(WHY HE DID NOT TAKE THE OATH AS PRESIDENT)
"1878-9.
"Last Friday evening a reporter of the World visited Mr. Tilden in his Gramercy Park mansion, and was accorded a brief interview in the commodious and well-appointed library of that distinguished gentleman. Mr. Tilden looked well, and conversed with all his old-time fire and interest.
"'Of course, I have come to see you by instructions respecting the story that General Woodford related to Mr. Mines, and that the latter gentleman has related to the public through the World.'
"'I have not read it through. A friend told me of its substance this morning while I was down-town. But I am averse to talking about these insignificant matters.'
"'Nothing can be insignificant, Mr. Tilden, that concerns your relations to the Presidency or its relations to the public. What the World mainly wishes to know is whether or not you at any time purposed taking the oath as President.'
"'At any time'—musingly. 'Certainly, if the House had declared me elected. Then I should have had a certificate—a title. But after the electoral scheme, which I always opposed, was complete—although advised that I might so as to raise the question—I never for a moment entertained the idea of taking the oath of office either in Washington or in New York or elsewhere. It would have been ridiculous. I have no evidence of title then—no claim—no warrant.'
"'Then you do not believe General Grant intended to arrest or detain you?'
"'How can I tell what General Grant intended? All I can tell you is what I intended as the representative of the people who, by nearly half a million majority on the popular vote, elected me their President.'
"'Is there anything more in the story you would wish to speak of?'