The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1882-05-25
HON. A. II. STEPHENS
Stands by the Organized Democrat


Special Dispatch to The Constitution.
WAsHIEGroS, May 22.--ln re-
ply TO questions touching bis rela>
tons to the coming canvass tor Cow
ernor of Georgia, Mr. Stephens has
consented to the publication of the
following letter, mailed to night
National Hotel. Washington, ID. G.
22d May. 1882. Mr.. Charles 4.
Smith, Washington, Ga. Dear Mr..
Smith: Your letter Ct the 18th
inst. is before me. | reply to your
inquiry about my position in relation
tOsihe govsrnorship OF Georgia. !
can only say briefly that the repor~
ted interviews with me on this sub
ject as published in the Atlanta
Constitution are substantially correct
In reply to letters from all parts OF
the State, and from men attached to
all political parties, urging me to
lorego my intention to retire from
public life az the close Of my present
congressional term, and consent to
accept the office of Governor, | have
stated that If my health continues as
gocd as it has been during the past
winter, and if unmistskahle eviden>
ces should be furnished me that il is
the will of the people of Georgia
that should serve them ! know OF
no reason that would justify me in
refusing so to do. Thus the matter
rests at present, so far as ! am con-
cerned. When asked the question
whether ! would allow my name to
be used 10 connection with this
office, at the next election, against
the nomination Of another person by
the democratic state convention, to
assemble on the 9th of July next,
my uniform answer has been al
would not" This action If the
Democratic party would with me,
be the controlling evidence that il
is not the will of ma ority of the
people of Georgia that should serve
them as governor. To this conclu
sion | should come, notwithstanding
the numerous letters have receiv'
ed from men Of the greatest emf
nence 10 the state, and the many
petitions embracing hundreds Of PEG
pie 10 different counties to which
have refer ed, and the recommends
ton Of my name to be voted for al
governor by the people of Georgia
by the highly respectable body o
men who recently assembled in AT
lanta, and whose good opinions ant
confidence ! appreciate 10 no small
degree. deem it proper 10 Thu
connection to add that, while nl
political utilization is entirely will
the democracy on principles an'
measures mad it in either it ha
erred. such errors should be correc
ted within rather than without il
ranks, yet ii were nominated b.
the democracy and elected govern
or Of Georgia by the people,
should not be partisan governor
but should look TO the best interes
and welfare of the state by protect
ing the rights of all classes of soci
ETY. which should be the chief ob
lect of all government. The princi
Piles perpetuated in the motto OF th
grand old state, Wisdom, justice
and moderation" would be tn,
guide of my administration. Since
writing the above ! have seen I
telegram dated the 10Th inst from
Atlanta, Ga, to tho Chicago Tri
bune published in the Augusti
Chronicle and ConstitutionaIist Of
the 20th inst, stating that had
telegraphed to the Atlanta conven'
ton of independents that ! would
accept their nomination tor govern
or. 1t is utterly untrue that | ever
sent any such a telegram or author
lied it being sent by anybody. =
Yours.
ALEXANDER II. STEPHENS.
P. s --This letter you can use as
you please.