The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-12
MR.. TILDEN'S DECLINATION.
The Democrats Believe that 1t Will In
crease McDOnald's Chances.
How 1t Is Regarded by Hon. Thomas A.
Hendricks, William H. English
and Austin II. Brown.

The news that Mr. Tilden had declined to be
considered a candidate for the presidency
reached this city about 10 o'clock last night, and
created considerable talk in political circles
While general feeling of disappointment was
manifested among the Democrats who had IA
vored the ''old ticket" their deep grief was
assuaged somewhat by the belief that its perma-
nent retirement from the field would greatly
increase Senator McDonalds chances to
secure the Democratic nomination. Within
few weeks, comparatively, the conviction has
grown strong upon the representative men of
the party that with the remotest possibility of Mr.
Tilden allowing his name to go before the conven-
ton, the candidacy of the other distinguished
gentlemen named for the position would amount
to nothing, so widespread and general had be-
come the enthusiasm for the old ticket. MIR.
McDonald's friends and supporters recognized
this fact but continued their canvass, which re-
Gently has developed rather pretentiously
in anticipation of Mr.. Tildens expected
declnation, which has brought comfort and hope
to their anxious souls. For several days they
have confidently asserted that, with Tilden out
of the way, Mr. Mcdonald would be the nomi-
nee of the convention and they now have an OPP
portunity to do earnest and effective work, to
bring about this happy consummation. Last
night they were jubilant and boastful,
and it was with feelings of deep grief that the
Journal re porters, who mingled with them, no.
&ced that in their enthusiasm for their new love.
'the favorite son." Mr.. T. A. Hendricks, seemed
TO have been forgotten. Thoughtless and incon-
siderate as Democrats usually are, they
did not stop to reflect that in
Mr.. Tilden's withdrawal Mr.. Hendricks
would probably be eternally retired from promi-
nence as candidate for a place on the national
ticket The reflection is indeed a sad one.
Senator Mcdonald was expected home from
Washington late last night, but if he
arrived he effectually concealed himself
from the reporters If he shows up to-
day, however, he will be promptly
and ruthlessly interviewed. Mr. Hendricks, the
elder English and Mr., Austin H. Brown were
seen, and gave expression to views which may
be considered representative of those of the
party in this State
Mr.. HENDRICKS OPINIONS.
Hon T. A. Hendricks was interviewed at his
residence. at IL o'clock last night He had not
then heard of Mr. Tilden's letter, and mani
tested much interest in its contents; asking
whether or not the reason assigned for the
declination was ill-health, and whether Mr.
Tilden had given any other reasons for refus
ing to be considered candidate. ''This action,
said Mr.. Hendricks, sis not a surprise to me-
When l visited Mr.. Tilden at his house, in
August last, we talked on political
affairs, and he at that time expressed
a firm intention to keep out of
politics I did not understand that he had
rived at this determination particularly on ac-
count of ill-health, for he seemed to be very
well and in good spirits He showed me around
his place, explaining the various features of in
terost, and his physical vigOr did not seem to be
much impaired, for he got in and out of his car
riage with apparent ease and did not appear to
be fatigued by climbing the stairs
did not see him again until my re-
turn from Europe in April last, when
I called on him. He appeared less
robust than at my previous visit, and seemed
somewhat careworn, but 1 understood that this
was the result of the great press of business to
which he had been subjected for some time We
did not then speak about the possible renomina
ten of the old ticket, FOR my visit was brief"
''Then you have never publicly stated that
such nomination could not be nader
''No, sir-not explicitly The conversation
just referred to- which took place last August,
was confidential and did not care to make its
details public, until Mr. Tilden chose to make
kuOWu MS lHbenGlOIlS dDOuG ludbJcf, anu GlllS
he has done to-day as understand it. But
did say in my Iowa speech, that did not think
he would be candidate.
"And about yoursefp
81 feel no particular disappointment over it.
did not want the vice-presidency eight years
ago-I do not want it now. If the old tickethad
remained in the field and been elected, | should
have considered it a very great honor conferred
upon me by the people, as a rebuke for what
they consider a very great wrong. The Office
has no attractions for me at all but election
under such circumstances would have been
a great event in the political history Of this
country forit would have been an expression from
the great masses of the people in favor of right
and justice and it would have prevented the
wrong of 1876 from becoming precedent to be
followed in future elections"
''What in your opinion, will be the result of
Mr.. Iilden's declinationY
''That l cannot tell. feel, however, that it
will be very great disappointment to the party;
for there is little doubt that the old ticket would
have been renominated at the Chicago conven-
ton, probably unanimously. The demand for it
was strong and universal. never before knew
political movement TO develop into such magni-
tude and force it has. have known all
along that there was a very strong
feeling for the denomination of the
old ticket, but during my absence in Europe,
when was not kept informed regarding matters
at home, it became general and strongly marked,
and this feeling was not confined exclusively to
members of the party. L have received aSSur-
ances of this from all parts of the country.
''How will it affect the candidacy of the var
ious gentlemen who want to be nominated for
PRESIDENT"
~ am sure do not know, further than
it will increase the chances of them
all. Mr.. Mcdonald may derive benefit
from it and so may the rest 1 suppose now that
the support of New York. and probably some of
the adjoining States, will be divided between Mr.
Cleveland and Mr.. Flower, of New York as
understand the latter is pronounced candidate.
have recently seen the statement published
that he has the support of more
of the delegates to the New York
State convention than Mr.. Cleveland has
Senator Bayard is a very earnest and
formidable candidate. ! do not think Mr. Ran
dali is, and don't think Mr.. Hoadly is. al
though have not seen him since his election as
Governor of Ohio Mr.. Mcdonald will have the
unanimous and enthusiastic support OF the Indi-