the
salary aud pnts it away. He's the most
economical man that ever held the of-
fce. 1 don't believe he could get three
votes, sir-not three votes--in our dele
cation