The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1884-04-03
TILDEN NOT A CANDIDATE.
He Reiterates that Assertion In
Lnfe Interview.

Late Interview.
Mr.. L. A. Richardson, OF the Baltimore Sun,
interviewed the Hon. Samuel j. Tilden In New
York yesterday. Mr.. John Digelow, Mr.. TIL
denis warm personal friend and confidential
adviser, was present.
The interviewer says:
''Govornor Tilden asked me about the pro-
cress OF legislation In Washington, and what
the Democratic majority OF tho House would
do. He had decided opinions In this respect,
but did not wish them recorded. said TO him
that there was very general feeling in pollti.
cal circles In washington that tho Democratic
party had gotten into n muddle; that no was
the only man who could cxtrlcate II, and that
his candidacy was necessity. At this he
leaned over close 10 my ear, and said
very slowly and distinctly. Il do not want
the nomination and cannot take IT, Then he
repeated, NO, cannot give up the peace and
quiet which enjoy here for four years toll
and strife. am 20 years old and cannot do
It. / then said 1t had been rumored II was
his purpose to write formal letter ANNOUNCE
ing his position with reference TO tho Presl-
dency He said yes, he had thought OF that,
and It was not improbable that no would do
II, but not yet. then suggested that perhaps
he would follow the same course as In 1880,
and entrust the letter 10 some friend TO be
laid before the convention when 1t assembled
He said Mr.. Bigelow did not want him to write
O letter AT all.
"Mr. Bigelew spoke up and said: THAT Is so.
There Is no sufIlclent pretext for writing any
letter at present, nor should thore DO any
misrepresentation as to Mr. Tilden's attitude
OH luls buDJbCls NO Is Hut Chlltu upOu 10
make any further declaration now,
"Upon rising to leave l said 10 Mr.. Tilden
that his friends and admirers hoped he would
enjoy good health and a prolonged life. His
face frightened up as he said, Il do enjoy good
health. have no complaint TO make on that
score He then raised and lot fall each arm,
struck out from both shoulders and followed
this with a vigorous stamping OF first ono foot
and then the other on tho carpet, aud said,
quite locularly, NO paralysis there.'
"Taking my arm he walked with Arm step
the whole length OF the spacious library, ana
parted from mo at the door with cordial
grasp OF the hand and with the request 10 con-
yey his kindly regards 10 his friends In Mary
land.
oAs TO tho matter Of Mr.. Tllden's physical
condition, while looking al him to-day was
most forclbly struck with aremark made more
Than once 10 mo by the late Montgomery Blair.
Tho stories OF Mr.. rlldens delicate health
were as numerous In 1850 as they are now.
Mr.. Blair always commented ON them with
visible Impotence, concluding with the no.
mark, why, Tilden will live longer than l
SHALL
"Mr. Tilden is subject TO tho lot OF all NOR.
tality. He certainly ia not robust man, But
no one can say that he may not be Just as we'll
IN 1883 as no IL now. Stacks OF letters from
all parts OF the United States arc constantly
pouring In on Mr.. Tilden, mainly devoted 10
the all-absorbing subject OF the Presidency,
and written with tho idea OF extracting from
him more elaborate expressions than no has
yet uttered. The writer's are not likely 10 be
gratlned."