"On no other question can we be so unanimous among ourselves. On no other question can we draw so much from the other side and from the undetermined. It appeals peculiarly to the adopted citizens, whether Irish or Germans; to all the working-men; to the young men just becoming voters. The Republican party contains large numbers who are naturally hampered by its position on this issue; and large numbers of old Federal and old Whig antecedents, who do not think that any poor man, white or black, ought to vote; and though they may go along with their party on the theory that the blacks are a counterpoise to the adopted citizens, their hearts misgive them. The pride of a superior race and self-esteem, well founded in this case, are a universal power. "The more we concentrate the public attention on this issue, so that the people will act with reference to it, the better our chance of success will be. "Subordinate, but next in importance, is the financial question. "The best aspect of that is its connection with the other issue. It is now costing the country, directly and indirectly, 100 millions a year--perhaps as much even as the whole interest on the public debt--to carry on the reconstruction system and the measures associated with it. The army expenses are now about 144 millions, exclusive of pensions. "The best policy on the finances is a general attack on the prodigality and corruption of the present governing power. Our promises should be purification--reduction of the army and navy, diminution of expenses, and remission of taxes. "I inquired into the state and prospects of the finances when in Washington, and am satisfied that the expenditures are now running at a rate much larger than the public are aware of. And the tendency is to a fall of the revenues. I do not--"(the rest wanting). WILLIAM BIGLER TO TILDEN "HARRISBURG, PA., _March 4th, 1868_. "MY DEAR SIR,--Your letters came to hand, but I have made but a very limited use of them. So soon as the diversity of feeling in the State was apparent I determined that it was true policy to avoid naming a candidate, and none will be named. On the Western border the Pendleton fever had some start. In the East and interior the friends of Gen. Hancock were disposed to present his name, and on the Southern tier of counties there was a disposition to compliment Judge Black. "The only name on this list, however, seriously mentioned was that of Gen. Hancock. But at the bottom of all this, so far as civilians are concerned, is the feeling and purpose I expressed to you. "But the Young Democracy are making some trouble on our hands about delegates at large, and may defeat some of the older men, perhaps myself. Woodward is almost certain to fail. Packer will be chosen (not the Gov., but Asa), and I think I shall be also; but whether in or out, my usefulness in arranging matters would be about the same. I shall inform you by telegraph. "Your Obt. St., "WM. BIGLER."