yes, in his letter
of acceptance (July 8), added greatly to his reputation for firmness
and decision of character in supplying the needed directness by
demanding the resumption of specie payment. On the other hand,
Tilden's letter (July 31) weakened the country's respect for him.[1514]
He had no sympathy for soft money, but in supporting the demand for a
repeal of the resumption clause he urged, in a long, indefinite
communication, the importance of preparation for resumption, ignoring
the fact that the Act of 1875 anticipated such precaution. Although
less prolix in his treatment of civil service reform, he was no less
indefinite. After describing recognised evils he failed to indicate
any practical remedy beyond the "conviction that no reform will be
complete and permanent until the Chief Executive is constitutionally
disqualified for re-election."[1515] Speaking of the character of the
men holding office his use of the word "usufruct" led to the derisive
appellation of "Old Usufruct Tilden."[1516] On civil service reform
Hayes was more specific. He declared against the use of official
patronage in elections and pledged himself not to be a candidate for a
second term.[1517]

[Footnote 1513: This act terminates as follows: "And the United States
also solemnly pledges its faith to make provision at the earliest
practicable period for the redemption of the United States notes in
coin."]

[Footnote 1514: "Tilden's letter was a disappointment to those who had
studied his words and acts as Governor."--Rhodes, _History of the
United States_, Vol. 7, p. 216.]

[Footnote 1515: Appleton's _Cyclopaedia_, 1876, p. 790.]

[Footnote 1516: "The public interest in an honest, skilful performance
of official trust must not be sacrificed to the usufruct of the
incumbents."--Appleton's _Cyclopaedia_, 1876, p. 790.]

[Footnote 1517: _Ibid._, p. 783.]

If Conkling had been balked in his desire to nominate Cornell, Tilden
was not less baffled a week later in his effort to promote William
Dorsheimer, his special friend. His genius for organisation had
smoothed the way for harmony at Saratoga.[1518] Kelly and Morrissey
settled their differences in advance, the platform created no
discussion, and the appointment of electors-at-large provoked little
criticism; but when Tilden's lieutenants proposed Dorsheimer for
governor the convention revolted. It noisily demanded a Democrat, and
in the stampede that followed Clarkson N. Potter, backe