Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-09-06
TRUE INWARDNESS.
WHY TILDEN CONSENTED TO THE
ELECTORAL COMMLSsION IN 1876.
1t Was Only to Secure Local Selt-Governmt
for the South-How He Was Betrayed by
Those Whom He had Served-The Causes
of His Apathy in the Campaign of 1880
Veracious Narrative.
Especial Telegram to the Globe.

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probable candidacy is actively discussed
here. Mr.. Watterson's recent declaration
that the quiet and repose of Greystone
are of the utmost consequence if Samuel
j. wishes to attain ripe old age is re-
ceived with discrediting winks. Many
who know Tilden we'll say he will banker
after tie presidency until he dies. They
go further and assert that both Dana and
Watterson know this, ard are secretly
aiding and abetting him in his political
designs, while openly acting in other
directions. Within the past few weeks
long-headed politicians have offered to bet
considerable sums that Mr.. Tilden will be
the nominee of the next
Democratic convention. They stem
to think no: other man
we'll suit the rank and file of the party ,end
that no other name can draw out so strong
a vote. Amid all this discussion Tilden's
attitude in 1876 and 1880 is fully can
vassed. Many charge that he was guilty
of moral and physical cowardice in not
striking for his rights in the former year.
Others condemn him for his dog-in- the
manger style in 1880. Southern Democrats
are especially severe in their criticisms of
the old gentleman's attitude on both oc-
casions. Your correspondent had talk
with politician to night who knows a
great deal about the secret service of
Democratic politics. He throws new
light upon Tilden's motives and conduct
and vouches for the correctness of his
story.
He said: "Tilden's silence in 1880 has
been misunderstood. He was trusting to
the honor of prominent tsoutherners to
fulfill sacred pledge that was given in
1876 before the electoral commission was
formed. 1t was nothing more or less than
in case Justice was not done him the south
should be solid for his denomination in
1880. and meve heaven, earth and hades
to place him in the presidential chair.
Tilden kept quiet in 1876 compliance with
the prayers Of southern Democrats to save
thsiH states and risk the presidency. He
kept quiet in 1880 believing that
he dealt with men of honor and
was greyioualy deceived.
ssWhat particular states were interested
in this compact" asked the correspon-
dent.
"Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina.
It was, however, q common understanding
with the majority of the leading Demo
Gratis of the south. But let me go into a
little more detail. Tilden was confident
of his victory in 1876. His immediate
friends were opposed to the subterfuge of
an electoral commission. Only the south
erners were scared by Grants warlike
preparations at the capital. Tilden did
what any other man would have done uu-
der the circumstances. South Carolina,
Florida and Louisiana were in the
possession of the Republicans, They had
the machinery for counting the votes, and
you know what that means. 1t was gen.
orally believed that those states had gone
for Tilden. You can find Republicans to-
day who will admit they went that way.
The people of these states were more in
terested in securing self government and
ousting the carpet baggers than as to
who should occnpy the White house. Their
leaders knew this, the Republican mana
gers here knew it and were quick tn act
upon their knowledge. Charley Foster of
Ohio went to the southern preseutalves,
you gentleman he said, nave been cfving
for local self government. You WANT to
manage the -atfairs of your states. That
/, feeling We can appreciate, gentlemen
"a very proper feeling. Now you have
all the southern states except Louisiana,
Florida and South Carolina. Very good.
The election of state officers is in as much
doubt there as is the election of the presi-
dent. Well, you agree to the electoral
commission to decide the fate of the
presidency? The southerners snapped at
the bait. 1t was matter of states before
country. The presidency was nothing
compared with their local affairs. They
met at Wormley's and solemnly agreed to
dition that the state officers should be
counted in" >
"Well, where does Tilden figure in this?'
"These men induced him to consent to
the seven to eight commission. They told
him they knew he had carried those states.
They admitted there was little hope for
him in the commission. But, they argued,
the Republicans have possession of the
state machinery. Let us get it from them.
Say you will abide by the decision of this
commission and in 1880 the whole southern
states will vote as unit for you if the
commission fails in doing you justice now"
Tilden agreed. He was counted out. The
Democrats got possession of the state gov
ernments. The next convention came in
due course. Mr.. Tilden did not open his
barrel. When the convention met these
states which had profted by his action,
were the most bitter against him. Some
of the very men who induced him to help
them to secure their state governments
said harsh, cruel words of him. That is
the reason why Tildsn was not re-nomi-
mated. and it is the reason why he was
lukewarm in the campaign and also why
Mr.. Dana called Hancock good man,
weighing 250 pounds"
"What infsrence do you drawf"
81 am not drawing inferences, I am
stating solid, substantial facts, which sew
eral influential southerners can corroba-
rate if they wish-part Of the history of
that memorable campaign to be written as
1t happened s,o
Prominent Michigan Men Dscsased.
DETRolr, Sept. 5.-Dr. Alex. Calter, a
| leading citizen Of Wayne, eighteen miles
from Detroit, and prominent physician
of this county, died last night. He had
been in failing health for some months.
He was surgeon of the Twenty fourth
Michigan regiment during the war. Hon.
Henry f. KELLOGG formerly of Hillsdale