The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-07-05
BROWN DECLINES.

BROWN DECLINES.
Written for the Indianapolis journal
To those who would rather have me for Presi-
dent than be it themselves. men of wisdom that
they are, beg to say under no consideration
viii accept the nomination, even if handed to
me on silk -fringed fire shovel This, hope,
win be final. Many years ago / might have ac-
eepted the compliment with thanks, but have.
reformed and ana outside Of temptation. Don't
urge me too hard
There are doubtless a few men in our party
who are nearly as capable as yOur humble ser
want of conducting the afairs of this government
and leading the party 10 great distinction If
they could only be found, men who have done
almost as much for the benefit of the United
States as have, to whom I would most sim
cerely yield the honors of the nomination. If
they viii only come forward and prove it
repeat, that cannot, viii not shall not be
candidate long for the shades Of private life,
and have already set out nay fail onions, which
win take upmy undivided attention. TO younger
hands relinquish the trust, though may have
some misgiyings as to their irmness and expe-
rience, and would rather see the presidential
doorknob in hand not distinguishable from
the one which now yields this declining pen
There are men in the party who would
be willing to make all sacrifices
upon nothing as sacrifice when It Is
for the benefit of my native land, or The party.
There are some who really deserve the position
nearly as greatly as your humble servant. Be
stow it upon them. nay dear friends If you have
a mind to- and viii not complain. but swoll0w
A.
a man gets old and feeble he should step aside.
| never was stronger in my life, my mind is
most muscular am going TO join base ball
elub, and you should see me sliding down stairs
on tho rail! My hair is regaining its pristine
color. I have q new set of teeth growing cut.
My landlady drove me away yesterday because
she cenla not furnish rictuAls
enough lat the priee9 to subdue my
appetite. Ny digestion is perfect;
my ideas Of popular government are far IN ad-
vance of the age. My step betokens g1est ae-
ivity. and am good for another hundred years
yet and am sorry to say that know of but
one man who would perfectly fit the presidential
chair without being too loose IN it. or bnlging
over bit His name is-weH. we never toler-
ated any Dragging in eur family, and it is too
late to begin now
peremptorily forbid the use of my name in
the convention. If you can rake up any name
better than it it is your duty todose; but have
very grave doubts, and feel sorry for you. You
desirs an eligible man, one who can bring fhe
support Of both East and West-ar
sections reauy-and / sincerely wish that
was not the only man to do it.
You want candidate, who, like mysplf, has
not only the best courage and is willing to do the
most, but who also has the most money to
spend in the good cause, and is perfectly wiling
to spend the last cent too, If needs be- and be-
side myself I'd ike to know if there is such a
man among you. # there is, fetch him forth
instantly.
My decision Is ANAL this is positively my last
annual tour, and if reconsider and allow myself
TO walk out again into the presidential ring,
shall bring all the resources I can muster to
knock my opponent out of time, and will show
the world can sling like sluggard, and allow
nobody to tread on my heels. / consider my
self co be in the most excellent train
inc capable of much endurance, and
If on election day am successful-bat excuse
me, am running of the track Let another
lead yOu to victory, if you can rake up leader
who can do the job better than can Select a
younger man. who has not got half the sense
that have, and il you think he has no superior,
viii quietly stand aside and observe the funeral
procession and, if have any regrets, or com
plaints or cross words, they viii be in my
sleeve. My sleeve is exceedingly capacieus.
In utterly refusing to become presidential
candidate feely sorry; and as my mind is i'm
mutually fixed it can never be changed, unless it
alters That is the solid truth, gentlemen Of
the convention, and would be very happy if
yen would not go to work and ballot
for me. would save you all that trouble and
delay; and the weather is warm. Nomination
by acclamatipn saves deal of worry and is far
better in the short run. / tell you what is the
matter With me: I want to see the strongest
name before your convention that can possibly
be sprung. the strongest name tied to the best
man you can select from the whole country;
one whose knowledge Of politics. government and
diplomacy is not equaled. All this has been
the study of my long life and was a prodigy
when boy. My father used to pat me on one