The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-04-02
Hon. Howell C0bb's Letter Declining t.
Go Before the Charleston Conventlvn.

WASHINGTON, March 20, 1890
As President Of the Democratic state Convention which
mbed In Miiledgeve the Sch OF December last,
take the liberty OF addressing you this letter.
shed ussre OF The democrst,c narv Of the state and
have never entertained doubt that regular and
proper IN every respect In appointing delegates 10 repre-
sent the State in the approaching Charleston Convention
1t discharged legitimate duty, and in accepta
bic TO large majority Of the democracy. Responsive TO
the democratic party, presented the form Of recon-
mendaon my 10 the favorable consideration Of the
Charleston Convention for nomination candidate for
the Presidency. may be permitted here 70 say that
appreciated most highly this manifestation Of re-
gard and confidence thus rendered 10 free will
0m , Se @ & OF my s NAIVE rovs Sas
portion Of the State Executive Committee called con-
venton to assemble on the 14th Of this month for the
purpose Of appointing delegates to the Charleston Conven
tlon. This call was mace upon the av0wed ground that
the Executive Committee alone entrusted with the
the democratic members Of the Legislature IN calling the
December convention unauthorized usurpation Of
power on their part So far rs the record goes the issue
made by the Executive Committee was with the demo
cratic members Of the Legislature, In which, think,
most unjust and iberal attack was made upon large
body Of true and faithful democrats assembled
in the state either as convention or as members OF the
legislature In conforming their action TO the uniform
usage Of our party for many years they had right TO
expect the support and sanction Of their democratic
brethren Of the State.
Whilst, however, neither the Executive Committee nor
their recognised organs at the time OF calling the
ton Of the l4h inst direct and open issue with
the action OF the December Convention In it's recommend
my nd@S ye. .ne
dissatisfaction in the public mind in reference 10 II. Many
Of my friends who fully approved and sanctioned all that
had been done Ut the December convention advised with
me as to the proper course 10 be pursued The indoa
tons that the democracy Of Georgia would d.
and time when IN the
union and harmony. Issues rising In magnitude
and importance far above all considerations Of personal
selves upon us-requirng for the future projection Of
our rights and honor, the undivided and cordial
@ ss or true and y n son Of the STATE
direct my conduct accordingly therefore responded to
those who had addressed the subject and frankly
stated 70 them the course desired 70 pursue, and my
for it. Whilst entertained doubt Whatever Of
the proprey and regularity Of the December Convention
neither desired nor would accept the vote Of the State
at Charleston against the will and voice Of majority of
the democracy Of my own State Indeed went further
and said that could not consent hat my should be
to me in Georgia. though minority, should be Of such
character either in numbers feeling, would en-
that union ss ~ our ranks which
AS the question was made, though indirectly, upon
q p ns nSs V papss il
the movement for the March convention that there mgnt
subject So far my own personal position in the
ter was concerned waived al questions Of regularity
and legality desiring to know what were the feelings Of
The democracy on the subject Il Was immaterai 70 me
whether that inFor nation came through the channel of
regular or an irregular convention To learn the fact
The March oonven ion has assembled and It's proceed
ings before mo have carefully analysed and
considered them in connection with the action Of the De
cember convention. The result d, that well sa.efed
that have received during this contest the warm and
support OF decided majority of the democracy of
the State, for which feel most deeply and sincerely
grateful II Is clear to my mind however, that the oppo
son 10 me, though not so openly avowed equally de
cded. Under these circumstances, regard the longer
connection OF my with the nomination at Charleston
calculated produce dscord where there should be
harmony and distraction where there should be unity.
With this conviction there for hesitation az TO
my course must withdraw my name Internationally
from the canvass and this letter s written for the pur
pose Of announcing TO all who feel interest in the
matter but particularly to the delegation from Georgia 10
the Charleston Convention that have done SO.
will seek other occasion 10 express to those who
have extended 70 me their generous confidence aud
earnest support my greatfui appreciation Of their
| duct
In with brethren OF the South approach
contest involving the issues Of lite and death Fana-
teal and INSCRIPTIONS enemies, eagued together in
political organization formidable numbers, DIES.
perate in It's fortunes malignant in It's purposes,
associates and followers, threaten to take possession Of
the Federal government-that government which our
fathers formed for the protection Of ALL This party seeks
to control for the avowed object Of bringing dhhonor
where our lot has been cast 10 meet and overthrow
this enemy by the aid of the friends Of the constitution
right and justice at the North is FIRST duty; aud fail
ing there TO be prepared for the work OF saving the
vernment II poesble-ourselves ct least from the dis
honor and ruin which would follow the successful naugu
ration Of black republican administration is
great duty The preparation for these duties must begin
with uncn and harmony among ourselves To that result
/ shall contribute every effort which 1t may be in my
power TO make, with the confident hope OF being fully
and cordially sustained BY the people q Gs1Tg oo,p
Hon T. IRWIN, President Democratic State Convention