The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-02
DEMOCRATIC WAR HORSES.
Another True and Graphic Statements
Of Tilden's Physical Condition.
He Strikes Out from the Shoulder and JOY
OuSly Shakes His Leg, But Alas Does
Not Want the Nomination.

BALTIMORE, April 1.-The Sun yesterday
morning sent one of its most trusted correspond
ents to see Samuel J. Tilden, and tonight re-
ceived dispatch from him in which occurs the
following:
Governor Tilden sat in an easy chair in front
of an open fire in his library at 10 o'clock this
morning, looking quite comfortable ard satisfied
with himself and the outer world AS l entered
he arose, and, with a smiling welcome, extended
his hand. Governor Tilden shows scarcely
a perceptible change in his appearance in the
last four years, except that his voice
may be a tri1e more feeble He has fne
healthy color, his hearing is acute and his eye
as bright as it was twenty years ago. In the
course of conversation he expressed himself
freely several times, but Immediately followed
such remarks with an injunction that he was
not speaking for publication.
John Bigelow, who was present, explained
that Governor Tilden had been so cruelty misrep.
resented in print, sometimes, perhaps uninten-
tionally that he had determined to
authorize more interviews Governor
Tilden asked me about the progress of legislation
in Washington, and what the Democratic major
ity of the House would do He had decided
opinions in this respect, but did not wish them
recorded. I said to him that there was a very
general feeling in political circles in
Washington that the Democratic party
had gotten into a muddle that he was
the only man who could extricate it, and that
his candidacy was necessary. At this he leaned
over close to my ear and said, very slowly and
distinctly, L do not want the nomination, and
cannot take it.. Then he repeated, No cannot
give up the peace and quiet which l enjoy here
for four years of toll and strife. l am seventy
years old, and l cannot do it. / then said
it had been rumored that it was his
purpose to write a formal statement
announcing his position with reference to the
presidency. He said he had thought of that, and
it was not improbable he would do it; but not
yet
Il then suggested that perhaps he would fol
low the same course as in $780, and intrust
the letter to some friend to be laid before tho
convention when ii assemblies. He said Mr..
Bigelow did not want him to write any
letter at all. Mr.. Bigelow spoke up
fcient pretext for writing any let
ter at present, nor should there be any mis-
apprehension in regard to Mr.. Tildens attitude
on this subject. He is not called upon to make
any further declaration now"
Upon rising to leave, [ said to Mr. Tilden
that his friends and admirers hoped he would
enjoy good health and a prolonged life. His
face brighented up as he said, Il do enjoy
good health 1 have complaint on that
score to make. He then raised and let fall each
arm, struck out from both shoulders, and fol
lowed this with vigorous stamping of first one
foot and then the other on the carpet. and said
quite joyously, no paralysis there Taking my
arm he walked with firm step the whole
length of the spacious library, and parted
from me at the door with a cordial
grasp of the hand and with a request to convey
his kndest regards to his friends in Maryland.
Governor Tilden," adds the correspond-
ent, said enough to convince
me he is entirely sincere in his
announced Discrimination to stand for the Presi-
dency. that he prefers the luxury and
elegance Of his own splendid home
and the charm of the small but select
circle of congenal friends which center around
him, to the White House trouble; but this is no
reason why, when the Democratic convention
meets, it should not nominate Mr.. Tilden, if its
members think he is the best man. A response
bility would then be fixed upon him which, how
ever much he may imagine to the contrary, it is
impossible for him to realize now"