New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-15
SOME MEMORIES OF DEAN RICHMOND
ANOTHER VERSION OF LEAVE TT TO THE COS
vENTION"-HIs FEELINGS TOWARD
HoRATIO SEYMOUR

HORATIO SEYMOUR
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Observing that the curious twisted story
Of Dean Richmond and the Democrats convention
o-hich appeared in The Louisville Courier-Jour-
nal" has led two persons to attempt cor
rections, ! tempted 70 offer you revised
version tina, is about correct.
MI Richmond was for several year. during ths
fft!es chairman OF the Democratic State Com
m!ttee. Hence though not boss or dictator,
he was power in his party. Peter Cagger and
Samuel J. Tiden were his advisers. They were
all "Soft-shell' Democrats and found f. neces-
sary 10 effect satisfactory arrangements with The
"fIards' 70 have chance 20 elect a ticket
The Governor of New-York has never been NOM
mated and elected the year as the Controller.
The Superintendent Of Public Instruction was
elected bv Joint session OF the Legislature BY the
Constitution % 1876 the minor State officers were
70 be elected in the alternate years When. there
fore the time came. the State Committee me-
dav or two before the assembling OF the nominal
ing convention and among Other things made
I'D a slate" One year unsophisiicated hay
seed" bethought himself 10 learn IN advance what
was going on He asked Mr.. Richmond who was
the candidate for Secretary Of State Richmond
named the man agreed upon.
Who for Controller Who for treasurer Who
for Land Commissioner Who for Engineer and
surveyor?' he demanded in turn.
These questions each received appropriate
swer.
And who, continued the lTeprestinle county
man who Is the man FOR Inspector NJ stafe
Prisons
Richmond had become impatient Tttering a
characteristic expletve he replied
"--- Wen leave that 10 the convention"
This became a byword for years. We all used
n ask when we repaired 70 state nominating cor
venuons what candidates were on the slate" and
what were left 10 the convention
/ do not think Mr. Richmond greatly admired
Horatio Seymour. The cOurtly Governor was On
actly the anupodes 81 the bluff ex-manufacturer
Of salt Both were In attendance AZ the Demo
cratic National Convention at Charleston in $50
While the COMMITTEES on Platform was Juggling at
p declaration on which the party might remain
united the unemployed members became impatient
and demanded 10 be addressed by diferen; prom
inent men Word came 10 Mr.. Richmond that ne
was wanted He replied at once
something and II VIII tell against us Let sey-
mour 20"
In 1872 Mr. Seymour the Democratic candi-
Aa,e for Governor a minister named Benedict
had been arrested for disoyal utterance. ana ar
,.rvard released Full OF bitterness. he onereo
hts services TO Mr. Richmond 70 canvass They
were PROMPTLY accepted When Peter CaGger
heard of the arrangement he protested. The man
he said was such extreme Copperhead thar ne
would damage the chances for the ticket
II was the season OF the Chickahominy calamity
The enthusiasm OF the people had been sadly
dsmpened bv misfortune and the presence OF
crippled soldiers their children and brothefs, 1s
well as by the seats In the homes Forever eihgdra
There was no more volunteering war ""s 'oNi"
n Richmond Was in touch with m: 's s en-,
"0h nc" said he 1T is all right he says
he vii Visit every town In Western New.York and
Ds, Iii me = fools 20 vote for Seymour
The English gen':J seem 10 have supposed MI