ake the nomination. To the average
office-seeker running against Dix and his plurality of 55,000 was not
an attractive race. Meanwhile John Kelly, realising the value of
appearing honest, indicated a preference for Tilden.

There was something magnetic about the suggestion. Tilden was able,
rich, and known to everybody as the foe of the Tweed ring. Besides he
was capable, notwithstanding his infirmity, of making a forceful
speech, full of fire, logic and facts, his quick, retentive memory
enabling him to enter easily into political controversy. As a powerful
reasoner it was admitted that he had few equals at the bar. Indeed,
the press, crediting him with courage, perseverance, and indomitable
industry, had pictured him as a successful leader and an ideal
reformer. Tilden himself believed in his destiny, and when, at last,
the time seemed ripe to avow his candidacy he carried on a canvass
which for skill, knowledge of human nature, and of the ins and outs of
politics, had rarely been approached by any preceding master. The
press of the State soon reflected the growing sentiment in his favour.
"In selecting him," said George William Curtis, "the party will
designate one of its most reputable members."[1433] The New York
_Times_ spoke of him as a "man of unsullied honour,"[1434] and the
_Tribune_ declared that "his career in office, should he be elected,
would be distinguished alike by integrity, decorum, administrative
ability, and shrewd political management."[1435]

[Footnote 1433: _Harper's Weekly_, September 10, 1874.]

[Footnote 1434: July 24.]

[Footnote 1435: September 18.]

As one county after another instructed its delegates for Tilden,
professional politicians exhibited much astonishment. To the Canal
ring the trend of public sentiment toward a man of his record and
independence was especially ominous. Suddenly, such violent opposition
appeared that the New York _Herald_, studying the Democratic papers in
the State, declared that outside of New York City only the Utica
_Observer_, which was influenced by Kernan, favoured his
nomination.[1436] It was openly charged that selfish ambition prompted
his prosecution of the Tweed frauds, and that he was a cunning
schemer, cold, reticent, and severe. Then men began to dissuade him.
Friends counselled him not to take the risk of a nominating
convention. Even Seymour, moved perhaps by ambitions of his own,
discouraged him. If nominated, he wrote, you must expect the