But for that unlucky telegram Tilden would probably have been inaugurated President of the United States.
The Times people, intense Republican partisans, at once saw an opportunity.

If Barnum did not know, why might not a doubt be raised?
At once the editorial in the first edition was revised to take a decisive tone and declare the election of Hayes.

One of the editorial council, Mr.John C.Reid, hurried to Republican headquarters in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, which he found deserted, the triumph of Tilden having long before sent everybody to bed.

Mr.Reid then sought the room of Senator Zachariah Chandler, chairman of the National Republican Committee.
While upon this errand he encountered in the hotel corridor "a small man wearing an enormous pair of goggles, his hat drawn over his ears, a greatcoat with a heavy military cloak, and carrying a gripsack and newspaper in his hand.

The newspaper was the New York Tribune," announcing the election of Tilden and the defeat of Hayes.