Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1861-08-29
Number al.
HON. ]. SCOTT HARRISON DECLINES
THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION..


THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION.
; The following letter of Mr.. HARRI-
SON, declining the Democratic nomina-
ton Tor Lieutenant. Governor, 10 copied
from the Enquirer. Mr.. HARRISON de-
, slines to enter into q party contest
when the very existence Of the Govern
ment is at stake. He does not avail
himself Of the strstsgem Of Mr.. Jew.
EFT, who. while ostensibly repudisting
the platform on which he was nomina.
ted, and on which any honorable nomi-
!, nee could only accept or decline, makes
9 new platform in his letter of accept
anee, to be presented as an alternative
and q war platform to the weaker
brethren--that is, to those whose. party
ism is not superior to their loyalty
Mr.. HARRIsoS refuses to be identified
with any movement which does not
sink party and stand up for the coun-
try, the suppression Of the rebellion,
and the enforcement Of the Constitu-
ton and laws:
PoINT FARM, August IS, 1851.
DEAR Sir: The extreme illness Of
= member of my family has, for sever
al weeks, so engaged my attention, as
to leave me but little time for other en-
gagements, and will account for this
tardy acknowledgment of your favor
Of the 9th instant. -.
] had noticed in the city papers the
proceedings Of the Democratic Union
Convention. lately assembled at Column
bus, and was not little surprised to
find that my name had been used in
connection with the Lieutenant Govern
orship Of the State. / deeply regret
ted that had not been consulted in
the matter. and now desire to say, that
/ respectfully decline the nomination.
/ have no inclination to be candidate
for any Office. ofr
II ever cherished ambition for such
distinction ! have been cured Of it, and
feel entirely reconciled to the quiet and
retirement Of private life. But i. is,
perhsps, due myself TO say that if this
was not the case, and fell. entirely
free to enter sgain the field Of political
conflict, / could not consent to be q
party candidate for Office, in the present
condition OF the country. Party spirit,
in my opinion, has done more than any
and the poison which has induced this
national paralysis would not prove an
efficient remedy in the restoration of
the patient. The time has come when
we should forget party, throw of its
trammels and obligations, and stand up
for the country, its Union, Constitution
and laws.
/ was not, as you know, supporter
Of Mr.. Lincoln for the Presidency
neither do l approve of all the acts Of
his administration. But it seems to me
this is not the proper time to arraign
the Administration for these errors of
policy; and that it is neither the part OF
wisdom nor patriotism to assail the
Government when the enemy is tbun-
dering at the gates Of the capital. Let
US first settle the great question OF
Country or no Country, Government or
no Government, Union or Disunion;
and having accomplished this great
work of duty and patriotism, We will
have ample time to inquire into these
alleged delinquencies Of our rulers:
and il we find them wanting in the JEFF
fersonian requirements for Office, let
them be condemned by a verdict Of the
people.
/ certainly owe to the Republicans,
as party. no debt Of political obligs-
tion, and yet do not hesitate TO say
that the Administration has my warm
est sympathies in its efforts to put down
this rebellion, and 1 am in favor of do
ing this effectively and permanently
in peace if we can, in war if we must.
A distinguished member Of Congress
is reported to have said in his place in
the House Of Representatives, during
the last session, that he was for
"peaee-peaes before The Union" /,
too, am for peace, but I am for the
linton before peace, for / know without
the Union we can have no peace.
In repeating my determination to de-
cline the nomination which, as the or.
gan of the Convention, you so kindly
tender me. l beg 10 assure you of my
proper appreciation Of this mark OF re-
spect and confidence on the part OF the
Convention.
Very respectfully, your obedient SER
Vant
J. Scorr HARRISON.
To William A. johnson, Esq, Secre'
tary of State Central Committee.