The Indianapolis journal., 1886-08-05
Governor Hill,s opinion.

ALBANY, N. Y, Aug 4-To-day Governor
Hill said II have known Mr. Tiden for over
seventeen years. MY first acquaintance with
him began when he was chairman of the Demo
cratic State committee, and being associated
with him in the Legislature of 1872 in which
we both served together as Democratic mem
bers of the judiciary committee. Our political
relations became quite intimate, andswere al
ways of the most pleasant character. He told me
on the first days session OF that Legislature
that his object in coming there was to secure
the removal of corrupt judges Of New York. He
was the prime mover in all impeachment pro-
ceedings which followed, and he succeeded in all
his efforts. He was not especially popular in
that Legislature, and antagonized many mem
beTs and made enemies. At that time no one
would have dared predict that he would become
the leader of a party in the State and Nation.
His growth in public estimation was slow. but
sure He was always courteous and extremely
conservative. He was ever on the honest
side of every public question, and per-
severed in whatever ne undertook
After his election for Governor,
his famous upon the canal ring and his eff
forts to purify the administration of public af-
fairs brought him into great prominence and
gave him the confidence of the people. He, how
ever, antagonized many prominent men In the
Democratic party. He had before this, as chair
men of the State committee. attacked the Tweed
ring in New York, and, mainly through his ex-
ertons, that ring was driven from power. 1t is
needless to say that believed in him and ad-
mired his ability his courage and his political
sagacity. Nearly all the political strug-
giles in which / was engaged for
80 many years in the southern tier
of counties were waged in his behalf.
/ warmly advocated his nomination for the
presidency in 1876. and was elected delegate to
the st. Louis convention which nominated him.
His campaign was based upon the single issue of
reform favored his denomination in $780,
and am one Of those who believe that he would
have been triumphantly elected. The Demo-
cratic party frittered away the only issue it had
my Judgment, was of the greatest men
this country has produced. 1t is sometimes
said he was a mere politician He was
however. politician In the highest and best
sense of the term. He may have been ambi-
tious, but his was always an honorable ambition
and one that secured great benefits to the peo-
pie whom he had always faithfully served.
can hardly express my feelings at his death.
saw him for the last time at his home in Grey
stone, where visited him at his request. Intel
lectually he was never brighter. He talked
freely on all public questions, and I
discovered that he was thoroughly posted on
everything that was transpiring His general
health was better than it had been for some time,
although his voice was very weak. He wrote to
me quite frequently all during last winter and
8pring and my last letter from him was only
few weeks ago. He has been q firm friend for
ship and advice in the campaigns OF 82 and '85
The Democratic party has lost one of its dis
tinguished leaders, and his place will be hard to
ElLs