St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-07-21
POLITICAL ETCHINGs.
Gifl1lan Expresses Himself - The
Democratic State Campaign.
Hennep1n County Politics--Parceung
Out the Fat Offices.

Congressman Gilfllan has written an
open letter. in which he defines his position.
He wants it distinctly understood he is not
seeking ''vindication," but only an in
dorsement. He feels no animosity to any
one, and would not open the sores of the
last convention. He says:
Whatever were the issues of that conven-
ton they were settled at the polls, and as
soon as the results of the election were known
l was assured on ali sides that all parties to
the issues of that campaign were disposed to
let bygones be bygones and to unite upon a
common platform and policy for harmony in
the future. All the controversies of that
campaign were fully discussed on the stump
and in the newspapers and every phase was
thoroughly understood, and the voters re-
corded their verdict therein at the polls by a
decided majority. But whatever those issues
were, think all will agree that it would be
the height of unwisdom to reopen them, and
it is simply ridiculous to say now that l de-
sire vindication after that most significant
verdict of the people in my behalf. do not
desire to reopen them, and it would be
folly to attempt to induce the people
to interest themselves in my personal
claims or grievances. if I had any.
They do not relish that kind of political con-
tention and no good possibly come of it. One
lesson we may all draw, perhaps, from the
experiences of that campaign, and perhaps
profit by it, and it is great misfortune that
1 was not permitted to make square party
fight. Such an experience, if repeated, could
end only in defeat, whoever the candidate may
be aud such an experience is just what would
be inevitable. 1t we are now to have re-
opening and a rehash of old controversies
And that is just what you and and all who
have the good of the cause at heart ought in
good faith to seek to avoid rather than to
provoke by an unfortunate and voluntary
resurrection of controversies once settled
and at rest. Rather let us have peace. It
has been customary to renominate faithful
members of congress as recognition of their
service, and in recognition of the admitted
fact that the fiSrt term of a member is
necessarily of comparatively little use to his
constituents. My present candidacy, so far
as it has been announced, is wholly on this
ground: If my record in congress is satisfac-
i Endorsements of their nomination and re-
election. If have been neglectfuI, unfaith-
full or inefficient, am not entitled to the re-
gard and continued confidence of my district
AT present it is not my purpose to say more
than to remind my friends that my personal
claims to denomination are Of but little mo-
ment, and l shall not ask their support on
any such grounds unless compelled in self
defense so to do. If it should be the judy
ment of the convention, fairly expressed,
that should not again be the standard
bearer Of the Republicans of the Fourth dis
trict can lay aside the responsibility of
being their representative at the end of my
term with the conscientious assurance that
discharged my duty to them and the country
with industry and fidelity, and that my course
towards all has been in accordance with my
purpose to promote party harmony and uni
versal good will.