The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1877-08-30
Letter Of Acceptance Of the Democratic
Candidate for Governor.


PORTLAND Aug. IA, 1877.
Hon. JOSEPH II. WILLIAMS: DEAR SIR: The
undersigned, committee of the Democratic State
Convention held in Portland this day. to nominate
candidate for Governor to be voted for by the
electors of the State at their next annual election
OF State officers, are instructed to notify you that
you have been unanimously selected by said con
venton as candidate for that office, and to re
Quest you to accept the nomination We are also
instructed to transmit to you copy of the resolu
tons adopted by the convention. which we enclose
herewith.
With sentiments of our highest regards we re
main Truly Yours,
RICHARD D. RICE. }
EDMUND WILSON. Con-.
ARTHUR SEwALL.)
AUGUSTA, Aug 20, 1877
Gentlemen: | have received the communica
ton addressed to me by YOU in behalf of the Dem
ocratic Convention held in Portland on the four
teenth day OF August instant informing me of
their action IN selecting me to be their candidate
for Governor at the approaching election of State
officers and transmitting to me copy of the reso-
buttons adopted by that Convention
For several years past it has appeared to me to
be emlnently true that the post of honor is pri-
waite station, and have not at any time in life
courted or coveted conspicuous position in
which to attempt the performance of public ser
vice; but readily acknowledge the duty of sacri-
hclng the somewhat selfish pleasures Of private
life at Il call like this which YOU have made upon
me, and with much dithdence and sel1distrust
have decided to accept the nomination rendered
The first resolution in the series you have sub
mitted for my consideration has my ready concur
renee. BY It's comprehensive inclusion OF the
platform adopted at the Democratic National Con
venton held at St Louis in June 1876 it furnish
es a complete chart Of fundamental principles as
well most stirring incentives to the performance
of the highest political duties. 1t was this authen
tie and solemn affirmation Of political faith and
this earnest invocation TO the country to begin the
herculean task Of correcting abuses, purifying the
government, restoring sound currency and re
forming the civil Serylce-meaSures the need OF
which Republicans themselves admitted but
which they had long neglected their opportunities
to undertake, that led me to renew my cooperation
with the Democratic party from which had been
separated for twenty years. On such foundation
of principles for the accomplishment of sucli i'm
pOrtant ends the Democratic party may be proud
to stand, until through their efforts, aided by the
cooperation of all who can unite with them. the
benclcent reforms they have at heart shall be fully
established.
scented to me, nowhere find in it any Impeachment
of the Presidents title to the high office which he
occupies, and have no difficulty in according to
II my full concurrence, That title. though stouty
contested, was recognized and became valid by the
decision OF a tribunal which acted under the au
thority OF law to which all parties and all the
states through their senators and representatives
III congress- had gwen their deliberate assent The
fraud charged by that resolution referred as I'M
derstand the language used. to transactions which
took place in the discharge of the functions of the
Returning Boards of Louisiana and other Statcs-
illegal and fraudulent acts within the competency
ofhose states. respectively to deal with but which
in the view taken by the electoral commission
might have occurred as illegal and vet be beyond
the range of their jurisdiction to judclally deter
mine.
The third resolution confirms my understanding
OF the scope and intent of the second as above ex
pressed, containing as it does recognition of the
wisdom Of the Presidents southern policy, which
in turn is an admission on his part of the sound
ness of the doctrines Of the Democratic party upon
that subject The entire series of resolutions there
fore has my unqualified approval
| have thus responded to the resolutions of the
Convention, and signited my acceptance of their
nomination. Should majority Of the electors call
upon me- to serve them, shall be most happy 20
study and promote the welfare and prosperity Of
the whole State; happy, too, if | might be instru
mental in aiding the Democratic party to recover
the prestige of former days and revive the mem
DRY of its ancient renown
have the honor to remain.
Your Obedient Servant
JOSEPH H. WILLIAMS
RICHARD d. RIcE.)
EDMUND WILSON, Com,
ARTHUR SEWALL.