New-York tribune., 1874-11-20
"HOWI Ran FOR MAYOR OF NEW-YORK.H
LETTER FROM JOHN swINT0N,
% the Editor or The Tribune.

TO the Editor or The Tribune.
SIR: Ii appears by the publication of the official
returns that at the election of the Sd iDst a num-
ber of votes-perhaps several hundred-were cast
for me as a candidate for the MayoIalty, part of
which were officially put to my name. and the
remainder under the head of Scattering" 1t now
seems proper that / should say few words about
this matter.
On the 2lst Of October-about fortnight before
the date Of electioD-a committee of FIVE members
appeared at my house and formally rendered me the
nomination for the Mavoralty, in pursuance of the
action which, as learned to my inexpressible sur
prise, had been taken the previous night by the
Masonic Hall Convention of the Industrial POliti-
caln party. II appeared that the Convention in
ouestion had consisted of nearly 200 delegates repre-
sentlng the Assembly districts OF the city, and that
the nomination had been unanimous. had never
seen the platform of the party, and had known
nothing of its programme; but knew in
general wav, that it represented at least a
portion of what are called the working
classes" and that il sought, through political
action to secure the rights and promote the
welfare of those suppressed classes With all
tional movements in this direction have the pro-
foundest sympathy. and l was told that it was be-
cause this sympathy had been manifested on several
occasions during the present year that the nomina-
ton was made i had. up to that time, had but
slight and brief acquaintance with a few members
of the Committee and Convention, whom had met
of the Turn Hall meetings last Spring; but was
none the less glad to cooperate in what seemed
promising movement. i do not mean one that
promised success in the election then impending
for could not have been made candidate at all if
there had been the slightest chance of such success
but one that had larger promise than this, to be
wrought out when the time shall come. was as
sured by the Committee that the movement was
serious and direct one. was assured that the party
was organized in nearly all the Assembly districts
of the city, and that it was fully prepared to make
a good showing of itself at the polls.
Well, then, to make long story short let me say
that. after much demurring on my part,
and some explanations from the other side.
] agreed to accept the nomination con-
ditionally, and the Committee departed. Three
nights afterward the Committee. accompanied by
large delegation of other members of the Masonic
Hall Conv ention, mace me a second call. Among
their names recognized those of several working
mems leaders, beside those of other reformers
and friends of political justice The result of this
second conference was my acceptance of the nomi-
nation. after which programme of action was
adopted and next day the letter of acceptance pub
Gshed in The TRIBUNE was addressed to the Com
mittee.
1t was then but week till the election and ap-
prehen3 that the leaders in the first movement Of
the new party soon found that the time was too
short for the work. that they had been too late in
taking action, that the organization of the party
did not work efficiently had been expected. and
that it was impossible under the existing condition
Of things, cope with old parties which had solid
machinery and gravid Golfers, and are unscrupu-
lous in their promises as they are timber in their
principles They had looked for encouragement
which they did not fiud, and had indulged IN hopes
the justification of which must be left to time
was led to accept the nomination by sundry consid
srations which need not here be stated, and th'
inside history and outside results of the business
have furnished lessons which could not help beini
Instructive to any novice in practical politics"
JOHN SwINroN
No 1874 East Thirfy- eiahfb-sf Nov. 10.