The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-03
A MAN OF The PAST.
Why IL Mississippian Declines TO Run for


Congress.
This gentleman, who formerly exercised very
great influence IN the politics of Mississippi and
for n while in New Orleans was potent us n lead
ing Democratic editor, was lately called upon to
run for Congress from Southern Mississippi. He
declines in the following letter, which contains
some marked and remarkable opinions
SHIELDsBoRo, Miss, Aug. 10, 1sG9.-Captan p. X.
Mayors, editor handsOOrO DsntOc dt-My Dear Sir
have in yOur issue OF the 3lst ut. the card Of
q number of distinguished citizens OF Harrison
county, inviting me to be q candidate for Congress
in this district and your kind endorsement thereof.
lam deeply impressed by this manifestation of con-
ndsnce on the part of the leading Wings and Demo-
Gratis who have known me intimately for twenty-five
years, in happier times and in our latter days OF
Were |, like NEST Of those who have signed this
call, in the prime of life with energies unmpiren,
and with talents equal to the emergency, would
make any sacrifice for our stricken county,
But ! am man of the past; too secluded in my
habits too much welded to the theories of former
times too full of personal recolecons OF the great
state of the republic-tO be lit representative
OF any of the parties OF to-day.
have no disabilities to remove, but have scruples
to overcome, and an invncible repugnance 10 the
strife of politics. For fifteen years ] have not at
have not written political article 1t has been my
misfortune, my weakness to diner with all parties
too much, to expect to be popular with either.
abortive attempts to organize the state iovernme mt
under the prompiipgs of Andrew johnson. i
accountable blunders committed by their
legislature and convention o, sdnn,rsd differed
and Representatives to Congress- certain to be re-
jected; when they bndly advised the people not to
vote for delegates to convention after the election
had been ordered and thus threw the great responsi
bty of making a constitution into the hands OF
their opponents, and superinduCed most of our pre-
sent ditculties. differed with them In their oppo-
sition to the removal Of political disabilities by appli-
cation to Congress, and in their refusal to accept
ofice-especally the appointment of rrgistr9r-fron
the military authorities, thus compelling the com
manding generals to confer commissions chiefly on
strangers. personally know that they would have
given the preference t0 established citizens.
| differed with the Republicans in the implacable
resentments they manifested for the vanquished in
the political superiority they desired TO confer on
inferior race, by DISTINGUISHING heroic people, glo
riOus in their struggle for ndependence-more glo-
rOus in their fall.
| know very well that have friends throughout
the district who remember my name and services in
the past. 1t would be ailectaon TO underyalue what
know | still retain, my old-tmelpOpularity. But
stand without party-owing allegiance to none; in
fellowship with none; asking favOrs of none; under
obligations TO none; and can bring no strength to
those who wish me to unfur their standard.
Excuse me, then, TO our friends, when decline,
as am constrained to do, their Kind and nattering
invitation Very respectfully and truly, yours,
j. +. II. CLAIBORNE.