then governor of new york samuel j. tilden began targeting the ring in 1874. in march 1875, he released a report detailing frauds carried out. this served as a direct appeal to the people, and so aroused public opinion that the legislature was forced to authorize the governor to appoint a canal commission. the reports of this commission resulted in a marked diminution in the appropriation for canals and the indictment of several officials for defrauding the state. his handling of the ring is credited with helping tilden secure the democratic nomination for president in 1876.