Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-05-03
A PERSONAL VISIT TO Mr.. SAM
UEL ]. TILDRN.
The Veteran statesman's Health Good

A correspondent Of the Boston Post,
who called upon Mr.. Samuel ]. TildeD,
writes to that journal as follows:
"Desiring to get at the truth amid
the conflicting reports regarding Mr.
Tilden's health, and to renew a pleas
ant acquaintance formed several years
ago, a representative Of the Post
sought out that gentleman at his resi-
dence in Gramercy Park. And right
here it NAV be said for the benefit OF
those people who have been led to be-
lieve Mr.. Tilden palsied old man,
fast tottering to the grave, that the
Post mans note, asking il a visit
would be agreeable, was replied to by
that gentleman in neat little letter in
Mr.. Tilden's own handwriting, as legi'
bly, and evenly written as any penned
in 1875. At the Tilden mansion, or
rather palace, for palace it is, or will
be when completed, the representative
of the Post
WAS MOST CORDIALLY WELCOMED
by Mr.. Tilden, who at that moment
was experimenting the work of a num-
ber of carpenters, decorator and car
vers, and apparently tak'ng great in
terest in all the elegant cetails of their
work. It is said that the dining hall,
about which so much has been written,
will alone cost $40, 1000; its f-escoing
is certainly a marvel of beauty and
good taste, and its carvings superb
and grand. If Mr.. Tilden were real
ly the physical wreck that has been re-
ported, it would seem unreasonable
for him to expend a fortune in erect
ing a costly dwelling which he could
not hope to enjoy. But he is not a
broken reed, by any means. The
newspaper man was glad to note that
he is in good flesh, possesses a healthy
glow in his cheeks, and has an eye as
bright and mind as keen as in 1876,
which was the last time that the news
paper man had seen him previous to
this visit. Mr.. Tildens hands show
something of the nervous tremor that
has caused so much apprehension az
to his tenure of life. He explained
that it was not the result of paralysis
or premonition of it, but Is wholly
a nervous trouble, originally brought
on by overwork in the campaigns OF
1855, when he iabored necessarily
for fifteen hours day, undertaking a
mental and physical task that would
heve broken down any ordinary con-
stltution. Mr.. Tilden's voice is not
strong, but it is much improved thanks
to his careful and judicious life, both
in and out of doors. During the in
terview, Mr.. Tilden talked cheerfully
about his health, and of his hope for
years yet of comfortable living.
MR. TILDEN's ONLY DESIRE.
The Post representative brought the
conversation gradually around to poll
tics and the outlook for 1884. Mr..
Tilden emphatically stated that he
was not figuring or in any way both
ering himself about party politics,
either on his own or ony other mans
account. His only desire, he said,
was ''to be let alone" He keeps a~
courant regarding the political world
by reading the papers, the Post among
others (which he complimented for its
sturdy adherence to the true princi-
pies of Democracy, and by commun
ion with a pleasant circle Of friends.
Although not candidate for any po-
sitlon within the gift of the party, Mr..
Tllden is by no means Indifferent to
it's future. He considers the chances
for the success of the National Demo-
cratic party IN 1884 as of the brightest
character, as things look to-day, and
he hopes for the best. In answer to
the question, "Who, in your judg-
ment, is the most available man for
the Presidential nomination." the old
stateman cooked his eye, and, looking
very wisely at the newspaper man, re-
marked: "That is matter that has
not yet developed"
In conversing with MIR. Tilden and
in inspecting portion of his beautiful
house, about one hour was delightful.
ly passed. Mr.. Tilden had stood in and
about the house, giving directions to the
workmen, four hours and over when
the Post man arrived. Il come dowr
from Yonkers," he said, "every Other
day, and spend from three to five
hours just as you have seen me to-
day" The Post man left, wondering
if it were possible to compute the
number Of lies that have been wilfully
1told about Samuel j. Tilden's health