Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-06-18
A Card.

A Gard.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE U. s.,
WASHINGTON, D. G., June IL. !
To ma Constituents Of the Eighth Congress
sio1aal District OF Virginia:
It was announced by authority through
the newspapers several months ago that 1
would not be candidate to represent the
district in the next House of Representa-
tives, and that more formal notice of the
fact would in due season be given to the
constituent body which had heretofore
honored me with seat in Congress. The
execution of this purpose has been un-
avoidably postponed longer than was ORR
ginally intended on my part by the inces-
SAINT pressure of various public engage
ments, which have occupied my time and
deprived me of the proper leisure and op-
1portunity to communicate in fitting terms
the reasons which have Influenced my de-
sire to withdraw from public life, apd IN
express my grateful appreciation OF the
generous confidence which have received
at the hands of the people OF the district.
Politics, as an employment, has never
possessed for me any special charms or fas-
cination, and my experience of the past
five years of political life has confirmed
the public service in 1880 by the unani-
nous nomination of the Democratic con
vention of the district, without the slight
est solicitation Or expectation On my part,
as candidate for Congress, and in like
manner nominated and reelected to the
House of Representatives in 1882 and 1884.
After the disastrous campaigns in Virgil
MIA of 1881 and 1882 when the power of
the State was in the hands of our political
adversaries, | was unanimously elected by
the Democratic convention of Virginia
chairman of the State committee against
my personal wishes, and required to dis
charge the duties of that onerous and most
responsible position, which were CONT
nued in the Presidential election of 1884;
and again in the same capacity conduct
ed the campaign, on behalf of the Demo-
cratic party, in the important contest for
State supremacy in 1855. To those fami-
liar with the situation, and who know how
nearly political parties have been for some
years past divided in Virginia, and how
stubbornly the battle had been fought on
both sides, 1t is not necessary to explain
the extent of the exacting labors and re.
sponsibilities which my position involved
The success Of the Democratic party in
the last Presidential election, and the in
stallment of the administration of Mr..
Cleveland necessarily increased the labors
of Democratic members of Congress in
connection with the distribution of gov
ernmental patronage and appointments to
effice-a very limited and unsatisfactory
field of operation at best. 1 refer to these
matters TO show how exclusively my time
has been occupied for the past three years,
and the necessity which how requires me
to seek some temporary relief and rest.
In view of the public considerations men
toned. irrespective of others of personal
nature, desire to retire from public life
and to withdraw my name from COMPETE
ton as candidate for Congress at the en-
suing election. In taking this step feel
that the condition of my health and per-
sonai surroundings can be consulted on
my part without just cause Of complaint
or aetriment to my party and political OBJ
legations, l really require some relaxation
and change of scene, and have made my
arrangements to go abroad in July, and
expect to be absent during the summer and
autumn months.
lt is true that have received many COM
munications, oral and written. from promi-
nent representative men of the counties of
the district, inclading several of the lmme-
date candidates mentioned for the sue.
cession. urging that I should recall my
purpose to decline being candidate for
reelection, and expressing general popu-
lar sentiment to exist to that effect. not
withstanding my proposed trip to Europe.
AS much as appreciate the high personal
compliment thereby conveyed. do not
think, however, it would be just to the
Democratic party, or in harmony with the
fitness of things, that its candidate should
be absent from the country during the can
vass. and not be at hand to conduct in per-
son the campaign. 1t is a position which
nv Judgment does not sanction, and which
am unwilling to invite under the circum-
stances.
In severing my relations to the district
I must express regret that have not made
YOU a more efficient representative or rem
dered more conspicuous service IL Con-
gress. I have, however, always endeavor-
ed to give careful attention to such special
interests of the district as came before the
House of Representatives, and to faith
fully discharge all duties committed to my
charge. You will be able, doubtless, to
select a more capable representative to
serve you in Congress, but am not will
ing to concede that any one can be found
to surpass me in unselfsh devotion to the
best interests of the people of Virginia.
I am, with grateful sense OF your past
kindness, very truly yours,
JOHN S. BARBOUR.