The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-04-01
FACTS ABOUT MR.. TILDEN.
AN AUTHORIZED STATEMENT FROM HIS MOST INT
MATE ASSOCIATE

lie lEighs as Much E'rr-A Mn,ve1ons Reader,
'cM heen Eyesight-Hoc lie Anends TO Pirate 4 r.
Jdirs-Sonnd in Erery Fnqi Iart
Such exaggerated stories in respect to Mr.. Tilden s
physical condition have recently been put atoat by
Republicans who can scarcely sleep 1T night for
Tear OF having to confront him in the next Presi-
oehtia canvass, and by partisans OF persons aspr-
ing 10 the democratic nomination. that the World
tnougnt II nj TO give the public authentic informa-
ZION upon this interesting topic. Accordingly, a
representative of the World called upon promi-
nent gent leman, who is known to possess the most
rellable knowledge the sub ect, he is and has
been for many gears Mr.. Tildens most intimate
friend and constant associate in his public well as
his private affairs. At the gentleman's particular
request his naine is omitted But the following in
terview was first submitted to his revision
Reportcr-Have YOU the means of knowing the
truth about MIR. Tilden's physical condition?
MI much as any man. | have seen him almost
every DAY Tor SIX months past and have transacted
vast amount of business with him or under his In
structions.
Report er-Please read tn" following rrtraet nurn
an interview which appeared a few days since and
say whether there is any truth in it
Mr. Tiden within forty eight hours by gen.
tleman who reports him in extreme physical debility
hundred pounds that the taken pur-
pose Of giving him sleep have been forbidden by his phys
only but has extended other hand and that his
time whisper has become faint and feeble to
nccessate frequent petltlOns for the benefit OF even the
Mr. -. 1t is almost an absolute fiction. AS to
Mr. Tilden's weight, it is absolutely false Mr.. Til
den weighs between one hunGred and twenty five
and one hundred and thirty pounds have known
him forty years. From the time he eighteen
until he y-tve he never but once exceeded
one hundred and twenty-five pounds. He weighs as
much now as the average since he grew to manhood.
The story that he takes or has bee taking narcotics
to induce sleep is totally false. He has done so in
instance for years, and never in the habit of
doing He is remarkably good sleeper. Nor
is lie paralyzed on either side. He has a rheumatic
affection of some of the fingers of the left hand.
lie is sometimes subject to trcmor of the hands.
But generally it is not sufficient to prevent his car
rvng tumbler of water to his mouth to prevent
his writing his signature, which he has occasion to
do frequently every day. | happen to know that he
was lately called upon in a trust t" aix his sig
nature four hundred times, which he did the
same day. His sense of hearing is uncom-
monty acute in both He hears the slight
est hisper. His eyes something wonderful.
He reads three to five hours evening, besides
what he does in the daytime. He has quick and
erect walk, and does mind going up three four
flights OF stairs. His voice is feeble by reason of
debility of the vocal Chords which increases when
he is fat gued The medical men all say that the
tremor of hands does not touch any vital powers
They all report all the vital powers OF Mr.. Tilden
to he healthy and strong Mr.. Tilden goes daily
out and about attends to his affairs, which of
limited extent; is called on to advise in matters
of Importance with which he has long been connec-
ted reads carly and late, rises early and rarely re-
tires before eleven selects and buys and reads more
books probably than any private gentlemen in this
city is now arranging his extensive library and
furnishing his house, and is called u"on continu-
"uSly by persons from all parts OF the United States.
Reporcr-What about Mr.. Tilden being a can
ddate for the Presidency?
Mr.. - Those who fear it borrowing a great
deal of unnecessary trou lie. There is no reaaon to
suppose that Mr.. 1ildcn will change the position he
took in his letter OF decenson in 1850 He said
then that there nothing he much desired as
the repose of private life, and that he felt unequal to
the enormous work Of reforming the Government
the expectation of which would be his sole motive
for accepting He thinks the objections he then
had are more forcible now, and he is unwilling to
enter into engagement involving five years OF in
cessant toll and care. Immense efforts have been
made to shake his purpose, but without effect His
action is dictated, not by a that he is in an
extreme condition, but by the exercise of wise
foresight and sound judgment.