Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1884-06-19
MIR. TILDEN DECLINES.
4 LETTER GIVING HIS REASONS
Lacking only in Physical Strength.

lie RsiterHfes the determination lChfch
he Declared i5t 1880 TO Rerou,cc. on
account Of III Health, a " Be-HectiOm
30 the Presidency"
New York, June 1.-THE following
paper from Samuel J. Tildcn has been given
the Associated Press
Ncw York. June 10, lS84-To Daniel Man
ming. chairman OF the democratic State com
miltce of New York:
In nv letter Of June Is, 1880. addressed
10 the delegates from the State of New York
20 tic democratic national convention l
said
" Having now borne faithfully my fall
share OF labor and care in the public service,
and wearing The marks Of its burdens, de-
sire nothing so much as IN honorable dis.
charge. wish 20 lay down the honors and
tolls of even quasi party leadership and to
seek the repose OF private life.
"In ronouncing denomination for the pres
ilency do so with 40 doubt in my mind as
10 the vote Of the State Of New York or the
United States. but because believe that 1t
is a remuneration Of reelection TO the Presi-
dency.
"To those who think my denomination
and reelection indispensable 70 an eiicctual
yindication ofthe right Of the people 70 elect
| hcir rulers-yioiated in my person. have
accorded rs loag a reserve Of my decision as
uossible. bus cannot overcome ny repug-
nance TO enter into q new engagement which
involves four years OF ceaseless toll.
The dignity of the presidential Office Is
above a merely personal ambition, but II
creates in one no illusion. It's value IS as q
great power fof good 10 the country. said
! four years ago in accepting the nomination
Knowing Is do. therefore, from tesh eN-
perience, how great thediiieFence IS between
! Gliding through an official routine and work
| Inc out reform Of systems and policies, II
! Is impossible for ne to contemplate what
needs to be done in the federal administre-
/ ton without an anxious Senseoi the dlihcu!-
ties of the undertaking. If summoned by the
surfaces of my c0untTymen 20 attempt this
work. ! shall eudeayor, with Gods help, TO
be the efficient instrument oi their Will.
"Such q work Of renovation after many
wears of misrule, such a reform OF systems
/ and policies, to which | would cheeriuiiy
! have sacrificed all that remained to me oi
/ health and life, is now, | fear, beyond my
strength"
Nv purpose to withdraw from further pub
! lie service and tie grounds OF II were AT tha1
time well known 70 you and to Others; and
when ut Cincinnati, though respecting my
wishes yourself you communicated TO nae an
appeal from many valued friends to Ielin-
quish that purpose, | reiterated my deter
| nination Internationally. -,
In the four years which have since elapsed
nothing has occurred to weaken, but every
thing to strengthen the considerations which
| induced my Withdrawal from public HE.
To all who have addressed ire on the sub
iect nv intention has been frankly oommu-
nica.ed. Several Of my most confidential
friends. under the sanction of their own
names. have publicly stated ny determina-
tion 70 be irreyersi6ie. That | have oc-
casion now % consider the question y an G.
vent for which / have no responsibility.
The appeal made to me By the democratic
masses, with apparent uuanimity, to serve
them once more, is entitled 10 the most DEF
erentisl consideration, aud would inspire 2
disposition 70 DO anything desired OF me, u
II we're consistent with ny judgment OF duty
believe that there is no instrumentaHty
in human society so potential in IL influence
uDon mankind FOR good or evil IS the govern
mental machinery for administering justice
and for making and executing laws. rot
4 All the eleemosynary Institutions OF private
beney3leDce 70 which phlanthropists may
devotc their lives are so fruitful IN benefit: