friends of total abstinence, resenting
Dix's veto of a local option measure passed by the Legislature of
1873, assembled at Auburn, approved the organisation of a Prohibition
party, and nominated a State ticket with Myron H. Clark for governor.
About 350 delegates from twenty-five counties were present.]

As the days shortened the campaign became more spirited. Tilden,
putting himself in close relation with every school district in the
State, introduced the clever device of mailing a fac-simile of one of
his communications, thus flattering the receiver with the belief that
he possessed an autograph letter. His genius for detail kept a corps
of assistants busy, and the effort to inspire his desponding partisans
with hope of success made each correspondent the centre of an earnest
band of endeavourers. Meanwhile the Democratic press kept up a galling
fire of criticism. Dix had escaped in 1872, but now the newspapers
charged him with nepotism and extravagance. "Governor Morgan had two
aides in time of war," wrote Seymour, "while Dix has six in time of
peace. Morgan had one messenger, Dix has two. Morgan had a secretary
at $2,000; Dix had the pay put up to $3,500--and then appointed his
son.... The people think the Governor gets $4,000; in fact, under
different pretexts it is made $14,000."[1452] An attempt was also made
to connect him with the Credit Mobilier scandal because of his
presidency of the Union Pacific road at the time of the consideration
of the Oakes Ames contract.[1453] That the Governor had no interest in
or connection with the construction company availed him little. Other
men of approved honesty had become involved in the back-salary grab,
the Sanborn claims, and the Credit Mobilier, and the people, quickly
distrusting any one accused, classed him with the wrong-doers.

[Footnote 1452: Bigelow, _Life of Tilden_, Vol. 1, p. 233.]

[Footnote 1453: Morgan A. Dix, _Life of Dix_, Vol. 2, pp. 128, 149.]

Moreover, Dix laboured under the disadvantage of having apathetic
party managers. "They deliberately refused to support him," said his
son, "preferring defeat to the re-election of one whom they desired to
be rid of."[1454] Conkling, in his speech at Brooklyn,[1455] rebuked the
spirit of calumny that assails the character of public men, but he
neglected to extol the record of a patriotic Governor, or to speak the
word against a third term which would have materially lightened the
party burden.

[Footnote 14