Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-09-19
BLAoKsHEAR. September is. 1882

BLAoKsHEAR, September is, 1882.
MesSrS. William CLIFTON, Randolph RidQely,
John q. Del, j. = Dart ard E. NchoiLS
| Smith, C073U3fttos.
GENTIESrBN--Ho letter was received
notifying rue that / mad been 0mii ated for
( Congress 1V the Democratic Convention Of
1 the First CopgTessi1I&f District Of 2eOrgia,
ana requesting that I sCcep the nomirs
tiOu. / should regard ihe action Of
the convention iu confding The stand
ard o. th8 pa~T 20 MY lands very
lZh compliment il IL nad occurred under
less hatteting circumstances. Having been
done with entire unanimlty by the repre-
sentatives Of the party, with the gener-
Gus aequlescence of the honored and
loyal gentlemen who were so steadfastly
urged by their friends for the position, |
feel that the distinction is one of no ordi-
nary character. / accept the post with full
faith that on the 7th day of November next
your flag will float over triumphant host.
If the friends OF good government are true
to their colors.
We are amply able, gentlemen, to achieve
success in this campaign alone through the
Democratic organization, but l have reli-
able assurance that large number Of intel
ligent and patriotic colored citizens Of the
district will refuse to draw the "color line"
in this canvass. They will support your can
dldate for two reasons: because his per-
sonal and official relations with them have
been marked by spirit of kindness and
perfect fairness, and because they are
tired OF wearing the collar of few Federal
ofhceholders, who, in the name of Republic
cantsm, have heretofore used their suffrage
simply TO promote their own selfish pur-
poses. We are on notice that the result of
this canvass may not be determined at the
pollsi that Republican House will act as a
returning board, and will change 1t IL 1t Is
unfavorable to that party. This can and
must be avoided. 1t can be done by a full
vote, emphasized as it has been our custom
to give 1t emphasis, by a free ballot and a
tar count. Let every man who has the well
fare Of the country at heart deposit his bal
lot IN the box We will see to Il that every
citizen who is entitled to vo.e be allowed
that privilege, and that every ballot shall
be fairly counted. Thoroughly convinced
as am that good government
iE this country is the c0rrollary Of Demo-
cratic supremacy, l know | speak your
sentiments when l solemnly aver that I
would not accept the Office unless 1t be ten
dered through free and fair election.
1t is not necessary for me to discuss here
the principles or the practices which divide
the two great parties of this country they
are known of all men. Nor is it important
that should define nv position as to either.
| can say, without vanity, that my firm ad-
herence to the principles, practices and ira
ditions Of the Democratic party is above
question from any source. My official
record may be criticised for lack of ability
in discharging official duties, but l believe
that it will be conceded that they were faith
fully and zealouslY discharged, and that l
impartislly represented all classes and con.
ditions of our people.
The Representative Of this, the seaboard
district, has an unusual amount OF labor to
| perform. The interests involved are more
varied and more important to the entire
State than any other Georgia district. He
is not only charged with the general bust
ness Of legislation, the increase of mail ia
ctlities, and more than the ordinary amount
Of claims and department work, but II is his
special province to foster its maritime in
terests by securing necessary appropriations
to develop its fine rivers, hsrbOrs and coast
line, that its great seaports-SaVannah,
Darien, Brunswick and st. Mary's-may be
opened to the commerce of the world.
Ii the people honor me with an election
to this responsible Office, they have my
assurance tnat its duties will be actively
and earnestly discharged. l thank you,
gentlemen, for the kind manner in Whica
you have conveyed to me the will Of the
convention. With the expression Of high
esteem for each one Of you, have the honor
to be, yours most truly,
JOHN. q. NICHOLS.
The committee requests Democratic pa
pers in the district TO please copy the above.