[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 74 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE SAMUEL J. TILDEN DEMOCRATIC CLUB ON THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2003

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Samuel J. 
Tilden Democratic Club on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. In the 
past half-century, the organization has consistently led its community 
in discussing, addressing, and resolving important political issues.
  Since 1953, when a group of Democrats became fed up with Tammany Hall 
and turned to the notion of an open political forum for inspiration, 
Tilden has prided itself on its diverse membership and progressive 
views. Tilden members represent a cross-section of the constituency, 
and the diversity of opinion makes the club a driving force and leader 
of the community. Tilden embraces the philosophical principles of 
Eleanor Roosevelt and Herbert Lehman and has led the efforts to address 
and resolve community issues for over five decades. Tilden's 
contributions to the community include improvements in healthcare, 
housing, education, social services, senior citizen needs, crime 
prevention, transportation and landmark designation.
  The local reform Democratic club of the 74th Assembly District, the 
Tilden club is named after Samuel J. Tilden, Governor of New York from 
1875-1876. During his ten years as state party chairman from 1865-1875, 
Mr. Tilden made history by successfully leading the overthrow of the 
Tammany Hall Boss Tweed. As the Democratic Party's candidate for 
President of the United States in 1876, he became the first candidate 
to win the popular vote but lose the Electoral College vote, and the 
election. Mr. Tilden's legacy of community activism and reform is 
reflected in the Tilden club.
  Tilden serves its community and its members by facilitating open 
communication between constituents and their representatives in 
government. Tilden hosts forums where constituents meet and are able to 
speak with their elected officials and political candidates. As a 
result, the residents of the district are given an opportunity to 
directly voice their concerns about their state and government to those 
who serve it.
  In addition to these activities, Tilden spearheads community service 
projects including annual street fairs, the proceeds of which are 
donated to community groups, hospitals, hospices, senior support 
groups, charities and social service organizations. Their annual ``Toys 
for Tots'' drive provides needy children with toys throughout New York 
City. Further, Tilden hosts an annual celebration honoring community 
and political heroes, recognizing those men and women whose efforts 
have made a difference in the community. Through all its efforts, 
Tilden focuses on improving the quality of life in our community, just 
as Governor Tilden worked to accomplish over a century ago.
  The dedication and enthusiasm of the many members and friends of 
Tilden have made it an extraordinary and invaluable community 
organization. Over the last 50 years, Tilden has helped shape the 
development of the community, advocating for and preserving the quality 
of life for residents and families of the east side of Manhattan.
  In recognition of these outstanding contributions, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club 
on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.

                          ____________________