Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1884-06-19
On 1PT FSTOWN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ". Va THURSDAY, u

as the rescue and preservation OF this ma
chinery from the peryersions that make IL
the instrument OF conspiracy, fraud and
crime against the most sacred rights ard IN
terests of the people.
For fifty years, Is private citizen, never
contemplating an official career, ! have de-
voted q. least as much thought and effort to
the duty of influencing Alright the action OF
the governmental institutions OF my coua-
try as to all other objects. have never ac-
cepted official service except fer brief Pc
ri0d, for a special purpose, aad only when
the occasion seemed to require from me that
sacrifice OF private preferences 70 the pubic
welfare.
| undertook the State administration OF
New York because it was supposed that In
that way only could the executive power Toe
a,rayed on the side of the reform 70 which,
as a private citizen, had given three years
of my life.
| accepted the nomination FOX the rrcsi-
lency in 1876 because Of the general con-
yiction that my candidacy would best pre-
sent the issue of reform which the demo
cratic majority of the people desired to have
worked out in the federal government rs IL
had been in that of the State OF New AoTk.
I believed that had strength enough then
10 renoyate the administration OF the gov
ernment OF the United states, and az the
close of nv term 10 hand over the great trust
/ to a successor faithful to the same policy
Though anxious 20 seek the rcposc oi prl-
yate life. I nevertheless acted upon the idea
that every power !. trust and involves 4
duty. In reply to the address Of the com,
mi.tcc communicating my nomination,
/ depicted the difficulties OF the undertaking,
aai likenci M feelings in engagia{ in u;
/ 10 those of soldier entering battle, but
4 did not withhold the entire conservation OF
my powers to the public service.
Twenty years OF continuous maiadminls-
tration under the demoralizing influences OF
| intestine war and of bad finance have infect
ed the whole governmental system OF the
United States with the canccrOus growths oi
false constructions and corrupt practices.
Powerful classes have acquired pecuniary
interests in official abuses, and the moral
standards of the people have been impaired.
To redress these evils Is a work 0fgrcat dlii-
culty and labor, and cannot be accomplished
without the most energetic and efficient PERI
sonal action on the part Of the Chief EXecu-
tive ofthe republic. ..
The canvass and administration, which II
il desired that should undertake, would
embrace period Of nearly i've years Nor
can admit any allusioa as to their burdens.
Three wears Of experience in the endeavor to
reform the municipal government OF the city
of New York, and two years of experience
In fenovating the administration Of theStatc
of New York have made me familiar with
the requirements of such work.
- 81. Iarnf ions
which induced my action in 1880 have be-
come imperative. ought not 10 assume q
task which | have not the physical strength
to carry through. To reform the admins
tration of the federal government, to realize
my own ideal and 20 fulfil the just expccia'
tions of the people, would, indeed. warrant
rs they could alone compensate. the sacfi
fee which the undertaking would Involve
But in my condition of advancing years and
declining strength feel 40 assurance oi my
ability 70 accomplish those objects ! am,
therefore. constrained 10 say definitely thai
| cannot now assume the labors OF an adj
ministration or Of canvass
Underwriting in 10 wise tha, best gift OF
heayen-the occasion and the power some
times bestowed upon mere individual tt
communicate an impulse 70. good grateful
beyond all words to my fellow-roun,rymen
who would assign such n bsncfccnt function
to me, am consoled by the reflection tha;
neither The democratic party nor the re.
public for whose future that party is the beat
guarantee is now, or ever can be, dependent
upon any one man for their successful prog
ress in the path Of a noble destiny.
Having given to their welfare wha:oFeT ci
health and strength ! possessed, or could
borrow from the future, and having reached
the term Of my capacity for such labors %
their welfare now demands. ! bat submit q
tho will Of God in dceming my public
career forever closed
SAMUEL J. TuDES.