nion on
the President's plan would have been wise, conceded that under the
changed conditions in 1867 it would be impracticable as well as unsafe
and impolitic. Indeed, in his conduct of the _Times_, Raymond was
again in accord with the Republicans, but he did not seek to renew his
former relations with the party. Being complimented for "keeping in
the background,"[1126] he replied that "when, a year ago, he declined a
re-election to Congress, it was for the purpose of devoting himself
wholly to the editorship of the _Times_, a position more to his taste
than any other, and which carries with it as much of influence,
honour, and substantial reward as any office in the gift of Presidents
or political parties."[1127] Had he appreciated the truth of this wise
statement in 1864 his sun might not have set in a cloud. "His
parliamentary failure," says Blaine, "was a keen disappointment to
him, and was not improbably one among many causes which cut short a
brilliant and useful life."[1128]

[Footnote 1126: Buffalo _Commercial Advertiser_, September 25, 1867.]

[Footnote 1127: New York _Times_, September 27, 1867.]

[Footnote 1128: James G. Blaine, _Twenty Years of Congress_, Vol. 2, p.
140.]

The passing of Raymond and the advent of John T. Hoffman as a factor
in the State illustrate the curious work often wrought by political
changes. Raymond's efforts in behalf of reconciliation and peace
happened to concur in point of time with the demands of Tammany for
Hoffman and home-rule, and the latter proved the more potent.

Hoffman's appearance in State politics marked the beginning of a new
era. The increased majority in New York City in 1866, so
disproportionate to other years, and the naturalisation of immigrants
at the rate of one thousand a day, regardless of the period of their
residence in the country,[1129] indicated that a new leader of the
first magnitude had appeared, and that methods which differentiated
all moral principles had been introduced. For ten years William Marcy
Tweed had been sachem or grand sachem of Tammany and chairman of its
general committee. In climbing the ladder of power he had had his ups
and downs. He endured several defeats, notably for assistant alderman,
for re-election to Congress after a service of one term, and for
sheriff of New York County. But his popularity suffered no eclipse.
Ever since he led the ropes as a volunteer fireman, carrying a
silver-mounted trumpet, a white fire coat,