Samuel J. Tilden: Activist, Reformer, and President?
Samuel J. Tilden is said to be the man who came the closest to the presidency, while still losing it. ... Samuel J. Tilden influenced reform in the state of New York more than any other during the late nineteenth century, and is the only man who is said to have had the presidency stolen from him. (1)
Because of his father, Samuel Tilden’s childhood years left him with a genuine patriotism and a devotion to the Democratic Party based on tradition and acquaintance with Democratic leaders. ... Tilden attended law school, is admitted to the bar in 1841, and immediately begins practicing. ... Tilden himself said that at one time or another more than half of the great railway companies north of the Ohio were his clients, He serves a term in the state legislature under special request form the governor, is a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846, and is an unsuccessful candidate for attorney general in 1855. ... (2)
Samuel Tilden succeeds Dean Richmond as chairman of the Democratic State Committee in 1866, and held this position for the next eight years, during which he played a leading part in ousting the “Tweed Ring” of New York City. ... This act caused Samuel Tilden to take action. ... It is to this end that Tilden concentrated his efforts. ... This evidence satisfied Tilden and he formed a plan. ... Tilden received the full and cordial support of the Democratic Party of the city and the state. ... ” Those opposed to Tilden would say that he acted with less than selfless intent in his attacks on Tammany Hall. ... Flick wrote that Tilden wanted reform but was cautious because of the consequences to the Democratic Party. Flick said that Tilden “bided his time until he could strike with devastating effect.” However, Tilden was not able to wait until he had enough evidence to prove beyond doubt that Tweed and company were corrupt. Once the New York Times had started its disclosures about the “Tweed Ring,” Tilden decided to act quickly.
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