San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1886-09-02
FREE PRESS.
TILDEN.

To any discerning mind' whcn mas
given attention to the course OF the
late Samuel ]. Tilden, it must be OBJ
yious that his character stands far
removed, and above, "the common
run" of even the more distinguished
politicians OF his time. His mind
was cast in quite different mould
his aims and ideals and methods
were entirely different.
Mr.. Tilden owed none Of his sue
cess in life to ndventitious circum-
stances. A recent sketch Of his life
says: "He was a sickly infant, an
unhealthy boy, and always an ailing
man." This apparent most serious
drawback may,after all, have conduced
to his success. While it prevented
the completion of his school and col
lege course, it was favorably to stud
ious habits. Tradition says he was
never fond of boyish sports, but loved
to walk and ride. As he grew older
his mental training was self-imposed.
He had an aunt who was great
reader and an enthusiastic politician.
To Mrs. Younglove Mr.. Tilden al
ways attributed his early knowledge
of great affairs. Sheput in his hands
when mere boy the first edition OF
Mr.. Jefferson's writings, and not only
encouraged him to read the books
but delighted to impart to him oil
the information she possessed on the
various subjects discussed by the
great apostle of Democracy. To some
extent this worthy lady appears to
have directed his earliest reading in
other directions.
This early introduction to the
writings of Jefferson no doubt gave
color to all of Mr.. Tilden's subse-
quent character and political life.
While not possessing all the various
attainments OF Jefferson, he was
strikingly like him in the spheres OF
craftsmanship in which he figured.
Like Jefferson, his principal achieve
ments were won by the pen, as q
ouiet thinker and writer. It was his
early ability rs u writer which first
attracted the notice of Martin
Van Buren,, and other democratic
leaders, to the future statesman. In
his three great fields Of law, politics
and finance, his pen wrought his
fame. His writings will form his
everlasting monument. Behold here,
blatant demagogues! the handwrit-
ing on the wall, as respec ts your pre-
tensions to enduring fame.
A mind thus nurtured and elevated
would naturally be highly sensitive
and conscientious. Of this we find
the following striking illustration
from the Albany Argus:
The Hon. Diedrich Willers, the Deputy
", Il, ~,,,,, n n
ernatorlal oath when he was Secretary Of
State to Gov. s. J. Tilden, and yesterday
Mr.. Willers said II remember well the
day the oath was administered to Mr. Til
den. and with what fervency he swore to
abide by the Constitution as Governor. He
was completely overcome ut the conclusion
of this simple but impressive duty, and
many said it was owing to his then weak
physical condition. But l was satisfied
then, as now, that he swooned from emo
ton, for he was a man who concentrated
every vital energy when called upon to per-
form solemn duty. The taking of the
oath to him was one OF the most solemn
duties of his life, and remember well how
his whole frame shook as the words were
repeated to him, and with closed eyes and
deep veneration he bowed and took the oath
with that impressive solemnity that pene-
trated the heart and feelings of oil who wit.
messed it. II was one of the most impress
i've scenes that was ever called upon to
witness
Such a man would naturally take
the course which Mr.. Tilden did in
that crucial test of declining thepresi-
dency, to which he had clearly been
elected, rather than risk involving
his country in another civil war.
Thus that act, for which he has been
so denounced by malevolent selfish
ness and stupidity. shines forth
the brightest in his life of noble pa
triotism.
Bot the last lingering doubt which
any true heart may have bad as to
the greatness and bene6cence of the
soul Of Mr.. Tilden, must be removed
by his will. Two thirds Of his large
property Of some Ss,OOO,OOO 20 s1O,-
100000 was bequeatLed to objects
Of public beDefcence, understood to
be free Libraries and similar matters.
There speaks the soul Of q trul y noble
nan What q contrast to the vulgar
men Of wealth, who lave no higher
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