New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1848-04-13
ASHLAND. April 10. Isis

AsHL.SD. April 10. 1913.
The various and conflicting reports which have
been in circulation TO my intentions with respect
10 the next Presidency. appear 10 me to furnish a
proper occasion for full frank and explicit expo
.ition Of my feelings wishes and views upon that
subject This i, is now my purpose to make.
With strong disnclinstion TO the use OF my
name again ia connection with that office, lets my
residence in Denember last, under determination
to announce to the public in suitable form, my
desire not to be thought of as candidate. In my
absence frequently expressed to different gentle
men my unwillingness to be sgsin in that attitude
though no one was authorized to publish my deci-
sion one way or the other, having reserved the
right to do so exclusively myself
On reflection thought it was due TO my friends to
consult with them before took decisive step. Ac-
cordingy within the course OF the last three months
have had an opportunity of conversing fully and
freely with them. many Of them having addressed
to me the strongest sppeals and the most earnest
en-eate,. both verbally and written to dssuade
me rom executing my intended purpose They
represent 10 me that the withdrawal of my
name would be fatal 10 their success and per
haps lead 70 the dissolution OF the party, with
winch | have been associated. particularly IN
the free States that at no former period did there
exist 50 great a probability OF my election, If
would consent n the use OF nv name, that the
great States of New-iork and Ohio would, IN all
probability. cast their vote for me that New Ork
would more certainly bestow her suffrage upon
me than any other candidate; that Ohio would
give her vote TO candidate residing IN the slave
States but 10 me thst there Is better prospect
bas hare MT
Pennsylvania would unite with them; that no
candidate can be elected without the concur
renee of two Of these three States and none could
be decided upon whom all OF them could be
united that great numbers OF our feow-citl-
zens, both Of native and foreign birth, who were
deceived aud therefore voted against me az the
last election, are now eager for an opportunity of
bestowiug their suirages upon me; and while
there is a strong and decided preference for me,
entertained by the great body of the Wing party
throughout the United States, they, the friends to
whom refer, at the same time are convinced that
/ am more available than any candidate that could
be presented for the American people. do not
pretend 10 vouch for the accuracy OF sll these re-
presentations although do not entertain doubt
that they have been honestly made and are SIN
cerely believed.
IL has been moreover, urged 10 me that the
great obligation under which | have been hitherto
placed by a large portion OF the people OF the Unit
ted States the full force of which no one can be
more sensible of than | am, demands that should
not withhold the use OF my name. If II should be
required, and have been reminded ofirequent de,
clarations which have made, that while life and
health remain man is bound TO render his best
services upon the call of his country.
Since my return home. / have anxiously de-
liberated upon my duty to myself 10 my prin
pies 10 my friends, and above all, to my coun-
Try. The conflict between my unaffected desire
10 continue in private life ~ most congenia to my
feelings and condition, aud my wish faithfully to
perform all my public duties, has been painful and
embarrassing. If ! refuse the use OF my name. and
those Injurious consequences should ensue which
have been so confidently predicted by my friends
should justly incur their reproaches and the re-
proaches of my own heart and IT, on the contrary,
| should assent 20 the use Of my name, whatever
the result may be, shall escape both; ] have. !
therefore finally decided 10 leave 10 the National
Convention which is 10 assemble next June, the
consideration Of my name IN connection with such
others as may be presented 10 IT, 70 make selec- |
ton of a suitable candidate for the Presidency OF
the United States; and Whatever may be the issue
Of II, its fair and full deberation will meet with
my prompt and cheerful acquiescence. IL will
be seen from what | have stated that there
vas reason TO anticipate that | would decline
giving my consent to the use Of my name again as
n candidate for the Presidency OF the United |
States Owing perhaps to this as well as other /
causes many Of my friends and fellow citizens have |
agowed their preference for and directed their at
tenton TO- the distinguished names of other citizens
Of the United States. take pleasure in truly de- |
claring that have no regrets 10 express, no com
plants no reproaches 10 make. on account Of any
such preference, which | am fully persuaded are
generally founded on honest and patriotic conyic- /
tons. HENRY CLAY.