Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-05-08
CALLING FOR SAMUEL.
Democrats Urging Mr.. Tilden to Run.
A Party OF Visiting Statesmen Call
Upon the Sage of Gramercy and
Urge Him to be a Candidate
Some Say he Will and Some
Say Not.

Say Not.
New York, May 2.-Several members
of the Democratic National Committee
were in town yesterday, among them
being Hon. w. l.. Scott, of Erie, Penn
sylvania, and w. HI. Barnum, of Con-
necticut. Mr.. Smith Weed was also in
the city. Their visit was not generally
advertised among the politicians and
created no stir whatever. 1t was
known, however, to have been made
for very important purpose, indeed
if rumOr be true-for no other than to
learn final decision, once for all, from
Mr.. Tilden's own lips, whether or not
he will accept the Democratic nOmina-
ton for the presidency. During the
day call was made at Mr.. Tilden's
residence. Whatever may have taken
place at that meeting is locked in the
bOsOms of the visiting statesmen, not
one of whom would speak on the sub
ject last evening when interrogated. II
any opinion was to be gathered from
their conversation on other political
topics, however, it was that their visit
had been eminently satisfactory.
A prominent member of the commit
tee who took very active and leading
part in the famous "Tilden and Re-
form" campaign of 1876, spoke quite
freely concerning Mr.. Tilden's candida
cy, upon the distinct understanding
that the speakers name should not be
disclosed. He said:
~ noticed an editorial paragraph in
the IG1,eS this morning which is quite
significant below the surface. 1t states
that the Southern Senators recognize
the strength of the Tilden boom in their
section, and that they don't like it, but
are powerless to prevent it. That latter
observation discloses the purpose of the
article. The fact is the South is solid
for Tilden and wants nobody else.
They believe no other Democrat can
win at this time. 1t is hardly necessa-
ry to add that the Southern Democratic
Senators are in the line and sympathy
with the party sentiment in their Sec
tion."
"Is it true that Mr.. Tilden has begun
to advance his claims as a presidential
candidate through the press?'
"Mr. Tilden's nearest friends are
Hon. John Bigelow and Andrew H.
Green. The latter has been long re-
garded here as the custodian of the Gov
ernor, receiving visitors both at Gram
ercy Park and at Greystone. To these
gentlemen is attributed the manage
ment of the bureau to forward the Til
den movement in the South. I am not
personally aware nor do I believe that
Mr.. Tilden himself has taken single
step of any nature whatsoever looking
to that result. Indeed, all the circum-
stances point to the conclusion that he
has preferred to let matters take theil
own course. What his friends may
have done is of course another matter
entirely, and one which can only be ex.
planned on the ground of their intense
desire to see the party succeed in elect
ing Democratic President"
"What are your personal views as tc
his candidacy"
III can say, without hesitation, that
consider it would be the wisest step the
party could take to nominate him. II
would clear away every embarrassment
and obstacle now in the way. His nom
ination Is the one political event the
Republicans dread. They confidently
expect, however, that, with their usual
surprising faculty of laundering, the
Democrats will take up a new candi-
date"
"But the widespread impression in
the party is that Mr.. Tilden would re-
fuse to run-thata denomination would
be promptly met by letter of declina-
tion."
II have the best reasons in the world
for stating that were spontaneous
nomination rendered, Mr.. Tilden would
not refuse to be candidate"
"Then may set down this statement
as the outcome of your visit to Mr.. Til
den; that he has consented-w
"You will please say nothing official
on the subject. What took place was
not designed to go to the newspapers.
do not desire to be put in position
either of making this announcement as
the result of that interview, but as my
own personal statement of the situation.
Beyond this have nothing to say"
Mr.. Smith Weed was also inter-
viewed; and expressed in a very decided
manner his opinion that Governor Til
den would not be a candidate under
any circumstances. He admitted that
the influence of certain friends was very
potent, but did not think it would pre-
vail in view of the condition of his
health.