The record-union., 1895-05-20
How Tilden Once Put the Screws to
the Indiana Statesman.

How Tilden Once Put the Screws to
the Indiana Statesman.
There is a story in which Samuel j.
Tilden figures, the truth of which is not
to be doubted. 1t is of an interview
which took place in Mr.. Tilden's house
between the two gentlemen who were
atterwsrd the Democratic candidates for
President and Vice-P President in 1876,
says the Chicago Herdtd.
The st. Louis Convention had not been
held, but there was little belief that Mr..
Tilden would refuse the nomination. The
question was as to who should have the
honor of being his running mate. There
were, as will be remem bered, any num-
ber of aspirants, and Mr.. Tilden had
originally favored another than the man
who was finally chosen. Representations
of Mr.. English that the Indiana man
would not only prove to be popular
candidate, but that he would be willing
to subscribe fabulous sum to the party
campaign fund. Mr.. Tilden was too
practical and cautious to be caught with
any glittering generalizations. he asked
that MIR. English call upon him in New
York for conference. A week or SO
later Mr.. English made his appearance,
and soon found himself seated in one of
the big leather chairs in Mr.. Tilden's
library. What followed must be con-
sidered one Of the most remarkable pollti-
cal interviews that ever took place in
this country.
Governor English" said Mr.. Tilden,
after some preliminary conversation
concerning the campaign. ~ understand
from your friends that you would like to
be our candidate for Vice-President, and
that you are willing to subscribe hand
some sum for the campaign fund. Is
this true?"
Mr.. English admitted that it was.
''And what would you consider gen.
erous contribution ?" inquired Mr.. Til
den, with cruel directness.
had better leave this matter unsettled
until after the convention ?" replied Mr..
English, somewhat nervously.
mo, it should be determined here and
now" said Governor Tilden. "It is inn
portant that we should know just what
you are willing to do. We can not carry
on successful campaign without great
deal of money. That money we must
have. You say you are willing TO make
q handsome subscription, and now ask
you to name the amount, if you are will
ing to do 1t" .
"Welr' said English. uneasily, ~ ad-
NIT that have thought about this. and
have determined to make such large
subscription that no one will be able TO
question my zeal or loyalty. l am pre-
pared at the proper time to draw check
for $1,000"
AT this stage of the conversation, ac-
cording to my informant, whose veracity
and knowledge of the facts are both to be
trusted, Mr.. Tilden tapped his bell and
summoned a servant You will please
order Governor English's carriage" he
remarked when the servant appeared.
All who had the honor of Mr.. 1ilden's
intimate acquaintance knew he had a
habit of doing things in q somewhat
peremptory fashion. Besides, he had in
this case studied his man, and he knew
precisely the sort of nature with which
he had to deal.
Governor English" said he, SIT is not
necessary to prolong this interview. The
sum which you have mentioned is wholly y
inadequate. In fact, it is ridiculous. do
not see how you can hope to be nomina-
ted on the Presidential ticket"
Mr.. 1ilden then permitted his caller to
understand that the conversation was at
an end. He rose from his seat and stood
as if ready to say good night. Mr..
Tiiden could act little in an emergency.
II had thought $1,000 was about the
Eroper figure" explained MIR. English,
''but if you think it too small, am will
ing to double 1t. and make 1t S10,U00." :.
Ten thousand! Ten thousand ~ ex-
claimed Mr.. Tilden, Indignantly. why.
sir. you ought to be ashamed of yourself
1t is absurd. You do not appreciate the
situation"
"How much do you think 1 should
subscribe ?' asked Mr.. English, timidly.
1.-TWO hundred thousand dollars-not a
cent less than S200,000!' replied Mr.
Tilden, vigorously.
When Mr.. Tiiden spoke these words
Governor English nearly fell off bis
chair He gasped for breath, and it was
some moments before he could speak.
Then ensued noteworthy struggle be-
tween two men, both noted Tor will
power. 1t was contest which ran far on
into the night. Mr.. English was horri-
fed at the idea of giving fortune to his
party, and begged for some modification
of the terms. He endeavored to jockey
with Mr.. Tilden, advancing like bidder
at an auction, few thousand dollars al
each step.
But be pleaded in vain. Mr.. Tilden
was inexorable. And the result OF thai