De Alexander: “In New York, New England, and in some parts of the West, the clear, comprehensive, ringing platform of the anti-slavery…”

But Tilden, conscious of the need of an anti-Tweed legislature, had surmised the Ring's plan as early as Tweed devised it, and he replied with firmness that everything beside the legislative ticket was of minor importance to him.

Perhaps, on the whole, nothing in Van Buren's official life showed greater political courage or discernment.

Thus far Conkling's success had been as unexpected as it was dazzling.

An enthusiast broods over the oppression of a people, until he fancies himself commissioned by heaven to liberate them.