Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-07-03
DECLINING THE PRESIDENCY.
How the Late Daniel n. Dickin-
son Declined IL in 1852
When He Was Sure
off
Now York SUM-

New York SUM-
While a group Of lawyers in the
courthouse on Saturday last was dis
cussing the subject of declination of
office and the so-called declination of
MIR. Tilden, ex-United States District
Attorney Samuel G. Courtney Joined
the group One of tie lawyers re-
quested him to relate The circum-
stances which led to the really digni-
fed declination by his father-in- law,
ex- United States Senator Daniel s.
Dickinson, of the nomination to the
presidency in the democratic conven-
ton Of 1852. THAT was probably"
began Mr.. Courtney, zone of the
most dramatic scenes ever witnessed
in a political convention, when Mr..
Dickinson felt bound to decline a
nomination which at that time was
equivalent to an election. In this
state during that year the party was
divided as it has been recently. The
state delegates represented both fac
tons. A majority of them were in
favor OF the nomination of Governor
Marcy, and the minority we're in
favor of any one to beat Marcy. At
the meeting of the delegation for CON
sultation, Governor Seymour proposed
that the vote Of the state should be
cast as a unit for the nomination of
Governor Marcy. Mr.. Dickinson OPP
posed this, and Governor Seymour did
not insist on his motion, so the dele
gates were left tree to vote as they
saw ft."
"Then they went into the conven-
ton unpledged?"
Yes, Mr.. Dickinson exceedingly
desired the nomination of Gen. Cass.
After several ballots had been had
without result, Mr.. Barbour, of Vir-
GINA, suddenly proposed the name of
ex Senator Dickinson, and it was re-
ceived with such instant favor. by
those upon the floor and in the gal
leries that there was little doubt that
the nomination would have command
ed the necessary two-thirds Of the
votes, but Mr.. Dickinson arose and
with great impressiveness of manner
and dignity Of statement said that he
had come there earnestly and honor
ably prepared to support Gen. Cass
in fact, was pledged to him, and
under no circumstances, therefore,
could he allow his name to be used
until General Cass should release him
from his promise to support him
This, Gen. Cass, under advice O
friends, declined by telegraph to do
and the result was, as you know, the
nomination OF Franklin Pierce as q
compromise from among outside can
didates. But the scene when MIR
Dickinson made his speech declining
to allow the use of his name, was, al
| have said, highly dramatic. Ladie.
threw him bouquets from the gallery
delegates hurrahed and clustered
around him, and it was only paralleleC
by the scene | also saw in 1868, wheI
Governor Seymour was nominated ant
declined, but had the nomination
forced upon him.
What do you think of the reeen
nominations, MI. Courtney ?"
81 think them the very stronges
that could have been made. Person
ally l should have preferred Bayard
but can cheerfully vote for Gen. Han
cock, and feel sure that will comman,
a large popular vote.
Then MIR. Dickinson was situated
not unlike Garfield towards Sherman
in the Chicago convention 2"
"0f that, concluded Mr.. Courtney
you can judge as well as l can"