The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-02-04
The Next Democratic Leader.

That Mr.. Tilden should have been re-nom-
mated in 1880 is fact that most Democrats
now realize, and it Is gratifying to note how
the Democratic press and leaders throughout
the country are centering upon him as the
leader in 1884 Mr.. Tilden is our strongest
man. He is the ablest statesman in the coun-
try. AS an organizer he has never had an
equal in American politics. The campaign
of 1876, under'his management, was the best
organized ever known. With him as leader,
the next presidential contest will be repeti-
ton of that of 1876, with more definite re-
suits. No power can then resist the Democ-
racy, and Tilden's majority in the electoral
college and on the popular vote will be beyond
any possible doubt. Had he been our leader
in 1880, the Grant wing could not have saved
Mr.. Garfield from ignominious defeat. The
theft of the presidency would have been the
square issue, with Tilden representing the de
franded and Garfield, the chief actor of the
eonspirators, representing the defrauders.
In 1884 Mr.. Tilden will be seventy years
old. but his age will be no bar to his nomina
ton and election Most of the Presidents of
the United States, in fact all of them have
been under seventy years of age, but declining
mental faculties was not the cause. Washing
ton was sixty-five when he laid down the pres
idency, declining reelection. Jefferson
was sixty-six when he followed Washington's
example, and he retained his mental power
some sixteen years longer. Madison was six
ty-six at the end of his term, and lived and
retained his mental vigor for about twenty
years after. Monroe was nearly sixty-eight
at the Close. of his second term, and lived SIX
years longer. Aher jefferson, two terms be-
came the unwritten law on the tenure ofthe Of
fee ofpresident, neitherage nor mental disabii'
ity being the cause of retiracy. John Adams
was in his sixty-sixth year when his term ex-
pired, and was hale old man up TO the time
of his death, at ninety. Harrison was in his
sixty-ninth year VIXEN he was iEaugurated,
and Taylor in his sixty-sixth- while Buchanan
was in his seventeen year at the end of his
term. Mr.. Buchanan lived number OF years
after. and wrote history of his administra-
ton, which is one of the most valuable con
tribuiions to the political history Of the eoun-
try. Andrew johnson was in his sixtieth year
when he left the executive chair. and some
years later Tennessee sent him TO the Cuited
States Senate. Jefferson Davis is nearly sew
enty-four years Of age. and he has just com
pleted a history Of the late Confederacy.
Peter Cooper, now mp in thcnineties, and still
mentally vigorous, was candidate for presi-
sident in 1876. but little more than five years
ago.
Thus we see that age is not necessarily bar
to pabIie service. Mr.. Tilden is a weli-pre-
served and healthy gentleman, with no signs
Of decay. Compared vita many Of the public
men ofthe country who have gone before. Mr..
Tilden is still young. with the prospect of
many years Of usefulness before him.
1--we look across to Europe we observe men
far older than Mr.. Tilden filing high places
Of great responsibility. Kiugwilliam Of Ger
many is eighty-6ve, Won Moltke Is pas, eighty.
one. Gortchakoff Is eighiy-t three, and Glad
stone Is in his sevenfy-third year, Disraeli
was premier Of England at seveuiy-hye, aud
wrote Endymion a little later, and Palmerstcn
was eighty-one.
In 1876 the opposition press labored hard
10 impress the people with the idea that Mr.
Tilden's health was falling and that an early
dissolution was certain. and when bis name
was mentioned tor the presidency in 1880 the
same object wac sought. Mr. Tilden still
lives, and still lives in the confidence and es-
TEEN Of the great Democratic party, and com
mands the confidence, too, Of commercial and
financial circles, while his eminen, abilities
as a statesman are recognized by all parties.
May he be spared to lead the Democracy to
victory in 1884. and bring back the country to
its constitutional moorings and establish that
efficiency, honesty and economy in the public
service that was onee the pride and boast Of
this great republic.