"Almost as I write, I notice a late statement that the exports of our country for the year past have been nearly $250,000,000 in excess of our imports. This result is mainly due to the development of our agricultural industries. It is a cheering indication that amid the pressure and distress we are laying the foundation of a new and real prosperity by the energies of our farmers. "I regret that involuntary engagements render it impossible that, on the present occasion, I should be a personal witness of the attainments of our agricultural industries." TILDEN AND A "WORLD" REPORTER (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?' "'I have not thoroughly read it. Besides, as the pivot of the story is my intention to challenge an issue by taking the oath of office, is not the story substantially disposed of when I tell you that there is no real pivot?'" WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER TO TILDEN "TRINITY BUILDING, NEW YORK, _June 23d, 1879_.