Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-07-21
BIGGER,
Secretary.

~ O-NiN toiA@A%N@t - 49,
Nv Dear Sir,-Your letter OF
June goth reached me in due time
and l hasten to reply.
The report that l had declined
the position of Democratic clectoI
for this district for any other rea-
son than severe family affection IS
untrue. And while entertaining
views in the sympathy with the par
ty known as Readjusters, upon the
settlement of the public debt l do
not believe it wise Or prudent to
put frebrand in the ranks of the
Democratic party by now placing IN
the field another electoral ticket,
even pledged to the Cincinnati nom
inces. But all men desiring the
success of that ticket should stand
by it as now in the field, although
he might have preferred a different
one.
l have never said anything differ
ing from this, or intimating that l
was displeased with my appoint
ment. I thought the Rcadjusters
ought to have called convention
in time to send delegates to the
CINCINNATI Convention, and test
there, if to be tested at all, the
questions as to which fraction OF
party had the preference on the Ma
tionaI ticket from Virginia. But
failing in that, and calling the Con-
ventiOn to assemble after all the
National Conventions | regarded as
A waiver Of our claims as a party
in the National contest; and as we
did not aid in the nomination, we
were estopped in the appointment
of anelectoral ticket for candidates We
refused II due time to select. The
pcminations being made without
our aid, and being acceptable to all
sides, | think, with all due respect
it would be unbecoming in US, as
Readiusters, to create dissensions
and confusions fraught, it may be-
with serious results.
The condition Of Mrs. Prldemore S
health is such, in my judgment, as
requiring my constant attention and
daily care, and so long as that eX-
lists [ must decline any participa-
ton in public affairs, Indeed; l
have not attended one of our courts
away from home since last Novem-
ber.. And this alone made me slow
to respond to, and now inclineS me
to decline the unsolicited honor ten
dered me, l would be still more re-
luctant to do this, but am sure my
place can be easily supplied. 1.-THE
coming July convention will give
its hearty support to the National
cause as now organized, which it
can in my Judgment; without any
sacrifice of principles, l believe 1t
will receive the confidence of the
people on State issues. Upon the
contrary, if the Readjusters provoke
a disagreement that results disas-
trously to the National ticket they
will, / fear, forfeit the confidence
of the people and injure the cause
they SO much desire to promote /
trust both sides may act conserya-
tive in this matter, and labor to
unite us for the coming contest.
| would have written you sooner,
but lave been hopeful that our fam
| ily afliction would in due time be
healed and an explanation rendered
unnecessary.
l do not regard it at all important
which party casts the electoral vote
so it is cast for the Democratic
nominees. For if the people OF this
country by any means condone
the fraud of four years ago, anC
through discussions or neglect sane
titles the doings Of the Republican
party in that fraud. then every
thinking man will stand appalled,
at the eminent peril of popular gov
eminent. So long, therefore, as TIM
men or party, which aided in tn
nomination Of what seems to be
wise choice and an acceptable MAJ
to Virginia and the South, has
ticket in the field, | shall stand b.
it. And it will take more forcl
bic argument than dennnciation ant
Misrepresentation to convince mi
| cannot do this and be as much o
a Readjuster as the man who sec
proper to think otherwise.
Yours truly,
a. i. PRIDEMORE.
Connally 4, Higg, Esq, OF Stat
Conservative Committee, DC,