in no presidential conflict since the days of
Andrew Jackson have omens of victory to any party or any cause been so
clear, so numerous, and so inspiring as those which now cheer the
party of the national Democracy to battle in the cause of American
liberty."[1200] The victory of 1867, in the opinion of leading
Democrats, had removed the Empire State from the doubtful list, but
while proclaiming their confidence of success many of them knew that a
confidential circular, issued from the rooms of the Democratic State
Committee and bearing the signature of Samuel J. Tilden, instructed
certain persons in each of the up-State counties to telegraph William
M. Tweed, "the minute the polls close and at his expense," the
probable Republican majority.[1201] Its purpose was plain. The
conspirators desired to know how many fraudulent votes would be needed
to overcome the Republican superiority, and their method, then novel
and ingenious, avoided all chance of failure to carry the State.
Tilden denied knowledge of this circular. He also disclaimed its evil
purpose, but preferred to remain silent rather than denounce the
forgers.[1202]

[Footnote 1200: John Bigelow, _Life of Samuel J. Tilden_, Vol. 1, p.
217.]

[Footnote 1201: New York _Tribune_, November 14, 1868.]

[Footnote 1202: New York _Evening Post_, November 4, 1868; _Harper's
Weekly_, September 30, 1876.]

Forewarned by the returns of 1867 Griswold's supporters, fearing fraud
in the metropolis, invoked the aid of the United States Court to
prevent the use of forged naturalisation papers, which resulted in the
indictment of several men and the publication of fraudulent registry
lists. Against such action John T. Hoffman, as mayor, violently
protested. "We are on the eve of an important election," said his
proclamation. "Intense excitement pervades the whole community.
Unscrupulous, designing, and dangerous men, political partisans, are
resorting to extraordinary means to increase it. Gross and unfounded
charges of fraud are made by them against those high in authority.
Threats are made against naturalised citizens, and a federal grand
jury has been induced to find, in great haste and secrecy, bills of
indictment for the purpose, openly avowed, of intimidating them in the
discharge of their public duties.... Let no citizen, however, be
deterred by any threats or fears, but let him assert his rights boldly
and resolutely, and he will find his perfect protection under the