f a stump speech. Its one pervading
thought, emphasized in resonant phrase, iterating and reiterating,
"that reform is necessary," was an additional proof of its origin. But
with all its effusiveness of expression, it lacked definiteness in the
enunciation of principles. Only two or three propositions upon pending
issues were explicitly set forth. It accepted the Constitutional
Amendments; denounced "the present tariff levied upon nearly four
thousand articles as a masterpiece of injustice, inequality, and false
pretense;" demanded that "all custom-house taxation should be only for
revenue;" and then addressed itself to a somewhat vituperative
arraignment of the Republican party. On the vital question of the
currency it charged that party with "enacting hindrances to the
resumption of specie payments," adding: "As such a hindrance we
denounce the resumption clause of the Act of 1875, and we here demand
its repeal." A controversy arose as to whether simply the resumption
clause should be repealed or the entire policy condemned; and a
discussion upon that question, led by General Ewing on the one side
and by Mr. Dorsheimer on the other, was one of the interesting features
of the Convention. General Ewing had made a minority report embodying
his views, but at the close of the discussion it was defeated by a vote
of 550 to 210, and the platform as it had been arranged under Mr.
Tilden's eye was adopted.

The presentation of candidates followed. No one entertained a doubt of
the result, but Governor Hendricks, Senator Bayard, General Hancock,
Joel Parker, and Governor Allen, were formally named by their
respective States. Mr. Tilden was effectively presented by Senator
Kernan. The first ballot practically decided the contest. Mr. Tilden
received 404-1/2, Mr. Hendricks 140-1/2, General Hancock 75, Governor
Allen 34, Senator Bayard 33, with 37 scattering. Mr. Tilden lacked
but a few votes of the requisite two-thirds, and before the second
ballot was concluded his nomination was declared to be unanimous. The
work was complete by the choice of Mr. Hendricks of Indiana for
Vice-President. The ticket thus presented was the result of political
skill, as it embodied the largest measure of Democratic strength. It
united the two States of the North which with a solid vote from the
South would control the country. One candidate suited the hard-money
element; the other the soft-money element. One aimed to draw recruits;