Tilden, Samuel Jones

(February 9, 18t4—August 4, 1886), an American statesman, was etlucated at Yale and the University of New York. He acquired a high position at the New York bar, became fatous as a counsel for corporations, and ama ed wealth. Though interested in New York politics and very influential in the counsels of the Democratic party, Mr. Tilden held no office for many years, except in 1845 in the A embly, and the next year in the State Constitutional Convention. By about the close of the war he had become the recognized leader of the New York Democracy. He was one of the most expert party managers of modern times. In strenuously opposing the Tweed Ring in 1871 and the following years, as well as in antagonizing other abuses, Tilden acquired such prestige that in 1874 as candidate for Governor he was elected over Dix by 50,000 majority. He served from 1875 to 1877. His succe caused his nomination for President by the National Convention in 1876. In the remarkable election Tilden had a substantial popular majority, but the result of the electoral vote was in doubt. (See Electoral Commi ion.) The extra-constitutional Electoral Commi ion admitted 184 votes for Tilden and 185 for Hayes. Governor Tilden, the ‘sage of Gramercy Park,’ continued to be regarded as the party adviser, the ‘‘ great defrauded.’’ He wrote letters declining in advance the nomination in 1880 and 1884. By the provisions of his will a large sum was left for a free public library in New York.