Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1867-01-16
Racy Letter from Thad. Stevens.

Gen. Harry White, Member of the
Pennsylvania State Senate, under date of
Jan. Sd, addresses Hon. Thad. Stevens a
letter, urging him to visit Harrisburg with
view of taking some personal interest in
the contest for United States Senator To
this the stern old patriot replied in the fol-
lowing pointed manner;
HOUSE OF REP, XXXIXTH CONGRESS-,
Washington, ID. c., Jan. ), 1866.
Hon. III. Uhtte, Penn q Senate, SIR: [
have received yours OF the Sd, suggesting
to me the wish OF several friends that /
would visit Harrisburg In the beginning
OF next week. This you do not hesitate to
say Is in connection with the pending cleo
ton OF United States Senator. My name
has been mentioned among the candidates,
and my friends think that my presence may
improve my chances by removing some false
impressions. When l allowed my name to
be used it was with the express understand
ing that [ should in no way canvass for
places. L have an abiding aversion for any
oihce, but to solicit votes for the office of
United States Senator Is repugnant to all
my ideas Of propriety. 1t seems to me that
tor that high office the Legislature ought
to be left wholly unintiuenced by soliclta-
IL T..
select whomsOever they might deem best
qualified for the office | have thought that
they were competent TO survey the State and
select the man VINO would do it most honor
without prompting but there are peculiar
relations operating III Pennsylvania still more
powerful.
1t cannot be denied-and therefore need
not be couceaed-that Tor the last ten or fif-
teen years the Legislature of Pennsylvania
has had a most unenviable reputation ; cor
ruption and fraud have been freely chat ged,
and | fear TOO often proved, to have control
led their actions. No matter how honest
when chosen, the atmosphere Of Harrisburg
seems to have pierced many of them with a
demorallZIng faint; seat IN the Legislature
becomes an object OF ambition, not Tor the
per diem, but Tor the chance OF levyIng con-
tributions from rich corporations, and other
large jobs Corruption finally becomes so
respectable as to seduce candidates for of
fee boldly to bid for them, and to pay the
cost for the delivery of the ballot. The
very office of Senator is known to have been
once bought with gold, and to have been
trafhcked TOR an offer on several occasions IN
exchange for the precious metals. Indeed,
it has become proverbial that the longest
purse is sure to win. So sure is this, that
men once or more detected in such shameful
practices do not hesitate to appear before |
the public and ask leave to practice the same
game. How can any man who has any
character to lose consent to enter into such !
competition?
fortunately for the country, the present
Legislature Is above suspicion. Those who |
were in former Legislatures, and were
tainted, have been left at home, and pure
men sent In their places. SO far as my
knowledge of their reputation extends no !
man can be found around when there hangs
any mistrust. Then why should | visit you
as if to attempt TO influence such indepen !
dent and pure men. Besides, it might be |
injurious TO members il any who have been |
known to have been elected against me should |
change sides. The inference would be inev- |
/ table that they had yielded to illegitimate |
arguments.
When the election was over, if certain
members who were supposed to be expected
to vote for various candidates were to be |
found going for one against the declared /
aversion of their constituents, nothing could /
save them from the charge of purchase and /
sale but the known mcagerneSS OF my purse. |
| would not subject any friend to this impG- |
tation. For these and other reasons | have /
come to the conclusion that [ had better not |
visit Harrisburg as you request. Yours, |
respectfully, THADDEUS STEVENS.
Hon. Ii. White, State Senate.
Z. S.-DEAR SIR: Since writing you uu-
der date of January 5th, certain facts have /
come to my knowledge which may oblige |
Inc to reconsider my determination if so, /
[ will be in Harrisburg on Tuesday week /
Y ours, &c, THADDEUS STEVENS.