The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1886-08-06
Death of Samuel j. Tilden.

The accounts lately given of the feeble con-
dition of Hon. Samuel j. Tilden in measure
prepared the public for the news of his death,
which occurred on Wednesday morning, at
his residence, Greystone, three miles from
Yonkers, N. Y, of palsy. He was in the 73d
year Of his age.
Forty years ago Mr.. Tilden began to be
recognized as Il sagacious political leader and
a far-sighted political economist. His in
tluence and power, however, were not used
for his own elevation to Office but always
towards reforming abuses in government
and for the protection Unpopular rights from
encroachment.
His memorable fight with Boss Tweed and
the dishonest ring of Democrats and Repub-
licans who controlled the State of New York,
resulting in the overthrow of the corruption
lists, brought him into prominence through
out the country. In 1874 the Democrats
nominated him for Governor of New York
and he was elected with so, 900 votes to spare.
The ability and energy he displayed in
wedding out the rogues and purifying the
government Of his State marked him as the
man of all others TO purify the corruptions
that existed in Federal affairs. He was ac-
cordingly nominated by the Democrats in
1876 and was fairly elected President of the
United States.
The story OF the manner in which he was
deprived ofthat office will never be forgotten.
Against his approval the electoral commission
scheme was concocted The commission was
artfully contrived so as to consist of eight
Republicans and seven Democrats. The re-
suit was foregone conclusion. Violating
every principle ofiustce and consistency the
Commission declared Hayes elected.
Mr.. Tilden, through all those trying scenes,
acted in the most patriotic and manly
way. No murmur passed his lips He re-
garded the fraud as an outrage upon the'peo-
pie 1.-THE United States, not as personal in
jury to himself He opposed the creation of
the Commission, and contended that the
House of Representatives should stand upon
its rights--count the electoral votes and de-
clare the result 1t was known that General
Grant had massed number of troops in
Washington, and it was believed that he
would not hesitate TO use them to prevent the
Inauguration of Mr.. Tilden, if the House of
Representatives should declare him elected,
Congress was overawed and the Com
mission was chosen. When the fraud was
consummatcd, one word from Mr.. Tilden
and Il hundred thousand men would have
rushed to arms from every part of the
country to seat him in the Presidential chair.
lie counselled, instead, moderation and sub
mission to the decision of the Commission,
unjust though it was. He showed himself,
thereby, to be true patriot and averted a
bloody strife.
His vindication came soon. In 1880 moth
ing but his positive declination prevented his
nomination and triumphant election to the
Presidency. In 1884, also, if he had consent
ed, he would have been nominated There
seemed to be magic in his name that stirred
Democratic enthusiasm to its profoundest
depths.
Samuel j. Tilden was the greatest states
man lhls century has produced, and his name
will be embalmed in history as that of pa
triot who loved his country too well to plunge
tinto civil war to right wrong done through
him to the whole people of the United States
The death of Mr.. Tilden draws attention
to the usurper Hayes, who is spending his
days in ignoble retirement. Scorned by fair
minded men of all parties, his place in histo
ny will be with Benedict Arnold, the traitor
Mr. TildeH left an estate valued at from ten
to fifteen millions, but what disposition has
will is filed.
The funeral arrangements will not be made
until his sister, Mrs. Peton, arrives from
Narragausett Pier.