The Portland daily press., 1895-04-20
SQUEEZING ENGLISH.
How Tilden Got Big Doodle Fund for a
Democratic Campaign.

q There is a story in which Samuel J. Tilder
figures, the truth of which is not to b.
doubted, writes Walter Wellman to the
Chicago TimesHerald. 1t is of an interyie "
which took place in Mr.. Tilden's house be-
tween the two gentlemen who were after
ward the Democratic candidates for Presi
dent and Vice-President in 1876. The St
Louis convention had not been held, but
there was little belief that MIR. TiIde1
would refuse the nomination, The question
was as to who should have the honor of be-
ing his running mate. There were, as will
be remembered, any number OF aspirants
and Mr.. Tilden had originally favored an.
other than the man who was finally chosen
Representations were made TO Mr.. Tilden
by the friends of Mr.. English that the Indi-
ana man would not only prove to be pop
ular candidate, but that he.would be will
ing to subscribe a fabulous sum 10 the party
campaign fund. Mr.. Tilden was too pract-
zeal and cautious to be caught with any
glIttering congratulations. He asked that
MI. English call upon him in New York for
conference. A week or so later Mr..
English made his appearances and soon
found himself seated in one of the big
leather chairs in Mr.. Tilden's library.
What followed must be considered one of
the most remarkable political interviews
that ever took place in this country.
Governor English" said Mr.. Tilden, af-
ter some preliminary conversation concern
ing the campaign FL understand from your
friends that you would like to be our candi-
date for Vice-Pres dent, and that you are
willing to subscribe handsome SUN for the
campaign fund. Is This true?'
Mr.. English admitted that it was.
and what W ould you consider gener-
GUS, contributions" inquired hr. Tilden,
with cruel directness.
Don't you think, Mr.. TIlden, that we had
better leave this matter unsettled urtil af-
ter the conventionH replied Mr.. English,
somewhat nervously.
ono. it should be determined here and
now" said Governor Tilden. ''Tt is impor-
tant that We should know just what you are
willing to do. We cannot carry on a sue
cessfui campaign without great deal of
money. That money we must have. You
say you are willing to make a handsome
subscription. and now ask you to name
the amount, if you are wiling to do it,
WELL said English. uneasily, 81 admit
that l have thought about this and I have
determined to make such large subscrip-
ton that no ono will be able to question
my zeal or loyalty. l am repared at the
proper time to draw check for $780,
At this stage of the conversation. accord
ing 10 my informant, whose veracity and
knowledge of the facts are both to be trust
ed. Mr.. Tildn tapped Ills bell and summoned
Il servant. You will please order Cover
nor English's carriage be remarked when
the servant appeared. All who had the
honor of Mr.. Tilden' intimate acquaintance
knew be had a habit of doing things in a
somewhat peremptory fashion. Besides, he
had in this case studied his ma n and 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
inadequate. In fact,it is ridiculous. l do
not see how you can hope to be nominated
on the presidential ticket
Mr.. Tilden then permitted his caller 10
understand that the conversation was at an
end. He rose from his seat and stood d. if
rea dy to say good night. Mr.. Tilden could
act Il little in an emergency.
Hdu tHOuSul 9osUUu WAS Cne proper Dg-
ure.' explained Mr.. English. ''but if you
think it too small am willing to double it
and make 1t $4,000.
lien thousand 10.O0O!" exclaimed 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 :hink / should sub
scribeF' asked Mr.. English. timidly.
Two hundred thousand doIlaiS-not a
cent less than $500, 000!' replied Mr.. Tilden,
vigorously.
When Mr.. Tilden spoke these words Gov
ernor English nearly fell off bis chair. He
gasped for breath, and il was some moments
before he could speak. Then ensued a note
worthy struggle between two men. both
noted for will power. Ii was a contest
which ran far on INFO the night. Mr.. Eng
lish was Mortified at the idea OF giving a
fortune to his party. and begged for some
modification OF the terms. He endeavored
TO jockey with Mr.. Tilden. advancing like a
BIDDER a an auction, a few thousand dol
lars at each step.
But ne pleaded in vain. Mr. .9'iIden was
inexorab BILE. And the result OF that remark
able interview was a full captulatlon on
the part of Mr.. English and complete TIL
uDph Tor Mr.. Tilden. Governor English
gave his pledge that he would subscribe
Se00,000 to the Democratic campaign fund,
a pledge which was afterward Kept to The