St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-07-23
FLETCAERsS FENESsE.

He Says He Doesn't Care to Go to
Congress Till GilfiIlan Serves An
other Term.
Yesterday morning Loren Fletcher pro-
mulgated what has been called his "Tilden
letter OF declination." 1t is an expertly
worded piece of literature and created con-
siderable comment when heard. 1t was
upon the streets yesterday morning that,
with the nomination in his vest pocket, Mr..
Fletcher had cOolly thrown it away and de-
clined to be a candidate for congress from
the Fourth district. Following is
THE LETTER ITSELF:
Two years ago, as is well known. 1 was a
candidate for the congressional nomination,
and after a spirited and, on my part, per-
fectly fair and open contest, 1 carried the dis
trict by clear majority of all the dele2 ates
to the convention. 1t is also well known that
/ was finally beaten out of the nomination at
the last moment by disreputable means and
through the scheming Of political shysters.
While have borne the wrong done me pa
uently, it has always been my intention to
ask for a vindicaton at the next recurring
congressional election in the district. The
time has now come and this is my opportu-
nifty. find there is general feeling through
out the district that l was outrageously
treated two years ago, and this disposition to
make the matter as near right as may be by
giving me the nomination now is widespread.
In short, could get the nomination without
an effort. All have to do practically is to
take it. But [ am going to stand back and let
Mr. Gllnllan have his second term. 1t has
been charged that I over ambitious and
that would do almost anything TO crafty an
ambition to go to congress. This is mistake.
There is nothing very fascinating to me in
the idea OF sitting for two years in a Demo-
cratic house of representatives. during q
Democratic administration. l have desii ed
an expression of the party in the district on
my treatment TWO years ago. and now that L
ind the sentiment practically unanimous in
my behalf l am perfectly content to stand
back and see Mr.. Gillian take his second
Term. 1t has grown to be a sort of custum TO
give to a congressman who has done well Il
second term, and l do not care TO have the
custom broken in my behalf. Mr.. Gilflldn
has been hard working member, and now,
instead of pushing him out at the end of his
first term, |, for one, am willing to stand
back and let the usual custom prevail
Therefore am not a candidate. While 1 am
grateful-eXceedinglY gratefui-for the very
general and generous support rendered me
from nearly every county in the district, and
especially from this county, where l have
lived for twenty-five years, l have decided to
acQuIesce in Mr.. Gilfillans denomination and
reelection. l shall therefore stay out of the
field this year. and bide my time. The har-
mony of the Republican party and its ulti-
mate success is far greater to me than the
qualification of my personal ambition.
TURNING ON THE LIGHT
1t requires but one reading of this letter
to see that Mr.. Fletcher throws himself
into the hands of the convention. He only
says he will not oppose Mr.. Gillian but
fails to say that he will not accept the nom
ination if rendered him. Shrewdly sus-
pecting this to be the sentiment Of the dis
tinguished candidate, a GLOBE reporter
called upon him and was received with that
bland courtesy for which the Little Vii
lam is famous. He very freely and
frankly expressed himself as follows:
Il wrote my letter with considerable care, "
said Mr.. Fletcher, land Isbelieve it expresses
the position [ assume fully. 1t means sim
ply that [ shall not oppose either Mr.. Gifl-
lans nomination or election. [ have been
actuated by desire to preserve peace in the
party, and besides do not covet a seat in a
Democratic congress with a Democratic pres
ident at this time, after all committees have
been nlled, appointments made and the policy
OF the administration fully outlined. [ am
certain 1 could secure the nomination if
desired it, and that is all the vim
dication l wish. No, 1 do not say
that l would not accept the nomination
in any event. 1 do not say that if it was
rendered me by good majority of the con-
vention that l would refuse it. Neither do l
say that 1 shall withdraw if other candidates
besides Mr.. Gilfillan seek the nomination I
uedn just WHAT say IN my letter that
''have decided to acquiesce in Mr.. GilhIians
denomination and reelection
WAIT FOR THE CONVENTION.
Several gentlemen, including the proprie-
tor. were in the law Office of A. F. Scott,
chairman of the Republican county commit
tee, Yesterday, discussing the Fletcher letter
In the midst of the conversation in walked
Mr.. Fletcher himself
How is this, Fletcher" demanded Scott,
who is one of his lieutenants.
'How is what, my dear fellow?'
''Why this letter of yours. Don't you know
the Republicans are raising the devil about
it?''
Loren smiled and slowly let the lid fall over
his soft left eve. ''Wait for the convention
dear boy was all he said. They agreed to
wait and resumed their good humor.