The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-07-16
MI. Galloway's Declension.
Hc will not Ask for Governor and
then take Lieutenant--GOes the
Negro, but viii not stump for
Hayes.

e1C bSktA UOE ASIA hOA OOs "a AAOk sAAAN
then take Lieutenant--GOes the
Negro, but will not stump for
Hayes.
Gen B. R. Cowen-Dear sir: After
earnest and full deliberation my original
purpose to decline the nomination con-
ferred upon me by the Union Conveltion
remains unchanged Will you be pleased
to communicate to the State Central Com
mittee the fact of my non-acceptance, so
that the vacancy may be flied2 avail
myself this opportunity to make known
to all who may be interested in the in
and especially to those who
have given me their sincere support and
some of the reasons which, in
my judgment. justify my present action.
I Firstly. The nomination is unaccept-
able-not merely that it was unsolicited
and undesirable, but because it was made
in opposition to my explicit avowals and
pledges that I could not except any other
position than the first on the ticket. Am
bition, il its normal condition, usually
assumes an upward direction, and mine
is not claimed to be exceptional. My
aspirations did not embrace the mental
reservation, that, if l could not raise
to decided honor, l would sink to a
doubtful compliment Having acted in
the capacity of Secretary of State, and
Superintendent Of Common Schools at
the age of tLirty-three, and a member Of
Congress at forty three; and now enter
tanning at least the Imagination that my
tolls, and sacrifices within
these past ten years Of fierce political con-
fict have been quite equal to those Of any
other Ohioan, is it not presumable by
persons of ordinary taste and intelligence
that position where my capacities would
be in state of suspended animation for
seven or eight months, in period of two
years, would not be agreeable? In ac
cordance with my expressed feelings and
purpose, the Franklin county delegation
(whose bearing on that occasion COM
mands my grateful remembrance } prom
pity withdrew my name when it was first
announced for the Lieutenant Governor
ship, and again, after a personal inter-
view with its chairman, and by my spe-
cial instructions, it was made known to
the Convention that I would not consent
to ac cept that position. My objections to
accepting the honor were fully and freely
communicated to the committee appointed
By the Convention to report the fact of
my nomination, and Notwithstanding the
earnest appeals of those sincere and,en-
.husiastic friends my purpose remained
unchanged. 1t was not until my esteem
ed friend from Muskingum declared that
he would not carry back my message of
unconditional acceptance, that | con-
sented to take the subject under advise
ment-and report to the State Central
Committee. Ny consultations, personally
and by correspondence, with my most
judicious and unimpassioDed friends,
since the Convention, have but strength
ened my convictions as to the propriety
of my action. May | not pertinently in
quire why was the withdrawal of my
name not treated.with as kind and favor
able consideration by the Convention as
that of other persons who we're announ-
ced and Withdrawn as candidates in the
same hour? And is there resting upon
me any special obligation to make sac
rifce Of self-respect, of personal dignity
and comfort, which no other man SIM
ilarly circumstanced is prepared to make?
Secondly. ] have neither the taste nor
mental qualities and habits adapted to the
functions of the presiding officer of the
Ohio Senate. Distinguished as the posi-
ton is, it does not suit my mercurial tenn
permanent. The most elevated chair in a
deliberatiye assembly, without the privi-
lege of participating in It's proceedings,
would be to me but an honorable impris-
onment.
Thirdly. It would be alike inexpedient
and unwise for me, in the present condi,
ton of my health and private affairs, to
engage in an excited and protracted po-
litical canvass. 1t is well known to my
personal friends that, for the cause spec
flied, hesitated, even until within few
days of the meeting of the, Convention,
as to the propriety of having my name
submitted to the Convention. | conclu-
ded, however, that for SO important a
prize as the executive chair of the State
of Ohio, and the leadership in a cam
paign involving principles very dear to-
my heart, / could brayely meet the tolls
of the seyerest struggle and submit to a
large pecuniary sacrifice. It is not, how
ever, proper, nor am T prepared to i'm
peril life, assume fhe responsibility Of a
deeply important campaign, and sacrl-
fee my pecuniary interests and social and
domestic comfort for SO unattractiye a
distinction, and such unwelcome duties as
are connected with the position to which
| have been invited. Ny patriotism du-
ring the war could and did accommodate
itself to very subordinate and oppressive
duties, but it cannot extend to such en-
larged proportions in this time of peace.
As my intimate friends we'll know, who
understand the full significance of my
plea of insufficient physical energy for
the duties of an active political campaign,
that it would be much easier for me, in
view of my future comfort and usefull-
ness, to alleviate rather than enlarge the
burthen Of my cares and employments;
to contract the sphere of my activities,
and to court scenes Of quiet and recrea-
tinn rather than those of noise and ex-