Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-10-30
General LaWtOn aad the United
GtafaS Seuatorshin.


Our readers will remember that some
weeks ago we reproduced extracts from
an interview which had been held in At
lanta. between Gen. A. r. Lawton and a
representative of the Atlanta C0nstitu-
ton. We are informed that the status of
General Lawton on the subject is excit-
ing considerable inquiry throughout this
and other sections of the State, and to
satisfy all such inquiries, as well as be
cause a great many may never have read
the original interview, or if they read it
have forgotten it, we republish it, by re-
quest, in full
General a. r. L1wton has been 10 the city
during the week on legal business. In view
OF the fact tina. bis name has been promt-
nently mentioned by the press and by public
speakers in connection with the United
States Senate, q representative OF the Con
stitaufoa called to see him at the Kimball,
and pat some leading questions to him on
the subject. The General did not seem In
clined TO talk much on the subject, and so
the auestiotRwas put TO him pointedly: "It
be would be a candidate for the United
States Senatorshtp before the Legislature at
It's next session.
He replied that he had not directly or In
directly requested his name to be used In
that connection.
"But, General" we replied, cit is being
used, and you have many friends In the
State who are pressing your name Tor the
"Wen,' said he, 81 feel grateful for the
interest in nv promotion to this honorable
position. 1 do not see that anything has
been said or done that will necessarily call
on me for q response. NY own inclination
IS to remain silent it permitted to do So"
pardon rs, General, but you cannot re-
main silent while names are being so freely
discussed and tie whole State is asking the
o1estion. tWho shall be the successor OF Mr..
Hills Il Is much easier TO make known
your views aud attitude once for all than to
reply separately to the numerous questions,
written and oral, with which you viii be
piled. Let US, then, inquire whether you
EXPECT to be a candidate for Senatorial hon
ors Do you really desire TO occupy the Pc
sitiOn which is soon to be filled -
"With the views l entertain" said the
General. 81 cannot answer your first ques-
ton in a monosyllable. There are certain
Offices for which q man has no right to
make PERSONAL canvass, and that OF United
| States Senator is eminently one Of them. II
a citizen Is selected to be the standard
bearer Of his psrty-the representative OF
certain political principles and sentiments
| 1t is not only his right, but 1t may become
his imperative duy to make an active
canvass. and TO use all honorable means to
achieve success But where all those upon
whom the eye of the public rests are in perfect
accord with the same party, state ana ma
| tioual this high Office can only be sought
| actively by the several candidates on per
sonal grounds. The agitation and DISCUS
| sion in such 8 canvass must all begin and
| end with the special fitness, or the superior
| qualities and attainments OF one cannldate
| over the other. Without marking
out any line of conduct for
| others. or attempting to criticise those
| who may adopt different course, cannot
/ myself enter into such q contest on sucn
| terms. Hence / believe this distinguished
honor should be conferred, not sought-ss
| offices Of mere profit may very properly be
sought. 1t is for others, therefore, and not
/ for myself to decide, whether my name
shall be used for the purpose indicated.
''In reply to your second rquiry, frankly
say that If the state of Georgia should deem
me worthy of a seat in the United states
Senate, as one of the representatives OF her
| sovereignty In that body, no possible nonor
| could be conferred on me which would so
| highly prize; aud, may add, without I'M
/ propriety, there is no other politicaI once
| which 1 have the least desire to fill. None
can appreciate more highly than do the
importance to the State that high political
offices should be properly filled, nor the
dignity conferred upon him who properly
| discharges the functions Of any such
office; but l have never permitted
myself so to desire these positions,
! that l could enjoy their possession,
| if obtained bv such improper seeking, that
| | would fail to deSelte them. Should s dill
| ferent course be necessary to success, then
| [ am more than satisfied with the life OF g
private citizen, which has Vouchs9fed to me
much more than the share ordinarily allotted
| to man of happiness and contentment."