The New York herald., 1871-12-15
One ol tas 3G sgUorl Pei nsylva-
uiaus Ari 10 N.plals Letter
from Colonel A. X. Mcclure.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. IA, 1871.
The following letter. In answer to an editorial &C.
Gently published In tho Germantown Telegraph, has
been written by Colonel A. X. Mcclure, an advance
copy OF which Is furnished for the HERALD II will
appear In the Philadelphia papers simultaneously
with Its publication In tile HERALD. It Is important
as indicating McClures position in the ant-Grant
war; and will be read with interest by politicians Of
both sides Colonel Mcclure is Curtn's right hand
man in Pennsylvania, and this letter may be &C.
cepted as the Key note OF the music in store In
future:-
Colonel p r. FRgAs, Editor Germantown zele-
Nj DEAR sIR-I was absent from home for some
days and missed your paper Of the 9th INST. Since
leading editorial Of that dale, In which you discuss
my position as possible candidate for state Sena-
@r IN e ~ tH aTc ana na - e
me on the subject OF President GRANTS ren0mina-
ton. My assumed preferences for another than
| Grant as the next republican standard bearer Is
treated as difficulty in Inc way Of my election to the
Senate. For the KIND and quite too naltering notice
you take OF my humble public services 10 the past
thank you, and permit me to say In all cand0r that
have not proposed myself as candidate Tor the va
personal s CONSIDERATIONS make any political position
undesirable to me. II imposed upon me as puDllc
duty should accept It upon the principle that no
required OF him; but as sucn duhes are not COM
mon in these days Of machine politics. feel tnat
cannot controvert your statement that the peo
the denomination Of Grant," Tor am not advised
on the SUBJECT. Thus far, believe lhey have not
their their choice II were called upon to represent
their wishes as to the Presidency In q nominating
convention Ishoulo faithfully reflect their prefer.
ence return tue trust to them; but as Q
humble individual, ! prefer adherence to nv own
convictions Of political duties to the approval
OF even so intelligent and patriotic constituency
as the people or the Fourth district. II not 10
prefer Grant as the next republican nominee
senatorial candidate, or interpose .diffi-
culties in the way" am not eligible. What the
the election q : State senator. any more than
same SUBJ ject, do not comprehend; but assume It
Is so because you say IL Is So Accepting your pre-
misses as correct could stronger reason be given
for the indexble Limitation or the Presidential ten.
urc to single terms state legislator Is presumed
TO be selected tU discharge certain specific duties.
The ambition OF national candidates or the distri
button OF the patronage and plunder OF the national
interests Of his district ana Of the State to be be
bes ond any other ctizen Of equal character ia con.
trolling presidential nominations, and those who
would erect such new standards OF eIgbllity, over
| looking all the Legitimate and vital purposes OF
legislation, must do 1t III deerence TO the arbitrary
eAactons Of power anu not In deference to enlght-
ened public OPINION. The republican party Is the
party OF liberal and patriotic progress 1t has Its
cidaes and its policy, and thus define the duty Of
all Unti the supreme authority of the ORGANIZATION
@ s
preston as to both men and measures has hereto
fore been Claimed and conceded as the pre-,
the greatest OF It's advocates. That It
mot to be 50 now Is one Of the
ecrous to the country. the admInistration, CHOSEN
republican counsel and criIlcisln. Detrays papable
weakness or proclalms It's power and purpose to
against the nation. Under our government men in
oficlal positions, from the highest to the lowest
II do o. not lot prefer President Grants renomiRalon.
1t Is confessed that the republicans nave many men
faithful in the tn % rst civil ONCE Of the cove government,
| and believe that they would much better maln-
se uy and purity m1 q me 9 an1S gs
80. When the accepted authority Of the party do
cares me TO De mistaken can cheeruly defer to It
nation, state and CITY for many years. W We had
faithless, accidental President for time, ana
Ilcal power Of government has been uninterrupted
| ~ republican. Ii republican cri,icism OF repub-
for reform not senceds 1t comes from our own
long-iorbearlng people, and not from the enemy,
rule. 1t comes up 10 Consress from every section
| OF the country. for relief from oppressive taxes,
deraications and from swarms OF arrogant and
useless oiiiciais whose chief employment seems TO
tS us S wa0 To-
Alderman. II comes up 70 our legislature from all
parties in the State and demands fundamental
limitations rs the only source OF public safety. II.
with one voice, TO save private property and pub:
STsa sSn SS tho '1%Rp' aRa c
cisms Of sincere men, seeking to pro
TSy ana aS propose ser political
although that must come soon II they are mn.
as sy e
patent and oppressive evils 1t has tolerated. With
system oi barrier and sale Of FEDERAL appointments
that prostitutes the civil service 10 the advance.
ment 81 unworthy men, with system OF state
legislation that Is : running sore and standing
debt both rapidly increasing Without Visible dement's
to the people, the men who would maintain repub.
the wounds OF q frend.D We appear 10
be upon the threshold Of systematic
been oaed Gua m SS was onS defeated
who make politics trade. What fruits tho people
for tSS naDsa ,hs, ns mex, o
perailve demand Tor civ! service reform, and for
ity OF the government. 1need not sa7 that reform
must come In Pniladelphia-not the shadow OF Q
spokesman. 1t win come through the republican
organization as II should, unless the already sorely
tested f0rbearance OF the people Is taught that for
bearance must cease to be q virtue.
In these various channels Of power-tnes nation.
eiven me a rennbcan oraapizaon Inc oppoTiunisS
TO vindcate its fame and attest the Integrity and
patriotism OF us people. IL stands IN history as
party OF honest convictions ana sublime achieve
ments; but the time is at hand whom judlctous and
positive reform must become its accepted and
avowed policy, or must dim the lustre oil It's n0blest
deeds by sef-nvited destruction
have frankly complied with your request to hear
from me. II wnat have said places me bey0nu the
range OF Senatorial election, | can have no per-
sona regrets, for II viii but deny me what do not
want, and have performed my duty as UNDER
stand IL. very truly yours, A. X MCCLURE
At halfpast i've O'Clock yesterday afternoon Jacob
Ant. n saor otr fall
from the third story OF las Attorney street. and was
inafanLIy Killed. Tile Coruner hAA been notified