North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-04-01
Letter From Hon. VIM. Hopkins.

The following letter from Hon. VIM. Hop
kins containing his withdrawal from the con-
test for the Gubernatoria nomination before
the convention in June will be read with IN
terest by his friends, and its sentiments ap-
proved by every sincere lover of our Com
monwealth.
Mr.. Hopkins having made up his mind not
to go into the contest, presents his views as
to the character and qualifications of a suit
able nominee for the party and in his mod
est and explicit declination gives utterance to
opinions at once so dsinterested and proper
that they cannot fail 20 commend themselves
to the public:
HARRISBURG, March %, 1868.
To the Editors of the Patriot Union.
GENTLEMEN Having received many as
surances, from different parts OF the State,
that I would be supported for the nomina-
tion for Governor, at the approaching Con-
venti0n, and having made up my mind not to
go into the contest, L deem it due to those
who have thus voluntarily indicated their
preference, to place before them, and the pub
some of the reasons which have influenced
me in coming to this decision. Ihave always
regarded the position of Governor as one
that ought to be sought after, and acting up
on this idea, have n'vcr, personally, solici-
ted vote in my life, Notwithstanding my
name has been used in that connection Oh
former occasions. This having been my rule
Of action heretofore, see no inducement for
departing from it now. Indeed, if there ever
was time when the selection of a candidate
should be left to the voluntary judgment of
the people, wholly uninhuenced by the i'm
portunities of aspirants, that time is the pre-
sent. If we look abroad over our bleeding
country, the patriot is Mortified at the dark
impenetrable cloud which overshadows our
political horizon. All human forecast is baf
future, either as a State or Nation. We are
in the midst of a crisis, such as the world
mas seldom ever seen. The whole fabric of
our government seems to be tottering TO its
very base, and none but He who holds in His
hands the destinies of the nations, and of men
can tell what is TO be our fate. The respon-
sibilities that will deyoI7e on the next Cover
nor OF Pennsylvania will be appalling beyond
precedent. That there should, at such a
scramble for the nomination, is most amazing.
10 my oWn mind it is clear that those who
really comprehend the magnitude of the diff
tiCulties which environ u.s. should be the last
to seek the position. Here, perhaps | ought
: to stop. Bat when | contemplate the vast
interests at stake, feel restrained to venture
a suggestion or two in regard to the qualities
which, think, our candidate should possess.
This, thrust, | may be allowed to do, not
being one myself. Among these will men
ton that in my opinion, the candidate sho'd
be man OF experience, mature Judgment,
and unquestioned administrative Abilities
He should be a man of the most indomitable
courage and tirmnesS such as would enable
him TO interpose a manly resistance to all in
fractions Of the Cons titution and encroach-
ments upon the sovereignty Of the State,
and rights and liberties Of her citizens. He
should be man Of unfaltering fidelity to the
Constitution Of the United States and the
Union, as they were founded by Washington.
He should be not only untrammeled by cor
porate power, but entirely beyond such indu
ences. Upon this point too much care can
not be taken, for it must be apparent to all,
that this influence has already made fearful
strides towards undermining the liberties OF
the people. When it is remembered that
within the past five years, some twenty mil
hons OF dollars have been taken from the
Treasury for the benefit of two corporations
and that too by the notorious use of corrupt
means, the question may we'll be asked, SIS
there not Imminent peril to be apprehe nded
from this quarter in future % But above all
the candidate should be man of incorrupti
BILE integrity, whose private character is an
rutheT06te and whose public record in the
past will be sufficient guarantee that his
future will bring no reproach upon our glc.
rlouS old Commonwealth. With such a
standard bearer we would go before the peo
pie with certainty Of success.
In conclusion, desire to tender to all who
have deemed me worthy of so exalted posi-
ton, my profound gratitude, with the assn.
rance that shall cherish with fondest recoI.
lection, these indications Of confidence and
regard as long as [ shall live.
am, very respectfully and truly,
Your friend WIN. HOPKINS.
BOYS WANTED, --=-.,=