18741884Products of the forest1,192,6811,097,450Agriculture1,470,8721,054,041Manufactures49,42656,899Merchandise12,90545,538Other articles497,228377,259Total3,223,1122,631,187
"Tonnage of the canal, and of the Central and Erie railroads:
[From the Annual Report of the Superintendent of Public Works upon trade and tonnage of the Canals for the year 1884, pages 94-95.]
18741884New York Canals5,804,5885,009,488New York Central R. R.6,114,67810,212,418Erie Railway6,364,276[35]16,219,59818,283,54231,441,504
"The railroads have competed successfully with the Erie Canal, and have carried off all the increase in the tonnage. Notwithstanding the State has ceased to charge tolls, and has imposed an annual tax of $700,000 upon the taxpayersto maintain the canals. The Erie Canal has failed to keep up its business. It holds on to a portion of the lumber, and of the grain.
"There seems to be no probability that the Erie Canal will regain any portion of the business it has lost.
"None of the grand schemes by which it is proposed to enlarge or improve it can, to any appreciable extent, cheapen the transportation. They will simply waste the money of the taxpayer, and revive the system of contracting, jobbery, and fraud.
"The advantage of lengthening the locks so as to pass two boats at once, when there is plenty of time to pass four times the boats which the tonnage requires, is doubtful, and is at least inconsiderable. It can only pretend to save five minutes in a lockage, if, in fact, it will save any time.
"Unless some effectual expedient be adopted to prevent the waste of water in locking through a single boat, it would consume three times as much water in the long lock as in the short lock. I understand that the superintendent thinks that ruinous mischief can be avoided, but I have had no means of testing how the thing would work in practice.
"In 1867, when I examined the subject, I found that on the Delaware and Raritan they used boats of about the same dimensions as the boats in use on the Erie, notwithstanding the locks were capable of passing two boats at a time.
"I send my Message of 1875; my speech in the Constitutional Convention in 1867, which contains a fuller discussion of the subject. I send, also, the last report of the Superintendent of Public Works on the canals.
"The statistical tables are so changed from the ancient forms that it is difficult to get the materials for a satisfactory comparison of the present with the former business.
"A certain portion of the business naturally belongs to the railroads. The principles which govern this division are set forth in the beginning of my speech in 1867. The business would naturally be divided, and the share of the railroads would be increased as the network of the railroads is perfected, and more and more points are touched.
"Besides, the railroads will compete for additional business at less than cost, charging the loss upon the paying portion of their traffic.
"On the whole, it must be observed:
"Within the last ten years the cost of transportation byrailroad has been reduced one-half. All the improvements tending to cheapen transportation are made by the railroads.
"As to the clamor about diverting traffic to the Canadian lines, it is senseless. The great mass of grain brought from the West is for local consumption. Two millions and a half of people residing in the city of New York and its suburbs are not going to bring the grain for their own consumption by way of Montreal. A large share of the flour and grain carried by the New York Central is for local consumption in New England. Formerly it came to New York city, and was distributed from that point. It is now carried direct. For instance, flour and grain, for consumption at Springfield and Worcester, are carried from the point of shipment in the West direct to those places without change of cars. They cannot be diverted.
"The Erie Canal still has a certain utility. It should be nursed along, but without any expectation of regaining the place it once occupied in the transportation of the country. The taxpayers of this State will not always consent to pay a bonus of $700,000 per year in order to get tonnage for the Erie Canal."
"Utica,Sept. 25, 1857(1885).
"Dear Sir,—I have received your letter of the 22d inst. I wrote the note to the Rochester paper, not because you would care for it, but because I felt it was due to myself to correct any such statement. I am aware that you are used to and indifferent to such attacks.
"I am seventy-five years old, and suffer from nervous attacks. I hada sunstrokein 1876, from which I never recovered. It has progressed until it has weakened my body and my memory in many respects. I have not been away from Utica during the past two years, except to visit my sister at Coquemen. I have a man in constant attendance. I leave my farm to drive over to Utica about once in a week. If I get into your section of the State I shall be happy to call upon you. I do not keep track of current events. I went to the convention about our canals. I was nominally its chairman; but I presided only a few minutes, as I was too deaf to hear. My attendance harmed me. I have not been as well since. As I can take no exercise, I grow inweight, which makes me look better and feel worse. I hope I may live to see you again, but it is doubtful.
"Truly yours, &c.,"Horatio Seymour."
"Utica,October 7, 1885.
"My dear Sir,—A few days since I received with my mail a letter from you. I glanced at it, and laid it aside with a view of reading it with attention. Since then I have been unable to find it amongst my papers. I find my memory is so much impaired that I am apt to forget what I do when I put aside with care. I cannot, therefore, write you a responsive reply. I am mortified by such mistakes, which multiply as memory fails.
"During the past eight years my memory and health have been impaired by a sunstroke.
"I am obliged to live in a quiet way at my farm; all excitements are hurtful. I have not been away from home, save to make a short journey to see one of my sisters in Madison County. I know but little about current events. I think over the past or speculate about the future.
"Now and then a reporter calls. As my views upon public [sic] are vague and vaguely expressed, they give such interpretation as they wish, so that I am frequently surprised by my opinions as they are given in the press.
"I wish I could visit New York again, but I fear I am too weak to do so. With my wishes for your health and welfare,
"I am, truly yours,"Horatio Seymour.
"Hon. S. J. Tilden."
"Newport, on the Wing for Washington, D. C.,"18 Oct., '85.
"My dear Mr. Tilden,—I thank you very much for the volumes of your writings, which you have been thoughtful enough of me to send me. I am one of those who have always held and constantly avowed the opinion that you were duly elected President of the United States; it would be instructiveif some one well versed in our public law would look through the laws enacted in the period for which you were chosen, and mark such of them as would have encountered your veto. That should be done while you live to confirm the result of the inquiry.
"I remain, dear Mr. Tilden,
"Yours very truly,"Geo. Bancroft."
"Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.,Oct. 21, '85.
"Dear Mr. Bancroft,—I have received, through Mr. Bigelow, your note acknowledging a copy of myWritings and Speechesedited by him.
"I observe that in your note to him, you mention that the copy sent you does not contain my autograph.
"If the idea that you would desire it had occurred to me, I should have been particular to add every homage of esteem and regard for you in my power.
"Very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden."
"Greystone, Yonkers, New York,Oct. 21, '85.
"To His Excellency,Grover Cleveland.
"My dear Sir,—Mr. D. A. McKnight, the law clerk in the Patent Office, is the author of a book of great ability entitledThe Electoral System of the United States.
"Without adopting all of his views, his independence, integrity, and conscientiousness are shown by the fact that his masterly analysis of the doings of the electoral commission, in which he exposes the inconsistencies of their decisions, and condemns them as illegal and unconstitutional, was published in a volume printed in 1878, with a preface dated March 10, 1877. At that time Mr. McKnight was holding his present office under the administration of Mr. Hayes.
"I understand that his resignation has recently been requested, in order to give the appointment to some other person.
"Mr. McKnight is confessedly an excellent officer, servingthe government with fidelity and skill; and is personally free from every objection.
"Under these circumstances, I take the liberty of appealing to you for an intimation in favor of the retention of Mr. McKnight, or his promotion to a higher grade in the service.
"The Democratic party of the United States have beheld, with indignation, the chief agents in the frauds, perjuries, and forgeries by which a pretext of documentary evidence was furnished on which to base a false count, rewarded by their appointment in numerous cases to most important civil trusts.
"It would scarcely be anticipated that a Democratic administration should have so little sympathy with, or respect for the popular feeling on this subject as to discard a meritorious officer having the peculiar claim to its recognition which the facts I have narrated show Mr. McKnight to possess.
"I have no personal interest in the matter, but consider it my duty to represent the cause of public justice, to the end that the crime against the people consummated in 1876, and again meditated in 1884, shall never be repeated.
"I trust that you will excuse me for calling your attention to what might otherwise escape your observation.
"Very truly yours."
"United States Patent Office,"Washington,October 24, 1885.
"Hon. Saml. J. Tilden.
"My dear Sir,—A few moments ago I received the two letters which you were good enough to write at my request. I am, as you may surmise, very highly gratified with them. They contain all (and more than all) that I had hoped for, and must certainly accomplish their purpose. And I assure you that I am full of gratitude to you for an interest in my affairs which gives me fresh courage, and which shows me again the great heart that inspired these letters. I only wish that I could thank you in adequate terms, or that I could againdo somethingto exhibit the warm personal regard for you into which my original esteem has developed. If the day ever comes that I can be of service to you, command me.
"With my kindest regards and warmest wishes for your health and happiness, I am,
"Very respectfully and truly,"Your obedient servant,"D. A. McKnight."
"Norfolk, Va.,14 Dec., '85.
"Hon. S. J. Tilden, Greystone, N. Y.
"My dear Sir,—Your letter to Hon. Mr. Carlisle on the subject of our coast defences has been published in our papers, and I can assure you were read with great interest.
"The change in the mode of warfare has rendered a number of our forts almost useless. I would call your attention to those near this city—Fortress Monroe and Fort Wool (formerly Fort Calhoun). The former is said to be the largest for defence in the world, and the latter on an artificial island, one mile distant, not yet completed; both designed to protect Hampton Roads, James River, Norfolk, and the U. S. Navy-Yard here. As they are only one mile apart, I presume it was about the range of guns at the time they were designed. Modern ordnance renders this structure ofno value, and it is likely it never will be completed, and I write to suggest the importance of its removal to another location, which will, I think, make it a defence for the capital as well as Baltimore, Norfolk, Richmond, and other cities. By reference to the map of Chesapeake Bay, you will observe there is a shoal between Cape Henry and Cape Charles called theMiddle Groundon which a modern fort could be erected from the material now useless at Fort Wool. This fort is built on an artificial island having a base of fourteen acres, in water from twelve to fifty feet deep, entirely of rough granite. This could be removed at little cost, and a modern structure of iron or steel erected on it, with necessary fixtures for torpedo service.
"Just inside Cape Henry is Lynn Haven Bay and river. The river would make an admirable station for torpedo-boats, as it is a safe harbor, completely landlocked, and may be connected by a few short and inexpensive canals with Back Bay, Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico sounds which may extend the inland route to Florida at little cost.
"Several years ago I made the voyage from New Berne,North Carolina, to Oswego, New York,in the same steamer, going inland the entire way! I have spent many years on this inland project. By the construction of two short canals (only fourteen miles) we have opened up to commerce 1800 miles of navigable waters. I am now about to open a canal from Neuse River to Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina, which will be a continuation of the inland navigation. It would cost but little to make an inland water route to Florida, as a few short canals would unite the natural waterways existing, and the inland route would then be complete from the Great Lakes to Florida, passing by all our great seaboard cities.
"As we have now no defence to our national capital, I have thought a line from you at this time would bring it to the favorable consideration of Congress.
"If you have not the charts convenient, I would be pleased to furnish them and any further information desired.
"Very resp'y, y'r obt. st.,"Marshall Parks."
"Washington, D. C.,Dec. 16, 1885.
"My dear Governor,—I write a line to acknowledge receipt of your letter to the Saratoga convention in which, for the second time, you decline to be nominated for the Presidency by the Democratic party. The manuscript of that letter will, of course, always have very high value to me. It will be the most prized of the few heirlooms that I possess.
"Mrs. Manning and I are very glad that you consented to a visit to us, during the New Year week, from Miss Ruby and Miss Susie. Everything and everybody promises to be gay here, and I think they will find pleasure in the visit.
"Faithfully yours,"Daniel Manning.
"Hon. Sam. J. Tilden, Greystone."
"Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.,Dec. 19, 1885.
"Dear Mr. Manning,—I read over your report when I first received it, and laid it aside intending to give it a second and more thorough perusal, and waited about acknowledgingit until I should do so; but I have been less well than common, and have found so many things pressing upon me that I have not had a chance to execute my good intentions.
"The impression your report made on me was very favorable. I think it does you great credit, and congratulate you on the manner in which it has been received by the public.
"Very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden."
"Greystone,Feb. 12, 1886.
"Dear Mr. Bancroft,—I have received a copy of yourPlea for the Constitution of the United States, which the publishers sent to me at your request.
"I note your strong impression of your sense of the importance of the theme, when you say you 'have thought it right to bestow upon it many of the few hours that may remain to you for labor.'
"To the eyes of your countrymen, those hours grow more valuable as they become fewer.
"As an argument yourPleais overwhelming.
"Indeed, until new lights recently dawned upon the court, and upon some others, in all our national history it had been universally considered as axiomatic that Congress had no constitutional power to make anything but gold and silver a legal-tender. That conclusion was always assumed when the subject was incidentally alluded to. Forty years ago, in a speech in the constitutional convention of the State of New York on the subject of Currency and Banking (Tilden'sPublic Writings and Speeches, Vol. I., p. 222), I recognized the disability of any government in this country, State or Federal, to make a legal-tender of anything but gold and silver.
"In all the literature of political economy, of currency and banking, this postulate was taken for granted.
"It is a long time since I have had the pleasure of seeing you or Mrs. Bancroft. I was gratified at the account of you, which I received from my nieces who recently visited Washington. I hear that you have lit up your household by the sunshine of a young lady of your kindred.
"I am passing the winter at a country home perched upona cliff overhanging the Hudson four hundred feet above the tide. I send you a picture of the place.
"With best regards for yourself and Mrs. Bancroft,
"I remain, very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden.
"P. S.—Since writing you, I have received theEvening Postof this afternoon. It is a 'Mugwump' journal. I send a cutting from its editorial columns upon yourPlea."
"Rochester, N. Y.,Feb. 6", 1886.
"Hon. Samuel J. Tilden.
"My dear Friend,—This ismybirthday, and, as I remember,yours. I see in the papers they say you were born on the 9th of Feb. But I dare not place much reliance on what some newspapers say of you.
"Seventy-nine is not eighty. Eighty is consideredold. While it is unsafe for us at this age to make plans for the future, we may contemplate the past, and that is what I am doing to-day.
"Among those who took active part in theFree-soilmovement of 1848, you were an able leader. Your associates,Wright,Gardner,Van Buren, and many others from whom I took counsel, are gone. You among the larger, myself among the less important of that band of noble patriots, are left to enjoy the consolation of doing what we could at that early day to check the growth and extension of slavery.
"ThepresentI regard with fear and apprehension, and I have recently written to, and received an answer from, ourinauguratedPresident, whose administration I heartily approve, and I now address theuninauguratedPresident to say one word of approval to him also.
"You should encourage, by word and deed, our President to hold fast to the pledges in the Democratic platform, toCivil Serviceespecially.
"The times are trying the metal of our President. The army on whom the people rely for defence are greatly demoralized.
"Theveteransare nearly alldead, theregularsareskirmishingfor votes, and recruits arefew.
"Pardon me for this rambling letter. Don't trouble yourself to answer me.
"The times, the time (Feb. 6"), all conspired to move me to write you.
"May you live to see many a birthday, as I hope to.
"With great respect, I am,
"Your friend and obt. svt.,"Hiram Sibley."
"Telegram.
"Greystone,Feb. 13, 1886.
"Hon. John F. Seymour,—I learn this morning the sorrowful intelligence that the mortal career of your illustrious brother is closed. Convey to his relatives, and when a suitable occasion arises, to Mrs. Seymour, my warm sympathies at their loss. We have the consolation of knowing that he passed away without suffering, in the fulness of years, and amid the largest homage of public esteem.
"S. J. Tilden."
"1623 H Street,"Washington, D. C.,February 15th, 1886.
"My dear Mr. Tilden,—I thank you very much for your note of the 12th. We old men must keep up the good tradition which we received from the fathers, and which you defended in the constitutional convention of New York.
"I am also alive, as you undoubtedly are, to the dangers that overhang the country by a legislative measure, designed to throw gold out of circulation, and to depreciate the currency fully twenty per cent. By this measure, among infinite evils, all contracts now in force between the employer and the laborer will be depreciated twenty per cent., to the injury of the poor; and every one of our newspapers will be compelled to stop its publication or to raise its price.
"Wishing you perfect health and long life,
"I am, very sincerely yours,"Geo. Bancroft.
"Pray recall me to the kind recollection of your nieces, whom I had great pleasure in meeting a few weeks ago."
"Greystone,Feb. 27, 1886.
"Dear Mr. Sibley,—I have received your interesting letter. The newspapers are correct in saying that the 9th of February is my birthday, but some of them are quite astray in saying that I am seventy-nine years old. I was born the 9th of February, 1814, and was seventy-two years old on my last birthday. Although seven years younger than you are, I can readily believe that you are practically younger than I. You have not done so much as I to exhaust the vital powers, and have not so large a debt to pay for strength borrowed and consumed in advance. My eyes are extremely good, and enable me to pass most of my time in reading; my ears are both of them much more acute than those of most people. The doctors tell me that every vital organ is in strong and sound condition. But I have been for some years greatly annoyed by a mysterious malady of some of the nerves of motion, which imparts a tremor to my hands, and impairs my voice so that I lose most of the pleasures of conversation.
"I have also read the brief biography of your life and doings which you were kind enough to send me. It illustrates an example of an active, useful, and successful career.
"Wishing you every blessing of continued health, and prolonged years of happiness and prosperity,
"I am, very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden."
"The governmental policy of the State of New York has been a long while established, that charters of corporations within its jurisdiction, carrying on business for profit, should be subject to alteration or repeal in the discretion of the Legislature.
"The Revised Statutes of 1830 applied that rule to corporations thereafter to be created. A reservation of that power had been previously inserted in the special charters which had latterly been granted. The origin of this reservation was ascribed in an article asserting the repealability ofcorporate charters, written by Mr. Tilden for theDemocratic Reviewof August, 1841 (Tilden'sWritings and Speeches, Vol. I., p. 171), to Silas Wright, who procured the insertion of such a reservation in a charter granted in 1822.
"In the convention of 1846, which formed the present Constitution of the State of New York, Mr. Tilden, from the select committee to whom was referred the report of the standing committee on the subject of corporations, made the following report:
"'Section 1. Corporations may be formed under general laws, but shall not be created by special act, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where, in the judgment of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws. All general laws and special acts passed pursuant to this section may be altered from time to time or repealed."'Section 3. The term corporations as used in this article shall be construed to include all associations and joint stock companies having any of the powers of corporations not possessed by individuals or partnerships.'
"'Section 1. Corporations may be formed under general laws, but shall not be created by special act, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where, in the judgment of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws. All general laws and special acts passed pursuant to this section may be altered from time to time or repealed.
"'Section 3. The term corporations as used in this article shall be construed to include all associations and joint stock companies having any of the powers of corporations not possessed by individuals or partnerships.'
"At the afternoon session on the same day the first section was adopted unanimously, and the above clause of the third section was adopted without considerable opposition.
"The discussion in the convention shows that those clauses were understood to apply to all corporations then existing or thereafter to be created.
"Those provisions stand in the Constitution of the State of New York. They are referred to in a speech on canals and railroads made by Mr. Tilden in the constitutional convention of 1867. The passage is as follows:
"'The convention of 1846, by provisions which it fell to my lot to report, provided, first, in favor of a system of incorporation under general laws, and, secondly, for a supervisory legislative control over the chartered power and privileges of all corporate bodies."'In my judgment, those two provisions were, and are, perfectly adequate to secure every public object, however freely we may grant to private enterprise all the powers necessary to enable it to create these great machines of traveland transportation, and to the management of them by corporate bodies, which can serve the public with more skill and economy than the State can. The authority thus reserved to the State is doubtless capable of being perverted by it to private injury and oppression; but it seemed to be necessary to the public safety, and is a trust to be exercised with wisdom and justice.'
"'The convention of 1846, by provisions which it fell to my lot to report, provided, first, in favor of a system of incorporation under general laws, and, secondly, for a supervisory legislative control over the chartered power and privileges of all corporate bodies.
"'In my judgment, those two provisions were, and are, perfectly adequate to secure every public object, however freely we may grant to private enterprise all the powers necessary to enable it to create these great machines of traveland transportation, and to the management of them by corporate bodies, which can serve the public with more skill and economy than the State can. The authority thus reserved to the State is doubtless capable of being perverted by it to private injury and oppression; but it seemed to be necessary to the public safety, and is a trust to be exercised with wisdom and justice.'
"The general Railroad act, chapter 140 of the Statute Laws of 1850, passed April 2 of that year, faithfully executed the mandate of the Constitution. The forty-eighth section of that act is as follows:
"'The Legislature may at any time annul or dissolve any incorporation formed under this act; but such dissolution shall not take away or impair any remedy given against any such corporation, its stockholders, or officers, for any liability which shall have been previously incurred."
"'The Legislature may at any time annul or dissolve any incorporation formed under this act; but such dissolution shall not take away or impair any remedy given against any such corporation, its stockholders, or officers, for any liability which shall have been previously incurred."
"The Broadway Railroad charter was formed under chapter 252 of the laws of 1884, entitled 'An act to provide for the construction, extension, maintenance, and operation of street surface railroads and branches thereof in cities, towns, and villages.'
"The first section of that act expressly provides that every corporation formed under it 'shall also have all the powers and privileges granted, and be subject to all the liabilities imposed by this act, or by the act entitled "An act to authorize the formation of railroad corporations, and to regulate the same," passed April 2, 1850, and the several acts amendatory thereof, except as the said acts are herein modified.'
"In the case of 'The People of the State of New York against Dispensary and Hospital Society of the Women's Institute of the city of New York' (7 Lansing, page 304), a corporation formed 'under an act of the Legislature of the State of New York, entitled "An act for the incorporation of benevolent, charitable, scientific, and missionary societies, passed April 12, 1848, and the acts amendatory thereof,"' was judicially determined to have forfeited its charter by reason of the payment of money as a reward for the use of influence in obtaining an appropriation from the State, and the corporation was dissolved by judgment of the court.
"The authority of the Legislature to repeal a charter is much broader than the judicial authority. It is expressly declared by the Constitution and by the law to be in the discretion of the Legislature. It may be done on moral evidence of wrong-doing on the part of the corporation, while a court could only act on judicial proof. It may be done on grounds of public policy or expediency.
"The bill pending in the Senate for repealing the charter of the Broadway Company and annulling its franchise may do well enough if a Broadway railroad is to exist.
"Whether any holders of Broadway Railroad stock or bonds can be shown to be innocent and entitled to special indulgence, can be better judged of when the investigations are concluded.
"One thing is quite clear. The corruption of public officers in order to obtain possession of valuable franchises at much less than their real worth, can only be stopped by making such schemes impossible to result in any profit.
"A general law should be passed requiring every such franchise to be disposed of at public auction.
"If proofs cannot be found to bring the wrong-doers to criminal punishment, the confiscation of their investment will be a salutary warning to them and to the public generally."
"Washington, D. C.,Mch. 5, 1886.
"My dear Governor,—One of the first copies from the press, of the reply to the House resolution, was duly mailed to you, from here, addressed, 'George W. Smith, Esq., Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.' I sent you another copy to-day, addressed to you personally, which I hope won't miss fire.
"There is 'a squall on,' hereabouts, concerning financial matters, and it may grow to the size of a heavy storm, but I doubt. At any rate, I think we are in waters deep enough for safety, and the record isn't a half bad one.
"I have plenty of work and worry, and no day passes that I do not wish I were near enough to you to get the benefit of your safe judgment and advice. There is none here to whom I can go with such confidence and sure dependence.
"Faithfully yours,"Daniel Manning."
"Confidential.
"Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.,March 12, 1886.
"Dear Mr. President,—I read in the public journals that the name of Brigadier-General Newton, Chief of Engineers in the United States army, is before you for promotion to a Major-Generalship.
"I have had occasion, in the course of his duties near the city of New York, although having no personal acquaintance with him, to form an opinion as to his character and capacities; and have otherwise acquired information concerning him.
"I believe him to be a very able and accomplished officer. I understand that his commission as lieutenant antedates that of all other officers now in active service; that he entered West Point at the same time with General Pope, and graduated higher in his class; that he graduated twelve years prior to General Howard.
"Although a Virginian by birth, he greatly distinguished himself on the Union side—commanding the First Army Corps at Gettysburg, and taking an important part in other battles.
"At his age, and to be retired more than six years sooner than General Howard, unless he is now restored to the priority to which he is entitled, he probably will be denied altogether the promotion which his services, his character, and capacity merit.
"Another consideration seems worthy of attention. The highest honors of the army ought not to be confined exclusively to Republicans, so long as Democrats not inferior, not to say superior in services and professional capacity, older soldiers if not better, remain to be chosen. General Hancock's death made a vacancy which, though well filled, was not filled by a successor of General Hancock's political faith. General Newton's selection now would for the time redress the balance.
"With assurances of cordial regard, I remain,
"Very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden."
"Confidential.
"Greystone,March 14, 1885.
"Dear Mr. Manning,—1. I hear a rumor that there is a movement to turn out Mr. Nimmo, who is the head of the Bureau of Statistics. I have examined his reports. They make the impression on me that he is a valuable officer and should be retained.
"2. I have received a letter from Mr. R. H. Henry, of theState Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, saying that, at the suggestion of Mr. Lamar, he has become a candidate for appointment as Register of the Treasury. I infer from his letter that some other appointment would satisfy him.
"I know nothing about his qualifications, or to what appointment he would be adapted. He was chairman of the committee deputed by the Chicago convention to wait upon me with its complimentary resolutions. He is a man whose appearance makes a favorable impression. He has co-operated with us for twelve years, and went early and strongly for Mr. Cleveland. I bespeak your good-will and kindness towards him, without assuming to judge what you wish to do with the Registry of the Treasury, or what you are able to do for Mr. Henry.
Very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden."
"1501 18th St., Washington,March 25th (1886).
"My dear Governor,—There has not been an unfavorable symptom so far in Mr. Manning's case since he was taken ill.[37]He is a sick man, but we believe that good nursing will bring him out all right. He takes very light nourishment, is kept very quiet, and the physicians prescribe very little medicine. I could not deny myself the comfort of writing to you myself. I thank you for your helpful letter; such words and sympathy help me to behave.
"I will keep you informed of his condition.
"With high regards,
Sincerely yours,"Margaretta F. Manning.
"Hon. Saml. J. Tilden."
"Treasury Department, Washington.
"Hon. S. J. Tilden.
"My dear Sir,—Mr. Manning was, as you know, struck down a few days ago. A small blood-vessel burst at the base of the brain. It was impossible to tell at the time how serious the attack would prove, but this morning his physicians say that the chances are that he cannot recover, although the case is not entirely hopeless. At best, they say it will be months before he can attend to any business. The worst may be expected at any moment.
Y'rs truly,"W. E. Smith.
"Mch. 26/86, 11 A.M."
"Treasury Department, Washington,March 27, '86.
"Hon. Saml. J. Tilden.
"Dear Sir,—You, as a matter of course, have heard of our loss, and will regret it as much, or more, than I do, if such a thing be possible. I am about to take a liberty that, I think, the situation will justify—that is, suggest that you tender to the Secretary the use of your yacht. He is fond of the water, and if he recovers will need rest and recreation. He can obtain it nowhere so well as on the water. I feel that I have taken a great liberty, but my desire to serve Mr. Manning is very great. He deserves all the affection and esteem of his friends, and now their air and sympathy.
"Yours very respectfully,"C. N. Jordan."
"15 Gramercy Park, New York,March 28, 1886.
"Dear Governor Hill,—I feel that Mr. Husted[38]is permitting the resolution on coast defences to slumber toolong, and that New York is failing to take the position which is necessary to the safety of the whole country, and especially to her own safety.
"I think it is highly desirable that you should call his attention to the subject.
"Very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden.
"I am here until Monday afternoon."
"In considering the state of the public revenues, the subject involves the question whether we shall extinguish the surplus by reducing the revenue; or, whether we shall apply the surplus to payments on the public debt; or, whether we shall seize the occasion to provide for our sea-coast defences, which have been too long neglected. The Secretary is of the opinion that the latter is a paramount necessity, which ought to precede the reduction of the revenue; and ought, also, to precede an excessive rapidity in the payment of the public debt.
"The property exposed to destruction in the nine seaports—Portland, Portsmouth, Boston, Newport, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, and San Francisco—cannot be less in value than five thousand millions of dollars. To this must be added a vast amount of property dependent for its use on three seaports. Nor does this statement afford a true measure of the damage which might be carried to the property and business of the country by a failure to protect these seaports from hostile naval attacks.
"They are the centres, not only of foreign commerce, but of most of the internal trade and exchanges of domestic productions. To this state of things the machinery of transportation of the whole country has become adapted.
"The interruptions of the currents of traffic by the occupation of one of our principal seaports by a foreign enemy, or the destruction of them by bombardment, or by the holding over them the menace of destruction for the purpose of exacting contribution or ransom, would inflict upon the property and business of the country an injury which can neither be foreseen nor measured.
"The elaborate and costly fortifications, which were constructed with the greatest engineering skill, are now practicallyuseless. They are not capable of resisting the attacks of modern artillery.
"A still greater defect exists in our coast defences. The range of the best modern artillery has become so extended that our present fortifications, designed to protect the harbor of New York, where two-thirds of the import trade and more than one-half of the export trade of the whole United States is carried on, are too near to the great populations of New York city, Jersey City, and Brooklyn to be of any value as a protection.
"To provide effectual defences would be the work of years. It would take much time to construct permanent fortifications. A small provision of the best modern guns would take several years. Neither of these works can be extemporized in presence of emergent danger. A million of soldiers with the best equipments on the heights surrounding the harbor of New York, in our present state of preparation, or, rather, in our total want of preparation, would be powerless to resist a small squadron of war-steamers.
"This state of things is discreditable to our foresight and to our prudence.
"The best guarantee against aggression—the best assurance that our diplomacy will be successful and pacific, and that our rights and honor will be respected by other nations, is in their knowledge that we are in a situation to vindicate our reputation and interests. While we may afford to be deficient in the means of defence, we cannot afford to be defenceless. The notoriety of the fact that we have neglected the ordinary precautions of defence invites want of consideration in our diplomacy, injustice, arrogance, and insult at the hands of foreign nations.
"It is now more than sixty years since we announced to the world that we should resist any attempts, from whatever quarter they might come, to make any new colonizations on any part of the American continent—that while we should respect thestatus quo, we should protect the people of the different nations inhabiting this continent from every attempt to subject them to the dominion of any European power, or to interfere with their undisturbed exercise of the rights of self-government.
"This announcement was formally made by President Monroe, after consultation with Mr. Madison and Mr. Jefferson. It was formulated by John Quincy Adams. Ourgovernment has firmly adhered to the Monroe Doctrine, and even so late as 1865 it warned Napoleon III. out of Mexico.
"It is impossible to foresee, in the recent scramble of the European powers for the acquisition of colonies, how soon an occasion may arise for our putting in practice the Monroe Doctrine. It is clear that there ought to be some relation between our assertion of this doctrine, and our preparation to maintain it.
"It is not intended to recommend any attempt to rival the great European powers in the creation of a powerful navy. The changes which have rapidly occurred by the diminution of the relative resisting power of the defensive armor of ironclads, and by the increased efficiency of modern artillery—which, on the whole, has gained in the competition—suggest that we should not, at present, enter largely into the creation of armored vessels.
"In the questions that beset this subject until they shall have reached a solution, we can content ourselves with adding but sparingly to our navy. But what we can add should be the very best that experience and science can indicate. This prudential view is reinforced by the consideration that the annual charge of maintaining a war-vessel bears an important proportion to the original cost of construction.
"In constructing permanent fortifications, and in providing an ample supply of the best modern artillery, the annual cost of maintenance is inconsiderable. Nearly the whole expenditure is in the original outlay for construction.
"If we do not make this expenditure necessary to provide for our sea-coast defences when we have a surplus, and have no need to levy taxes, we certainly will not make those expenditures when we have no longer a surplus in the Treasury.
"To leave our vast interests defenceless, in order to reduce the cost of whiskey to its consumers, would be a solecism.
"The present time is peculiarly favorable for providing for this great national necessity too long neglected. Not only does the surplus in the Treasury supply ample means to enable us to meet this great public want, without laying new burdens upon the people, but the work can now be done at a much lower cost than has ever before been possible. The defensive works would consist almost entirely of steel and iron. Those materials can now be had at an unprecedentedly low price. A vast supply of machinery, and of labor, called into existence by a great vicissitude in the steel andiron industries, offers itself to our service. We should have the satisfaction of knowing that while we were availing ourselves of these supplies, which would ordinarily be unattainable, we were setting in motion important industries, and giving employment to labor in a period of depression. With encouragement by the guarantee of work, or, perhaps, by the government itself furnishing the plant, the inventive genius of our people would be applied to the creation of new means and improved machinery, and establishments would spring into existence capable of supplying all of the national wants, and rendering us completely independent of all other countries in respect to the means of national defence."
"15 Gramercy Park, New York,March 30, 1886.
"Dear Mr. Jordan,—You need have no hesitation in suggesting to me anything in my power which you think would be beneficial to Mr. Manning.
"TheVikingis laid up for the winter, and has to undergo some refitting before she can be brought into service.
"But I do not think Mr. Manning could, by any possibility, use her with advantage, unless his present situation should be greatly changed.
"It is too late in the season to go South. I do not believe that Mr. Manning could bear the motion of the largest ocean steamer, still less the greater motion of a small steamer, or the gas and noise of the machinery. A great deal of strength and health is required by the roughing incident to a sea voyage of any considerable duration. I have myself to limit my excursions in theVikingto a few hours at a time. Nor would it be easy to take on board a man weighing 280 pounds who cannot walk, and more difficult still to convey him down the narrow gangway.
"The medical treatment, as I understand, prescribes absolute quiet; this is incompatible with yachting. I am here for a few days, and shall then return to Greystone. I receive frequent information in regard to Mr. Manning, but should be glad of anything which you may be able to communicate.
"I should be delighted if Mr. Manning should become able to use theVikingwith benefit.
"Very truly yours,S. J. Tilden."
"Personal.
"Treasury Department,"Washington, D. C.,March 31, 1886.
"My dear Sir,—Mr. Manning's condition is apparently about the same, but he is now believed to be out of danger, although it will probably be many months before he can attend to any business whatever. His case is complicated by disease of the kidneys, but the physicians say they do not fear any serious trouble from this cause. It is very difficult to obtain any reliable information as to his actual condition.
"Yours truly,"W. E. Smith."
"Treasury of the United States,"Washington,April 1st, 1886.
"Hon. Samuel J. Tilden,—Many thanks for your kind answer. My own opinion is that Mr. Manning is sorely hurt, if he ever wholly recovers. He is a shy man, who does not like to be made a spectacle of, and is fond of the water, so that my idea was and is that a boat would suit him best, as the place where he would be most secluded. How he is to be replaced I can't see; there isn't a member of the cabinet who has made the impression he has, either on Congress or the people with whom he has been brought in contact. 'The only Democrat' in the cabinet is the name he goes by, and it called forth, when his sickness became known, both from Democrats and Republicans, a general expression of regret. He is said to be better to-day. I hope so, but am afraid.
"Yours very respectfully,"C. N. Jordan."
"Greystone,April 2nd, 1886.
"Dear General Barlow,—The petition sent by you has at last arrived. Mr. Tilden requests me to say that it is a very long paper, and would require much investigationbefore he could adopt it. The delicate state of his health forbids his undertaking to examine the questions which it raises.
"Even if he should come to the same conclusion which the authors of the paper have reached, Mr. Tilden is in no condition to carry on the controversy which it would involve, and he would be unwilling to initiate, or to become responsible for, a movement to which he could not give the personal attention and effort which could alone conduct it to a useful result.
"Mr. Tilden knows better than anybody else the burden which the proceedings of 1871-2 entailed, and the prolonged efforts and sacrifices through which success was achieved.
"Without them the mere use of a name, or, indeed, of any number of names, would be utterly futile. Mr. Tilden, therefore, does not think it necessary or useful to examine the preliminary questions.
"Very truly yours,"Geo. W. Smith."
"Creisheim, Mount Airy, Philadelphia,April 22, 1886.
"Dear Mr. Tilden,—It is so long since I have had the pleasure of seeing you that I fear you may have forgotten me, unless the newspapers have kept you advised of the struggle I am now making to rescue my old company, the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, from the receivership and syndicate that now environ it.
"In this attempt I should, above all things, be delighted to have your aid and counsel, and if you would give me a half-hour of your time whenever and wherever most convenient to yourself, it would give me very great pleasure to bring to your attention, and ask your aid in favor of, the scheme I have now prepared for the relief of the company.
"Believe me, my dear sir,
"Very sincerely yours,"Franklin B. Gowen.
"Hon. Samuel J. Tilden."
"Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.,April 23, 1886.
"Dear Governor Hill,—In submitting suggestions to you, I should have great delicacy if I did not offer them as mere suggestions which you, who have the public responsibility, must pass upon according to your own judgment, and not according to mine.
"In addition to the objections to the Consent bill, which I mentioned in my letter of night before last, there is another difficulty. That act does not provide any mode by which railroads not now connecting with the Broadway Railroad at Fourteenth Street can make such connections. This would give great advantage to the Seventh Avenue Railroad in competing at auction for the Broadway franchise. If in consequence that company should succeed in getting the franchise at a low price, such a result would be likely to create a reaction against the reform movement.
"I adhere to the opinion that the Repeal bill and the Winding-up bill should be acted upon promptly; that the Consent bill should be retained for fuller consideration and, eventually, be rejected.
"About the remaining bill of the four reported by the Senate Investigating Committee, I cannot find, by the newspapers, that it has passed.
"It seems to me better than the original Cantor bill, which is now a law, but it still has serious defects.
"1. It leaves the present law standing whereby the general term, appointing commissioners, and rectifying their action, will dispense with the consent of the abutting property-holders.
"2. It allows the Aldermen to pass over the veto of the Mayor a resolution granting a railroad franchise, provided the consent of one-half of the abutting property-owners be obtained.
"The first defect is the most serious. Perhaps the second may be risked, though I do not think it quite safe to dispense with any restrictions upon these grants.
"I do not know whether it is intended to pass this bill, or whether it can be amended.
"In discussing these bills, I am not advised how far, if at all, any of them have been changed by amendment.
"Very truly yours,S. J. Tilden."
"Greystone,April 29, 1886.
"Dear Mr. Gowen,—I have received your letter of April 22d. I have not found an earlier opportunity of answering it.
"I have a pleasing memory of you when you were in the profession. Since that time, I have known you only through the public journals.
"My esteem for you would make it a pleasure to shake you by the hand.
"But I cannot see how I can be of any use to you in the matter of which you speak. The delicacy of my health, and the necessity of my avoiding fatigue as far as possible, render it inexpedient for me to undertake anything more than the unavoidable attention to my personal affairs compels me to do.
"I therefore cannot engage in the work of considering any scheme for the reorganization of the great interests involved in the Reading Railroad, or make the investigations which would be necessary to give any real value to my opinion on the subject.
"Assuring you of my high regard,
"I am, very truly yours,"S. J. Tilden.
"Franklin B. Gowen, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa."
"Treasury Department, Office of the Chief Clerk,"Washington, D. C.,May 4th, 1886.
"Hon. Samuel J. Tilden, Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.
"Dear Governor,—Agreeable to my promise, I write you regarding the present condition of the Secretary. He is recovering quite rapidly. He takes an interest in the affairs of the department; makes inquiries regarding the same; has interviews with various departmental officers. He seems to have retained his full mental vigor. He is not able as yet to walk freely, but it is expected that within a short time he will regain sufficient strength to enable him to go out upon the street without the aid of an attendant. It is proposed that as soon as he is able to walk that he visit some of the springs—White Sulphur Springs, if you please—and takea course of treatment, bathing, &c., after which, it is thought, that he will be able to take his vacation.
"In an interview I had with him, I stated what you had said regarding the yachting cruise, and what you would be pleased to do, &c., &c. He seemed very much delighted with the idea; said he was very fond of yachting, and thought he would enjoy it very much indeed. He said he had thought of taking a little cruise inspecting the light-houses along the Potomac, &c. I did not state to him what you said to me regarding the unhealthy condition of the Potomac, regarding which I agree with you. I think it would be much better for him if he could take the Hudson River and Sound, going as far east as New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard.
"With great respect, I remain,
"Very respectfully yours,"E. B. Youmans."