The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-04-30
Withdrawal OF DIR. Nichols.
NoRTgFIEIp. Vt. April 81. Is

NoBTHFIELD, Vt, April Il, 1884.
Hon. Samuel T. Pingree, Hartford, w.. d: My
Dear Sir-My friends have been kind enough
to present my name as a candidate for the
chief magistracy OF this state. In the first in
stance, this was done without my consent, and
indeed without consultation with me. Since
then, numerous letters have been received
from different parts OF the state, TO many Of
which l have replied, signifying my willingness
TO accept the nomination, IL bestowed. When
my name was first mentioned, it was not
known so far as am aware that your friends
designed to bring you forward as a candidate.
OF late. however, there seems to have developed
q strong interest in your behalf, and there has
also developed In certain quarters an unpro-
voked and unscrupulous attack upon myself
/, however, do not entertain the idea that you
have any completely In this latter movement,
as from our personal friendly relations do not
believe you would countenance any such
methods Of political warfare. Now, while
under other circumstances / should feel en-
tir ely willing to take the issue with those par
ties and fight 1t out with them, confident that
/ could fully vindicate myself before the public,
do not feel justified in the present instance in
entering upon any such contest. do not deny
that 1t would be an honor to receive at the
hands OF this state an election to the highest
Office within their gift, provided such honor
was conferred as a spontaneous offering OF a
united party; but to enter the list as a candi-
date and competitor with one OF the same
party for whom l entertain profound respect
and high personal regard, and thus be q
means OF disturbing the harmony Of the party
to which am strongly attached and to whose
highest interests have hitherto devoted my
best efforts, is another thing, and were 10
succeed in the contest would 80 detract from
the pleasure Of holding the Office as to render
me unwilling to become party to any such
proceeding. Especially does this weigh with
gres. force with me at this present time. The
approaching presidential canvass Is an impor.
tant one, there Is an urgent demand upon
every republican In the state to do all in his
power to promote entire harmony In the party.
Vermont's distinguished senator and states
man Is urged as q candidate for the highest
honor In the gift Of the American people, and II
is the desire and hope OF every true son Of Yer.
become the national standard bearer of the
| republican party. In this view, nothing should
| be allowed to disturb or distract the entirt
| harmony and most cordial good feeling In th'
| republican ranks OF our state. IL is, therefore
| with the utmost cordiality, and In the convic
| tion that the highest interest of the party II
the state will be subserved thereby, that
| withdraw my name entirely from the contest
and most heartily unite with your many friend
| in supporting you for the position to which yol
aspire. In coming to this determination hsv,
considered the matter Independently OF M,
friends and without opportunity to confer will
approval of my action and that they will cor
daily unite with me In giving you their sup
port. Grateful to the people Of the state 70
their many expressions Of confidence In me
| and wishing you success in the position Il
| which am confident you will be promoted b,
| the unanimous voice OF the party, am, your
very truly. GEORGE NICHOLS.