"If proofs cannot be found to bring the wrong-doers to criminal punishment, the confiscation of their investment will be a salutary warning to them and to the public generally." D. MANNING TO TILDEN "WASHINGTON, D. C., _Mch. 5, 1886_. "MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--One of the first copies from the press, of the reply to the House resolution, was duly mailed to you, from here, addressed, 'George W. Smith, Esq., Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.' I sent you another copy to-day, addressed to you personally, which I hope won't miss fire. "There is 'a squall on,' hereabouts, concerning financial matters, and it may grow to the size of a heavy storm, but I doubt. At any rate, I think we are in waters deep enough for safety, and the record isn't a half bad one. "I have plenty of work and worry, and no day passes that I do not wish I were near enough to you to get the benefit of your safe judgment and advice. There is none here to whom I can go with such confidence and sure dependence. "Faithfully yours, "DANIEL MANNING." TILDEN TO PRESIDENT CLEVELAND "_Confidential._ "GREYSTONE, YONKERS, N. Y., _March 12, 1886_. "DEAR MR. PRESIDENT,--I read in the public journals that the name of Brigadier-General Newton, Chief of Engineers in the United States army, is before you for promotion to a Major-Generalship. "I have had occasion, in the course of his duties near the city of New York, although having no personal acquaintance with him, to form an opinion as to his character and capacities; and have otherwise acquired information concerning him. "I believe him to be a very able and accomplished officer. I understand that his commission as lieutenant antedates that of all other officers now in active service; that he entered West Point at the same time with General Pope, and graduated higher in his class; that he graduated twelve years prior to General Howard. "Although a Virginian by birth, he greatly distinguished himself on the Union side--commanding the First Army Corps at Gettysburg, and taking an important part in other battles. "At his age, and to be retired more than six years sooner than General Howard, unless he is now restored to the priority to which he is entitled, he probably will be denied altogether the promotion which his services, his character, and capacity merit. "Another consideration seems worthy of attention. The highest honors of the army ought not to be confined exclusively to Republicans, so long as Democrats not inferior, not to say superior in services and professional capacity, older soldiers if not better, remain to be chosen. General Hancock's death made a vacancy which, though well filled, was not filled by a successor of General Hancock's political faith. General Newton's selection now would for the time redress the balance. "With assurances of cordial regard, I remain, "Very truly yours, "S. J. TILDEN." S. J. TILDEN TO DANIEL MANNING "_Confidential._ "GREYSTONE, _March 14, 1885_.