The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-06-14
Mr.. Tilden and the Presidency.

Mr.. Tilden and the Presidency.
1t is iterated and reiterated by those who
profess to know whereof they speak, that Mr.
| Tilden will not serve as a candidate Tor the
Presidency. The party has refused to ac-
cept these statements concerning Mr.. Tilden
1t has been fully impressed with the belief
| that if nominated with unanimity he would
serve. Should the nomination be made and
declined, it would present an occasion for the
exercise of the most careful deliberation in
the selection of ticket While such declen-
sion would occasion unfeigned regret and pre-
cipitate a hasty selection of candidate, it
need not embarrass the party in making ju-
dicious choice from among the large number
of eminent men who grace its ranks, and
whose candidacy would inspire harmony and
enthusiasm and be crowned with success
"Principles, not men," has always been a
party precept with the Democrats, and while
there is difference in men as to their pecu
liar fitness and qualifications for places of
public trust, that difference is materially les
sened by the oneness of their faith. The
Democratic party has a score or more OF tired
and true men, any of whom would fill the po-
sition with honor, and lead the Democratic
legions to assured victory. The party is for
tunate in having in its ranks so many noble
sons to call upon in time of need for sue
cessful leader, especially as current events in
the ranks of the opposition would seem to
point to and facilitate successful issue. a
keen sense of the outrage perpetrated upon
Mr. Tilden eight years ago, and through him
upon his party, has inspired a universal SEN
timent to redress that outrage in his own per-
son by again bringing him forward for the
Presidency. But if he himself interposes
barrier to the full6lment of the wishes of the
party in this respect, there is no other alter
native but to turn to some other distinguished
citizen and place the chaplet of leadership
upon his brow.
Since the above was put in type MIR. Iilden
has written a letter to the Democratic State
Committee of New York published on Thurs
day-positivey declining to become candi-
date for President, and giving the following
reasons:
Twenty years of continuous maladmnistration
under the demoraliZing influences of intestine war
and of bad finance have infected the whole govern
mental system of the United States with the cancer
Gus growths of false constructions and corrupt prac
tees. Powerful classes have acquired pecuniary
interests in official abuses. and the moral standards
of the people have been impaired TO redress these
evils is work of great difficulty and lahore, and
cannot be accomplished without the most energetic
and efficient personal action on the part OF the Chef
Executive of the republic.
The canvass and administration, which it is de-
sired that | should undertake, would embrace
period of nearly five years. Nor can / admit any
Illusion as: their burdens. Three years of exper-
fence in the cndeavOr to reform the municipal gov
experience ill renOvatng the administration of the
State of New York have made me familiar with the
requirements of such work.
At the present time the considerations which IN
duced my action III 1850 have become imperative.
l ought not to assume task which have not the
physical strength 10 carry through. To reform the
administration the federal government TO realize
my own ideal and 10 fulfill the just expectations
of the people would indeed warrant as they could
alone compensate the sacrifices which the under
taking would involve. But i'll my condition of ad-
vaucing years and declining strength feel no as
Surance of my ability to accomplish those objects.
! am therefore, constrained to say definitely that
cannot now assume the labors of an administration
or of Il canvass.
Undertaking in no wise that best gift of heaven
the occasion and the power sometimes bestowed
upon mere individual ~ communicate an impulse
for good; grateful beyond all words to my fellow
countrymen who would assign such a beneflcent
function TO me am consoled by the reflection that
neither the Democratic party nor the republic for
whose future that party is the best guarantee, is
now, or ever can be. dependent upon any one man
for their successful progress in the path of noble
destiny
Having given TO their welfare whatever of health
and strength possessed could borrow from the
future, and having reached the term of my capacity
for such labors their welfare now demands, but
submit to the will of God i'll dcemins my public
career forever closed. SAMUEL j. TILDEN.
While Democrats everywhere will receive
this declaration with regret, they will at the
same time see the force of his reasoning and
conclude that Mr.. Tiden has acted wisely. The
task of reforming the government is vast
undertaking. and under the circumstances Mr..
Tilden has, beyond doubt, pursued the proper
course in declining. While Flower, McDon-
aid, Bayard, Thurman, Hoadley, Holman,
Cleveland, or any that are now mentioned for
the Presidency on the Democratic side, would
make acceptable candidates, we believe that
the strongest ticket that can be named is
CLEVELAND AND HOADLEY.