New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-06-13
MR. TILDEN'S DECLINATION.
DEMOCRATIC CoNGREssMEN PERPLExED.
UNCERTAIN WHICH WAY TO TURN-MUCH TALK
ABOUT CLEVELAND AND FLOWER.
TpY rsIEaRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

ABOUT CLEVELAND AND fLoWEh
IBY rELsaRAPH THE TRBuSE.i
w.suINoToN. June 12.-Mr. Tildens letter was
the main topic of discussion to-day among politi-
clans in Washington. Some Republicans were dis
posed TO believe il does not finally settle in the neg
alive the question as to whether or not Tiden Will
be the Democratic candidate and a few Democrats
were found who professed to share this belief. one
or two of them said: "The other candidates VIII
now come to the 'front.' and when the convention as
scmbles the party will be torn by discussions not
only as to candidates, but as to the platform that
il may be necessary to draft Tilden into the ser
yjcen The general opinion, however, is that the
declaration is final and that the party must seek
another candidate The situation is regarded as
serious by some Of the more thoughtful Democrats
one of whom remarked: Il find among Republican
congressman disposition TO assert that Iilden de-
clines TO be a candidate because he expects Repuo
lican victory and shrinks from contest IN whicn
there would be strong probability OF his OWE de-
feat OF course, | do not admit the existence OF
such probability motive. and yet the pupuca-
tion of this letter at late date lends color 10
both and it will, fear, produce chill among the
Democrats in many States. l do not understand
WHY the letter was kept back so long. llldehs
physIcal condition is no than it was three
months ago before the party in any State County
had declared in favor Of his candidacy He speaks
of the assurances given by his conhdentlal 1rlendS
from time to time that he would not be a candldate
hut he seems TO forget that contrary assurances
have been quite as numerous from men who were
supposed to be equal possessors of his confidence"
"wHoM DOES TuDEN wANTf'
Democratic Congressman who regarded as
possible or probable dark horses" are, OF course
happy. but they have suddenly developed an amaz-
ing capacity for reticence They not willing to
express themselves with freedom either III regard 10
the letter or their own prospects. Among the Dem
ocratic Representatives whose ambition does not
soar SO high as to bring the Presidential prize
within the reach OF their Imagination there IS
feeling of intense bcwilderment. They remihd one
of a swarm of bees that has lost its queen. lhey
are full of speculation, and nearly every one is
ready to suggest ticket that can win; but all OF
them are anxious to have an answer to the cues
,ion - Whom does Tilden want ~ Itdoes not follow
that all the Democratic Congressman are willing to
accent Mr. Tilden's choice, for great many VINO
belong to the trade wing are bitterly hostile TO
him. and would be glad TO defeat any man whom ne
might recommend What these Congressman say
about candidates Is of consequence only as SHOW
ing the drift of Democratic comment, for very lew
of them will participate delegates IN the proceed
ings of the National Convention and not many OF
the others are supposed to possess much ability to
influence the preferences OF oeIega'es III 'nou i0
spective States
SOME OF THE TICKETS SUGGESTED.
At least score of tickets suggested to-day by
different Democratic Representatives. Among
them were the follOwingi
Cleveland and Mcdonald.
Cleveland and Carlisle.
Cleveland aud Morrison
Bayard and Mcdonald. 80
BayaId and MORRISON
Mcdonald and Slocum.
Mcdonald and Cleveland
Mcdonald and Flower.
Flower and Morrison.
Flower and Mcdonald.
The frequent mention of Mr.. Flowers name
seemed to be caused by an impression among some
of the Democrats that his friends will be likely to
control the New-York Convention, the actloh OF
which is looked forward to with great interest ana
no little anxiety. 1t was noticeable that the name
of General Butler did not seem TO occur to any
body.
Representative Van Alstyne, Of the Albany Dis
tret said TO Critic reporter that the Tden letter
will stimulate the Cleveland boom; that Cleveland
will have the solid New-York delegation at his
back; that Tammany will support him; that ne Is
Tilden's choice. and that he can carry New YORK
bv 80. 600 majority MI Van Alstyne also declared
that General Slocum has no real strength"
CLEAR AS BELL AND STRONG AS A CYCLONE
Representative Breckenridge of Arkansas, de-
scribed the letter as being as clear as bell and
strong as a cyclone" but expressed regret that it
had not been withheld until the convention assem-
bled because now we will have continual up
roar until after the convention shall have com
pleted its work. Mr.. Cassidy, of Nevada, who
visited Tilden some time ago. to ascertain whether
or not he would be a candidate. was very much sur
prised by the letter. I" / firmly believed" SAID ne
q that Nh. Tilden was a candidate was firmly
convinced that he would make the race III looks
now a good deal like Cleveland"
Mr. Moulton, of Illinois. thinks the letter is one
of the best ever written, the only trouble being
that II was not written long ago. Mr.. Moulton
thinks that Cleveland will be nominated. lie SAID:
al am in favor of his nomination. and do not think
better man could be found" As Mr.. MoutOn
comes from the same State that Colonel Morrison
does. his attitude is by some regarded as rather
significant.
Mr. Hurd had expected such a letter from Tilden.
and thinks that if the New-York Convention is for
him Cleveland will be nominated.
Mr. Clardy. of Missouri, does not think that
Tnden,s declination necessarily means Governor
Clevelands nomination.
General Forney of Alabama, said: ave are
talking of Slocum and Voorhees-New-York and In
diana. Socum great soldier and is STRONG Ill
New-York aud voorhees, could carry Indiana"
Representative Cuberson indOrsed the Slocum
VOORHEES, ticket
Judge Field has some friends in the South. Mr.
Young of Tennessee. thinks Field is the strongest
man that can be nominated. Representative
Money. of Mississippi Is also in favor ofField
,r.vrs MATTERS IN NEw-YoRK VERY MUCH MIXED.
SS. Cox said: "The Tilden letter leaves mat
ters in New-York very much mixed 1t is ike the
little girl who when asked the meaning OF the word
chaos said it was great big chunk OF nothlhg
with nowhere TO put it," Mr.. Cox thinks that un-
less New-York unites in presenting the name OF q
great, strong man." who will have her entire sup
port the State will come back from the convention
with one of her citizens on the ticket Nice-Pres