The Portland daily press., 1883-09-19
MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLI-
CANS.
Hon. a. L. Pierce Withdraws
from the Gubernatorial
Contest.
Probable Nomination OF Congressman
Geo. ID. Robinson.
[special Despatch 70 the Press. /

Especial Despatch to the Press.l
BosToN, Sept. 19.-The letter of Hon. Hen
~ L. Pierce declining to be candidate before
the Republican Convention to be held in this
city tomorrow, while q surprise to the Repub-
licans generally and cause for regret among
his most ardent admirers, has not had the de-
moraizing effect on the delegates assembled in
the city tonight that the supporters OF
General Butler would desire. The with
drawal OF Mr.. Pierce has put new life and
energy into the friends Of Mr.. Robinson, Judge
Devens and Charles Francis Adams, Jr. The
Independents have been in consultation to-
night and their delegates to the convention
will urge the nomination of Mr. Adams,
while the friends of Judge Devens, still be-
lieving that he may be induced to accept, are
working in his interest. There is, however,
but little doubt that Mr.. Robinson will receive
II omination. This is the outlook tonight.
- 2obinson will have the support
) 70, Governor Long, who said tonight:
sees Ssmust 90 into the convention in
tao snorning and nominate Mr.. Robinson"
The general feeling is that while Pierce
might have strong support in the cities, Mr..
Robinson will poll much larger vote in the
country towns. His friends in the western
part of the State are not, however, over en-
thusiastic, not from any unkind feeling toward
him or any doubt OF his ability to carry the
State but they believe that by nominating
him their congressional district will be imper-
lied. A special election would have to be held
and it was stated tonight that it will be diff
fcult matter to find man who can carry the
district against the man the Democrats would
nominate.
1By Associated Pressl
BOSTON, Sept. 18.-Hon. Henry L. Pierce
sent letter to the chairman of the Republi-
can State Committee yesterday, positively de-
clining to be a candidate for the governorship
before the Republican convention tomorrow.
Mr.. Pierces reasons are appended:
REDMAN FARM,
PoNKAPoG, Mass, Sept. II, 1883.
To Henry Cabot Lodge, Chairman of the Re-
publican State Central Committee:
Dear Sir,-On my return home few days
ago from a short journey necesstated by the
condition of my health, which had become i'm
paired by the cares of business, found that
among others I had been suggested as pos
sible candidate for the Office of Governor of
this Commonwealth. In difference to the
perhaps than ought to repeat what said
before went away, namely: That l would
not be candidate for that or any other politi-
cal Office, and that 1 reg arded Mr.. Robinson as
the man upon whom the opponents of Butler
ism could best unite.
The numerous testimonials of personal re-
gard and confidence have received, not only
from those with whom have been in political
accord, but from many representative men in
this and other States with whom have often
a fO tuhi linz nlxy
gratifying to my personal feelings, cannot
blind me to the fact that my action on some
political questions in the past and my opinions
on some questions which will undoubtedly
enter into the coming political contest in this
State may prevent that unity Of action neces-
sary in order to redeem the Commonwealth
from an administration of its chief executive
office, which is unparalleled in its disregard
of decency and propriety.
Moreover. l cannot help feeling sense of
insecurity in the present condition of my
health which, having given way under the
ordinary cares OF business, is hardly in state
to meet the added responsibilities Of an active
political canvass.
It appears to me, therefore. that my duty to
the convention, which Is to be held on
Wednesday, as well as my duty to myself,
requires me to decline, absolutely and uncondi-
tionaliy, to be a a candidate for the office of
Governor The gentleman upon whom the
choice of the convention will naturally and
sent all opponents of the present State admin
istration, and it will be my pleasure no less
than my duty to give his candidacy an earnest
and hearty support.
(Signed) HENRY L. PIERCE.
The announcement that Mr.. Pierce would
not be candidate was a genuine surprise to
the large number of Republicans who were
about the headquarters on Park street yester-
day, yet those who have seen most of Mr..
Pierce since his return say that, considering
the condition of his health, they are not sur
prised at his action. Many of the Republicans
present expressed regret that Mr.. Pierce would
not consent to accept the nomination, because
they'ha made up their minds that he was to
be the candidate and, therefore, they had been
led to regard that most important matter
settled. The sentiment, so far as expressed,
was that Mr.. Robinson would be quite as
acceptable to the whole party as is Mr.. Pierce.
Indeed, he was the only man talked of as a
candidate. There was no feeling of despond-
ency because of Mr. Pierce's withdrawal, but
simply one of genuine disappointment. This
is particularly the case on the part Of Boston
men, who were very hopeful of the result of
Mr.. Pierce's candidacy In this city.
The friends of Pierce agreed it was better to
nominate one OF the men who had been most
thought OF than take new man, and as Pierce
had withdrawn the only course was to support
Robinson. The convention will permanently
organize as follows:
President Charles R. Goldman of Boston.
First Vice Pfesident-Gen. N. P. Banks of
Waltham; second, John g. Whittier OF Ames-
bury, and eight others at large, and FIVE from
each senatorial district.
Secretary-Geo. H. Flagg of Milbnry, with
three assistants.
Committee to receive, sort and count ballots
Chairman, Milton Reed, Fall River.
Committee on Resolutions-At large, Hon.
Henry l.. Dawes, chairman; Hon. Geo. f.
Hoar, Worcester; Hon. VIM. Clafin, Newton ;
Hon. Alex. Ell. Rice, Boston; Hon. VIM. W.
Crapo, New Bedford; Hon. Robert r. Bishop
Newton.
On Permanent Decentralization. Geo. A.
Bruce, Somerville, chairman.
A canvass Of the Boston Pierce delegates
shows general intention to abide by the
wishes of the State Committee in reference to
casting their ballots and influence for Robin
son In some quarters, however, there is dissat-
isfaction with Robinson aad by different gath
erings efforts are being made to induce Charles
Francis Adams, Jr., Judge Devens or Hon.
Geo. A. Bruce to stand for the nomination
Two OF these have already positively declined
and 1t is not possible either will change his
mind. Delegates from the western part OF the
State, who represent Congressman Robinson 8
constituents will oppose his nomination In the
convention. They feel that he is better placed
in Congress and, also, do not desire to- risk the
election OF a Democratic successor from his dis.
trict. Indeed all the opposition to Robinson
is based upon feeling that he should remain
in Washington where it is believed he can do
the most good.
Gov. BntIer Ieterviewed.
BosToN, Sept. 1S.-In the following inter-
view had with Gov. Butler tonight in relation
to the withdrawal of Pierce he said:-An |
have to say is to repeat the old oouplet "Three
cheers for the dead already; Hurrah for the