Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1859-02-05
1ieAay Impertans Announcements O..
~ Rice DeclInss the Vice Presidsps.

~. Rice Declines the Vice Presiden-
Wt4 7
The other day I'VE alluded briefly to the
Standing Joke" at the head of the columns
OF the Henderson Democrat, VIZ" For Tics
fres'dent: HENRY N. RICE" We perceive
by the last paper from the capital of 10. R.
BROWNS dominions, that our joke is spoiled
by the publication Of letter from Senator
RICE, grayely requesting the editor of the
Democrat as though he had been in earnest,
" to withdraw his name" at least for the pre-.
sent. The editor, in..graciously acceding to
this request, remarks :, "'In the clouds of dust
consequent upon this bare suggestion, kicked
up by the political / paper tigers. of the
State, Mr.. Rice has, we hope, been enabled to
gain even clearer insight into the game Of
politics already commencing among few of
the would-be leaders of the democracy in Min
nesota." This we take to be clear adig' at
the Pioneer and Democrat and the S1BIEY in
terest: the suggestion, perhaps, of Mr.. RICE
himself in private note to the editor accom-
panying his letter for publication, which is as
follows -'--. -.T-.-- .'7 'lcil- .re,' nj
WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. 9, $50. O.
Dear Sir My attention was called, some
time ago, to number of the Henderson Dem-
ocrat, wherein l. was announced as candi-
date for the Vice Presidency of the Union.
can assure you that sincerely appreciate
the friendly feelings which you have thus
manifested toward me, but you will, never
theless, allow me to request the withdrawal of
my name. 81. y. ha5.2y7o mir
The position to which your partial friend
ship would elevate me is not an object of my
desire, even were qualified to discharge its
duties. The people of Minnesota have al
ready gratified my highest ambition, and 1
have no wish beyond obtaining their appro7
baton as diligent and faithful public SER
| want. -.i.a s...ft.5 r-t-.. ......t-.
But my reasons for making this request
arise from sources higher than mere personal
reluctance. The good Of the country and the
welfare of the Democratic party demand
quiet, harmonious cooperation, undisturbed
by premature questions of individual prefer
ence. -. r. .... .... ...s .....
Were the various sections of the country
so soon to bring forward their local .fauoyites,
either for the first or second office in the gov
|
! ton of 1860 would, necessarily, be more or
less embarrassed in the discharge of their
trust, and their deliberations seriously endan-
gered. aar ,.... .. ~.
| Again: Should my name not be withdrawn,
my usefulness might be in some degree re-
stricted, because my acts would be liable to
misconstruction, and my influence here, small
as it is, would become still less efficient
| In the hone that these reaSonc will csuco
you to accede to my request, and with renew
ed Acknowledgements for your favorable regard,
| am very truly, yours, - l.
| -a.~at b.. 1oa . HENRY NJ. RICE.
TO calm observer, outside of the De-
mocratic ring, the above letter smacks little
of the gravely ridiculous. "The good of the
country" we can easily see, might be for
warded by Mr.. RICE not getting to be Vice
President; but even we fail to observe how
the harmony of the Democratic Party could
be in the least disturbed by his Ay-on-an-ele,
plant mention, even "prematurely," for that
distinguished Office! ..
But we give our Winnebago Moccasin Sen.
ator credit for the the skillful way in which he
insinuates that he is "local .fauorite" q
here in Minnesota for the post in question
and for the adroitness with which he magnifes
himself by the intimation, that unless "mg
name" is withdrawn it might so excite jeal.
ousy at Washington as to injure his useful.
ness Really, Mr.. RICE has improved in
composition since the Ship-of-State letter, or
else he has a better clerk