Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-03-14
GEORGIA'S CHIEF RULER.
THE PRESENT INCUMBENT OUT
OF THE RACE.

ANFih Ahhnib not IN Atie w ny OF Asc-
Nomination.
ATLANTA, GA, March 13.-rhe follow
ing letter from Gen. Alexander r. Law
ton, of Savannah, was received in this
city by Gov. Mcdaniel a day or two ago;
SAVANNAH, GA, March 6, 1886.
MY DEAR SIR--The inquiry is often
made whether your name Will come be-
lore the people of Georgia at the next
election Tor Governor, or before the con-
vention which Will meet soon TO nominate
a candidate. Perhaps this inquiry IS
more frequently addressed to me, because
portion of the press of the State has
made reference to my views as to your
eligibility under the constitution to an-
other reelection. Ny Impressions on this
branch of the subject were alluded to by
me last July at Athens, where we
met ae trustees of the State University.
The conversation was interrupted, and
therefore incomplete, and | have had no
interview with you since on the subject.
now dismiss 1t with the remark that my
Impressions remain the same as were then
lntlmated to you-that the constitution
interpOses no obstacle to your reelection
IN October next for another term as Gov
ernOr of Georgia. GU entered upon the
duties Of the highest office in the gift of
the people of Georgia at a somewhat
critical moment, especially as regards
the financial affairs of the State, and our
people cannot fail to discover that you
have by your foresight, judgment, firm
ness, and skill in affairs rendered mOstval
liable services. l need only refer 70 the
manner in which you have dealt with the
complications which grew out OF the fall
ure of several of the State repositories TO
make the final settlement with the pur-
chasers OF the Macon and Brunswick
railroad, to the first and most important
steps toward the erection of a new State
capital, and more than all to such pro-
vision made for anticipating the maturity
OF many millions Of State bonds during
the present year as to place the financial
condition Of our commonwealth upon the
most elevated plane of State credit. For
all this you must surely receive the "well
done" of the people of Georgia. do not
venture to estimate the relative weight
of the considerations which may press
for retirement from or further servi-
ees in the high office, but content myself
with the simple inquiry as to your ln-
tentions and wishes in the premises,
should you feel at liberty to make them
known. To prevent any possible misap-
prehensiOn on the part of others in con-
nection with their inquiry, l take leave to
add that | have no personal interest
ton for Governor of Georgia. With high
personal regard | am, yours very truly,
A. r. LAwToN.
Hon. Henry ID. Nc Daniel, Atlanta.
GOV. M'DAEIEL's REPLY.
To-day Gov. Mcdaniel addressed the
following reply to Gen. Lawt0n:
ATLANTA, GA, March l3, 1886.
Hon. 4, II. LdUtOn. SdUdnndh, Ga:
MY DEAR SIR-YOur letter in refer
ence to my attitude in the approaching
election for Governor has been received.
The same inquiry has been addressed to
me within the past few months by other
friends in whose character and judgment
the peOple have manifested confidence.
Respect for them and for my obligations
to the public forbade a hasty or prema-
ture consideration OF the subject. The
approach of the time for the Executive
Com mittee OF the Democratic party to pre-
pare for the nomination Of candidates for
the various State offices as we'll as the
increasing urgency of friendly inquiries
have induced me to carefully consider the
question and decide it, so far as IL may
effect my course. Elected 10 complete
the term of the distinguished statesman,
Alexander Fl. Stephens, | entered upon
his unfinished duties with natural distrust
OF my fitness. My endeavOrs TO promote
the public welfare by a faithful admins
trati0n OF the State government we're re-
waTdsd by unanimous re-electiOnwithOut
a competitor for the nomination Of the
party or for the sutfraRes of the people at
the polls. There has been no abate-
ment Of my zeal in the perform
ance OF duty and no considerable
portion Of the people during the present
term have manifested disapproval of my
administration. None of my official acts.
no policy recommended by me ana adopted
by the Legislature, no measure originated
by the Legislature and sanctioned by me,
have met general criticism as unWiso and
hurtful TO the commonwealth. The I'M
written law OF American politics, that an
executive should serve but two success
siVe terms, has been embodied in our
State constitution. 1t is true that part of
a term and a full term following do not
constitute two successive terms. There
is little reason 10 doubt that the people
have the legal right 10 keep
a Governor longer IN Office where he was
entrusted with the duties affected by the
policy and Interrupted by the death OF his
predecessor. But he should not ask re-
election unless there were pending some
great political question which divided the
people, and in which he was the natural
representative Of his party, or unless
there had been such arraignment Of his
administration that an appeal TO the peo-
pie was necessary. There being no neces-
sitY for further Endorsement Of my ad-
ministratioh, aud no public question 10
render nay candidacy a matter OF duty 10
the Democratic party, l am unwilling,
merely for the purpose Of remaining In
Office another term 70 become a candidate
for denomination, l shall be content and
feel myself deeply indebted TO the people
Of Georgia n, having met their Just ex-
pectations Ia the past, shall complete to
their satisfaction the duties which ] have
been called 10 discharge. In that event
will, without regret, retire from Office, and
resume the duties OF private
citizen, which, IN free country,
are not less useful aud honorable,
II less cOnspicu0us than those OF the
highest public Official. Permit me %
thank you for the complimentary allu-
siOns 70 my services. Il has been my en-
deavor 70 meet tne appreciation OF thought
ful and conservative citizens. and there Ia
no better representative OF that class
than yourself. NY knowledge OF you
induces the belief that, Notwithstanding
the friendship long existing between US.
you would not express such sentiments If
YOU were not satisfied OF their correct
ness. Sincerely yours.
HENRY d. MCDANIEL.
A Bold Robbery.
SANDERsoN, FLA. March 13.-It is re-