Samuel Tilden is visited by throngs of supporters who want him to proclaim from his balcony that he is President. His answer takes place in a closed meeting, but we are privy to the moment thanks to a political reporter's account. 1876 is the key historical example of an election in American history so bitterly contested, with wrong committed on both sides: Democrats intimidated voters, Republicans responded by ignoring vote returns and merely claiming they won the states. It might have meant a return to rifles, at least in some areas of the country. It definitely was getting hot in D.C.

William C. Hudson was able to witness the actions of that candidate when urged by partisans to start an extra-constitutional movement.

Also a meeting between Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt witnessed by the same reporter.

It finds T.R. not so happy with the result.

From political reporter of the 19th century William C Hudson comes too stories with resonant power today.

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