Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-19


other robbers disguised as Democratic
association, as though Generalization must
be permanent Split as party in 1860,
pitiful and absurd in 1864, committed to
what was deemed to be q heresy in 1858,
and made ridiculous byfa futile attempt at
coalition in 1872. even the most courageous
of Democrats despaired of the future of
the party.
Yet within two years the situation
changed. A tidal wave had given the
Democracy the control of the House, and
the genius Of one of the most extraordinary
intellects produced In America had con-
verted the threatened disaster due to the
Tammany exposures into a potent influence
for Democratic supremacy in New York
State and possibly the nation. Mr.. Tilden
was past 60 years of age when he thus sud-
denly made splendid revelation of his
genius for political management. He bad
never held but one political Office until in
1872, when he was ele:ted member of the
Legislature. He had been known as per-
haps the ablest corporation lawyer in New
York City, and had revealed as Chairman
of the Democratic State Committee not only
political skill but also creative capacity.
TiIden and the Overthrow Of Tammany.
He had identified himself as the leader of
those who had overthrown Tsmmany and
had by this act saved the Democracy as
party from much of the reproach which
otherwise would have been enteiled by
Tweed's use of its name. By reason of this
Identification he was clearly indicated in
1873 as the party's candidate for Governor,
and his political intuition made it plain to
him that if he won the Governorship on the
platform he made, and carried on
the campaign while Governor which
he had in mind, he would
also be indicated as the choice of the ma
tional Democracy for President in 1876 As
we look back now over Tilden's career at
that time it is easy to see wherein he dis
tinguished himself above all Democratic
leaders. He perceived that his party could
not hope to win on the old issues, and he
saw in the Tweed corruption and that of
the canal ring in New York o chance to
raise new issue, partly sentimental, partly
justified, and one which he called admins
trative reform. As he handled this issue it
appealed powerfully to the masses of his
party, and, while he made this public and
sentimental demonstration, he was secretly
at work teaching the young men whom he
gathered about him the finest lesson OF or
ganization which perhaps was ever taught
by Democratic politician. 1t was a reve-
lation, departure, in fact q revolution
turned his back upon the older leaders and
summoned q score or more of enthusiastic
young men, who were brilliant and who he
knew would be faithful; and thus appealing
publicly to the masses, while behind the
curtain directing an organization which ex-
tended throughout the country, he was in
position when the convention assembled in
St Louis on June % b dominate 1t.
John Kelly Voiced tho Opposition.
There seemed to be some opposition, but
1t was Of kind over which Tilden reioiced,
for it was voiced in the convention by John
Kelly, who had succeeded Tweed as the head |
of the Tammany organization. Some able |
men were in the convention, most of them |
for the first time appearing prominently in |
such association. There were William Dor |
sheimer. who would become Governor if
Tilden were elected President; Speaker
Randall, who venerated Tilden as the ablest
Democrat since Jackson; young Villas, of
Wisconsin, afterward to serve in Presi-
1ent's Cabinet; Leon Albeit, afterward
Governor Of New Jersey; William G. Whit
1ey, himself to gain great prominence;
Henry Watterson and "Blue Jeans" WILL
ANS.
The platform was prepared by Mr.. Tilden
himself. although In its verbal expression
t represented the culture of Manton Marble
md John Bigelow. Its features were the
lemand for administrative reform, for the
epeal of the resumption act and q vague
assertion that the tariff should be laid with
he view principally Of securing revenne.
Only one formal ballot was taken, Tlden
acking only lew of two-thirds vote, the
est being scattered tor Hendricks, Bayard,
hancock and Governor Allen. Before the
econd ballot was completed Mr.. Tiiden
Tas nominated, and Governor Hendricks
Tas placed upon the ticket with him. It
7as the first convention since 1850 in which