DANIEL MANNING TO TILDEN
"Office of 'The Argus,'
"412 Broadway, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 Beaver St.,
"Albany, June 20, 1875.
"Dear Governor,—Since you, following in the wake of the Legislature, abandoned the capital, Albany has been extremely slow and stupid; but the constant and voluminous gossip that has prevailed regarding the supply bill indicates that, although absent, you are very 'numerously remembered,' and, no doubt, prayed for. Will all the prayers be continued after the thirty days have expired? I am not sure, if I were near you, that I should ask you to approve the new capitol item. As an Albanian, perhaps yes; as a citizen of the State, possibly no; and as a Democrat, no, most decidedly, without a change in the management.
"Your arguments on the canal appropriation bills are really admirable—so strong, clear, and convincing, indicating so much research and such thorough knowledge of the whole intricate subject. They will be very popular, even beyond the State; and here no voice will venture to rise in opposition.
"The malcontents are restless, vituperative, mischievous, and cowardly. They abound in threats and slurs and insinuations, and would do much harm if they only dared and knew how. But they are bewildered, and so simply stand under cover, make faces, and tell what they intend to do at the next State convention; among other things, they are then and there to annihilate the Argus. Our organization here, with Abraham Lansing for president, is very strong—stronger than ever before—and we shall send an influential and a united delegation to the convention. The soreheads begin to count much upon the ripple of disagreement that seems to exist among our friends in N. York. The Governor must smooth the troubled waters. He knows how.
"Return to Albany as soon as you can. Diluted as they are, can't the principles of the removal bill be applied to those Job's comforters with some effect?
"Respectfully and truly yours,
"Daniel Manning."