The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1885-05-30
"OFFICE SEEKING THE MAN."
"0bs0lsts Since YSu and Myself Came 0l
the Stage
MERIDIAN, MISS, May 9th. 1855.

''0bsOlsts Since YSu and Myself Came On
the Stage
MERIDIAN, Miss, May 9th. 1855.
Gov, Robt. Lowry, Jackson, Miss:
DEAR SIR: 1t is generally con
coded that the nomination of o
candidate for Governor by the
Democratic State Convention
Committee to meet at Jackson on
the 10Th day of August next, will
be equivalent to an election by the
people at the polls. There being
no organized opposition to the
Democratic party in the State it is
difficult to conceive how anything
can occur to render the election
of the nominee of that convention
at all doubtful.
If am correct in this view, it
appears to me to be altogether
proper that there should be a can
vass Of the State before the meet
ing of the convention, and q joint
discussion OF sach questions of in
terest to the people as may be fifty
embraced in canvass on the part
of those who have consented to
allow the use of their names for a
nomination for the Office of Gov
ern0r.
presume, also. that the candi-
dates for the several other State
Offices would gladly avail them.
selves Of such an arrangement, as
it would afford them a convenient
and agreeable way of presenting
their respective claims to the peo-
pie either by a joint discussion or
otherwise.
l am not unmindful Of the old
and dignified rule that the office
should seek the man. But it is
somewhat obsolete now, and has
prevailed but little since you and
myself came upon the stage. II
is in fact, more of n sentiment at
this day than reality, and in case
| of an Office of great honor or emo
lument, is rarely invoked when "a
reasonable and decent seeking
would be likely to secure the Of
fee,
/ ON unable to conceive of any
harm that could result from can.
vass. Conducted fairly and cour.
te0usly, as l am sure il would be,
nothing but good could follow
There can bo no apprehension that
q canvass thus conducted could
produce seeds of dissension in the
party, or tend to destroy its solid
ity, or in any way endanger Its
safety. The Governor now being
the highest officer in the State
possessing,under our constitution,
vast powers, and it being his duty
to recommend legislation, as well
as to take care that the laws are
enforced; and my views, as wei
as yours, as | presume you viii
concede, not being known on many
questions of great interest and i'm
portance.to the people, it seems
to me to be quite proper than nj
opportunity should be given to tho
people to hear us before the.
elect.
/ do not mako this proposition
In any spirit of cagernoss or anx
iety to have n public discussion
with You, for l am aware that you
larger acquaintance through0u
the State, and your high oflicia
position, would give you some al
vantage of mo, either with or with
out q canvass. But l believe thcr,
is o strong and growing sentimon
on the part of the people favora
BILE to tho canvass l have suggest
cd, and it is in deferonco to thi
, sentiment, aud the ADVICE o
friends that l writo you on thi
subject.
Ifyou concur with me, | respect
| fully suggest that the extent on,
| terms Of tho canvass may be re
! ferred to aud arranged by respee
| tive friends.
r am advised that Gen. W. S
Featherton is also a candidate 70
the Office Of Governor, and l lav,
no doubt that it would meet hi
views to participate in such a cal
vass as have suggested. IfIar
!, not mistaken In this 1t would b
/, my pleasure, as have no doub
|. 1t would be yours, to extend t
Gen. Fcatherston equal terms |
such q canvassa as may be arranged
|. Trusting that l shall have th
honor Of hearing from you upo
, the subject of this lettor at as eal
ly q day as may suit your conveni
ence, am,
Yours respectfully,