Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-05-25
HON. A. H. STEPHENS.
He Writes Another Letter Defining
His Position.

A Washington special to the Augusta
Chronicle aud CORstitationaliSt says that In
reply to questions touching his relations IN
the coming canvass for Governor of Geor-
gia, Mr.. Stephens has consented to the
publication of the following letter:
NATIONAL HOTEL,
WASHINGTON, d. c., May %, 1882
Mr.. Charles E. Smith, Washington, Ga.
DEAR Mr.. SMITH-Your letter Of the 18th
is before me. In reply to your inquiry about
my position in relation to the Governorship
OF Georgia, can only say, briefly, that the
reported interviews with me on this subject,
as published in the Atlanta Constitution, are
substantially correct. Ia reply to letters
from all parts of the State, and from
men attached to all political parties,
urging me to forego N.Y. intention
to retire from public life at the
close of my present Congressional term, and
to consent to accept the office Of Governor,
| state that II my health continues as good
as 1t has been during the past Water, and II
unmistakable evidence should be furnished
me that it is the will Of the people of Geor-
gla that | should so 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 concerned.
When asked the question whether would
allow my name to be used IN connection
with this Office at the next election against
the nomination OF another person by the
Democratic State Convention to assemble
on the 10Th of July next, my uniform
answer has been, "I would not" This action
of the Democratic party would, with me,
be controlling evidence that it is not the
will Of majority of the people OF Georgia
that should serve them as Governor. To
this conclusion l should come, notwith-
sanding the numerous letters | have re-
ceived from men OF the greatest eminence
in the State, and the many petitions en-
bracing hundreds of people In different
counties to which l have referred, and the
recommendation of my name to be voted
for as Governor by the people of Georgia,
by the highly respectable body of men who
recently assembled in Atlanta, and whose
good opinion and confidence l appreciate In
no small degree. | deem it proper, in this
connection to add that while my political
utilization is entirely with the Democracy
on principles and measures, and II In
either it has erred, such errors should be
corrected within rather than without its
ranks; yet If | were nominated by the
Democracy and elected Governor of Geor-
gia by the people, l should not be a partisan
Governor, but should look to the best in
terests and welfare of the State by protect
ing the rights OF all classes Of society,
which should be the chief object of all gov
ernment The principles perpetuated in the
motto of the grand old State, Wisdom,
Justice and Moderation" would be the
guide Of my administration.
Since writing the above l have seen
telegram dated the 18Th instant, from At
lants, Ga, to the Chicago Tribune, published
In the Augusta Chronicle and ConstitlStioR0lisE
of the Goth instant, stating that l had tele-
graphed to the Atlanta Convention of In
dependents that would accept the nomi-
nation for Governor. It is utterly untrue
that l ever sent any such telegram or
authorized its being sent by anybody.
Yours, ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS.
p. S-This letter you can use as YOU
please. A. H. s.