The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-06-11
r11nEN AND THE POLITICIANS.

with Daniel Manning editor OF the
Albsny Argus and well-known as warm
friend of Mr.. Tilden, upon some remarks
attributed to ex-senator Davis, of this
state. Mr. Davis is reported as saying
IF he (Mr Tilden) can. he undoubt-
eddy will be nominated, and Manning q
Co. | understand, are moving heaven
and earth to bring this about That he
should still trust Dan Manning and Rufus
W. Peckham, who, by their untimely
production of his letter at the last con-
vention, spoiled his little game, is to me
a source of great wonder"
On this Mr. Manning comments as fol-
lows:
Mr.. Manning-It is difficult to suppose
that Mr. Davis uttered any such imperti-
nanCes as are ascribed to him by the in
terviewer; and yet he may be one of those
men who cannot understand how Mr.
Tilden or anybody else could be in earn
est in declining a nomination to the pres
idency. Ills only excuse for this skep'
ticism, if it exists, must be found in
subsequent paragraph of the interview
in which he contesses to having very little
acquaintance with Mr. Tilden. MIR. Til
denis intimate friends had not then, nor
ever have had, any doubt as to his real
wishes in respect to q nomination for the
presidency in 1880. They had only to
ask him, and they weresure of apcrfectly'
frank and explicit answer.
Reporter docs Mr. Davis mean
about Mr.. Tilden's little game, which
he says was spoiled by Dan Manning
and Rufus W Peckham?' What does
he mean by saying that Mr. Tilden should
still trust them lis a source of great
wonder?" ...-
Mr.. Manning-As before said, per-
haps Mr.. Davis is one of those men who
cannot see in a declension of nomina-
ton anything but little game, to OBJ
tain one. He may be unable to conceive
of any one not really desiring a nOmna-
ton.
Reporter-Had you authentic knowl-
edge of Mr. Tilden's wishes before you
went to the Cincinnati convention?
Mr.. Manning-I had. l was chairman
of the New York delegation had ac-
cepted that post at Mr.. Tildens request.
I was in confidential relations with him.
l had an interview with him just before
went to Cincinnati, when my previous
impressions of his unwillingness to as
sumo the burden of canvass, or to IN
dertake four years of administration such
as he would have felt it his duty to give
to the country, were fully confirmed from
his own lips l was then advised that he
would formally communicate his views
before the convention should be called to
act. know from his own lips that his
real sentiments were expressed in the
following passages of his memorable let
ter to the delegation:
Such work of renovation after many
years of misrule; such q reform of system
and policies to which l would cheerfully
have sacrificed all that remained to me
of health and life, is now, fear, beyond
my strength.
Having borne faithfully my full share
of labors and cares in the public service,
and wearing the marks of its burdens, /
desire nothing so much as an honorable
discharge. wish to lay down the hon
ors and tolls of even quasi party leader
ship, and to seek the repose of private
life.
Reporter-COuld Mr.. Tildcn have been
nominated notwithstanding his letter, ii
you had given any encouragement to such
a measure?
Mr.. Manning-Easily. l was visited
by prominent members of delegations
from other states urging me to bring him
forward, and promising co operation
did not feel at liberty to go into any suel
movement only because / knew it would
be repugnant to Mr.. Tilden's wishes. The
pressure upon me, however, was so strong
that at least l felt constrained TO tele-
graph to him the state of things. 1 re
ceived the following answer:
June 90, 1880
Hon. Daniel Manning, Grand Hotel
Cincinnati, Ohio:
Received your telegram and many
others containing like information My
action was well considered, and is irrevo
cable. No friend must be allowed to cas-
doubt on my motive or my sincerity.
SAMUEL j. TuDEN."
MI Tilden is heartily disliked by th,
active politicians of both parties, The,
have abused him in season and out o
season and tried by all means in thei
dover, though not successfully to loosel
his hold upon the democratic masses
Mr.. Manning explains in great measur
why this is so. There is no communit
OF feeling, no sympathy between thei
and MIR. Tilden, They are so intent o
place, so greedy for the externals tn
show, the pomp that surrounds high pc
sition, that they cannot conceive of a
elevation of mind that permits anybody
sincerely decline so gittering prize a
the presidency of the United States. Sue
thing is utterly beyond their ment
grasp. Like Mr.. Davis they can see in
only trick to gain by indirection VIII
could not be secured openly
The ex-senator, by the way, Is a We
good representative of this class. He
elected to the senate by democratic vot
fOV Ava l.,