The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1867-07-06
Mr.. Galloway. Letter Of Decline


GEN. r. B. CowAN-Dedr Sir: After
earnest and full deliberation, my origin
al purpose to decline the nomination
conferred upon me by the Union Con-
vention remains unchanged, Will you
be pleased to communicate to the State
Central Committee the fact of my nom
acceptance, SO that the vacancy may be
filledi avail myself of this Opportu-
nifty to make known to all who may be
interested in the information, and espe-
cially to those who have given me their
sincere support and confidence, some OF
the reasons which, in my Judgment, jns-
tify my present action.
Firstly. The nomination is unaccept-
able-not merely that it was unsolicit-
ed and undesirable, but because it was
made in opposition to my explicit
avowals and pledges that l could not
and would not accept any other posi-
tion than the first on the ticket. Am
bition, in 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 ifI could not rise TO a
decided honor, / would sink toa doubt
full compliment. Having acted in the
capacity of Secretary of State, and. Su-
perintendent of Common Schools at the
age of thirty-three, and of member of
Congress at forty-three; aud now enter
tanning at least the imagination OF my
utterances, tolls, and sacrifices, within
these past ten years of fierce political
conflict, have been equal to those ofany
L.. Ia. 20 ,nf In A hV
persons of ordinary taste and intelli-
gence, that position where my capaci-
ties would be in state Of suspended AMI
nation for seven or eight months, in q
period of two years, would not be agree
able
May l not pertipently inquire why
was not the withdrawal Of my name
treated with as kind and favorable con-
sideration by the Convention as that OF
other persons who were announced and
withdrawn as candidates in the same
hour; and is there resting upon me any
special obligation to make sacrifice
of self respect, of personal dignity and
comfort, which no other man similarly
circumstanced is prepared to make?
Secondly. i have neither the taste
nor mental qualities and habits adapted
to the functions of the presiding officer
of the Ohio Senate. Distinguished as
the position is, it does not suit my mer-
curial temperament. The most elevated
chair i'll deliberative assembly, with
out the privilege of participating in its
proceedings would be to me an honor
able Imprisonment.
Thirdly. 1t would DO alike inexpe-
dient and unwise for me, in the present
condition of my health and private af-
fairs, to engage in an excited and pro
tracted political canvass. 1t Is well
known to my personal friends that, for
the cause specified, hesitated, even
until within few days of the meeting
of the Convention, as to the proprlety
of having my name submitted to the
Convention. / concluded, however, that
for so important price as the Execu-
tive chair of the State of Ohio, and the
leadership iu campaign involving
principles very dear TO my heart, could
bravely meet the tolls of the severest
struggle and submit to large pecuni-
ary sacrifice. 1t is not, however, proper,
nor am ! prepared, to imperil life, as
sumo the responsibility of deeply i'm
portant ca ampaign, and sacrifice my Pc
cuniary interests and social and domes-
tic comfort for SO unattractiye distinc-
ton. and such unweicome duties as are
connected with the position to which 1
have been invited. Ny patriotism DUR
ing the war could and did accommodate
itself to very .subordinate and, oppres-
sive duties, but it cannot extend to such
enlarged proportions in this time OF
peace.
The fact
that | was not chosen as the standard
bearer of our gallant Union hosts, did
not surprise nor disappoint me. I'm
committed as | am to the ambitious
schemes of some Presidential aspirants,
and with expressed preferences for an
unambitious man whom the people will
call, unacceptable to party leaders and
unscrupulous politicians, and utterly
refusing any completely with intrigues
or intriguers, foresaw my coming des-
tiny, and calmly met it. Official hon
ors and emoluments have no charms for
me, unless they come as the spoutape-
GUS offerings of loyal hearts, untainted
by treachery and unpurchased by any
sacrifice of the elements of true maD-
hood. Ny politics are rGdicdled in that
that primal announcement of the great
Creator, $50 God created man i'll his
own image; in the image of God created
he him"-before some modern and dem
onstrative Radicals ascertained where
was the true root of human rights.
SAMUEL GALLOWAY.
Columbus, June %, 1867.
Hnw I'm RENT A EARM-Thn correct