Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-08-23

DeclinatiOn Of Hon. ]. Scott Harrison 10
Run on the secession Ticket.
Hon. J. Scott Harrison, whom the Secs
sion Democracy nominated for Lieutenant
Governor without his knowledge or consent
writes the following letter of declination:
PoNT FARM, August l3, 1861.
DEAR SIR:-The extreme illness of
member Of my family has for several weeks
80 entirely engrosasd my attention, as to
leave me but little time for other engage
ments, and win account for this tardy ac-
acknowledgement Of your favor of the sth in
stant Y y ~
had noticed in the city papers the pro-
ceediugs Of The Democratic Union Conven-
tiOn, LATELY assembled at Columbus, and was
not little surprised to find that my name had
been used in connection with the Lieutenant
Governorship of the State. i deeply regretted
thatI had not been consulted in the matter,
and now desire to say, that respectfully de-
cline the nomination. I have no inclination
to be a candidate for any Office. If 1 ever
cherished ambition for such distinction l
am cured of it, and feel entirely reconciled
to the quiet and retirement of private life.
But it's perhaps, due myself to say that if this
were not the ease, and / felt entirely free
to enter again the field of political conflict,
could not consent to be aParty candidate for
Office, in the present condition of the cOun-
try. Party spirit, in my opinion, has done
more than anything else to bring about the
sad calamities which now so seriously affect
us ami the poison. which has induced this
national paralysis would not prove an eff
cient remedy in the restoration Of the
patient The time has come when we
should forget party, throw offits trammels
and obligations, and stand up for the Coun-
! try, its Union, Constitution and laws.
Z l was NOT, as you know, a supporter Of
Mr. Licoln for the Presidency-neither do l
approve OF all the acts of his Administra-
tion. Bat it seems TO me that this 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
laundering at the gates Of the Capital. Let
US first settle the great questions of Country
or no Country, Government or no Govern
lment, Union or DisuRiOn; and having &C
complished this great work Of duty and pa
| triotism, we will have ample time to inquire
INTO lueSe uelluq quenCleS OF our rulers anu
If we find them wanting in the Jeifersonian
Requirements for Office, let them be condemn
ed BY verdict of the people.
1 l certainly owe the Republicans, as party,
no debt Of political obligation, and yet l do
not hesitate to say that the Administration
has ny Earmest sympathies in its efforts to
put down this rebellion, and am in favor Of
doing this effectively and permanently
peaceif 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 be was for Epeace--PEAoE BEFORE THE
UNION" l, too, am for peace, but am for
the UKI0H BEBoRH PHAoE, for know without
the Union we can have no peace.
In repeating my determination to decline
the nomination which, as the organ Of the
Convention, you 50 kindly tender me, beg
| to assure you Of my proper appreciation Of
this mark of respectful confidence on the part
of the Convention. Very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. SJ0TT HARRISON.
70 WILLIAM s. JOHNSON, Esq,
/ Secretary of State Central Committee.