The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1886-03-26
MR.. WILLARD WILL NOT DECLINE.

On Tuesday afternoon delegation of
representative citizens of Mankato
waited upon Mr.. John A. Willard and
presented him with some strong argu-
ments as guarantee of the earnest de-
sire which exists in this community for
his acceptance of the mayoralty, and to
gain, If possible, consent to allow his
name to be put forward for that posi-
ton. The delegation was about equally
divided between the parties which be-
reft the meeting ofany political signifi-
cance-the one and only object being to
assure Mr.. Willard that should he con-
sent to the use of his name, the credit
of his election would be given to
the people among whom he has lived as
an honored citizen for over a quarter of
century, and not the result of politics
nor partisan combinations.
1t is a matter Of no little PRIDE to THE
FREE PRESS to be able to inform its
many readers that Mr.. Willard, after
listening to the urgent appeal of the
the nomination if rendered him. He
stated frankly that which every one
knows-that he does not seek the Office
in any way, and in permitting himself
to be placed before our people in this
manner he does so only because he feels
il his duty as citizen to shirk no re-
sponslbility that shall in any way tend
to aid in the prosperity and welfare Of
the community, though it be to himself
a personal sacrifice.
Mr.. Willard, be it said to his credit, il
one among a number of our citizens who
has never been found wanting when
called upon to put his shoulder to the
wheel in aid of anything that promised
) good to the welfare and advancement o
: Mankato. He has resided here TO
!, thirty years; has never asked for office
and has never held one. No man cal
put his finger upon Il dishonorable &C
that he has ever committed, nor justly
charge him with having wronged mar
out of single cent. That he has gained
competency it is true, but that thi
competency has been earned through
: close attention to business, far-sighted
D ness and indefatigable perseverance,
e well known to those who have watche,
his career. And Mankato is better an
y more thrifty because she has John 4
n Willard. He has done more than an
g other man here to build up our manu-
D featuring industries, and his represer
tation of capital invested in active bus
ness TODAY is greater than that of an
other individual or corporation. Fo
years he has given employment to
h large number Of laborers, and with til
c starting up of the new Fiber-War
i works this spring, the force will
!. greatly augmented.
r Mr.. Wizards reputation as Il reliabl
$ gentleman and thorough-going bushes
l. man is not confined to his own HON,
but is well known throughout the ell
tire Northwest. His election as Mayo
n therefore, would not only be credltabl
to Mankato and graceful complimei
to most worthy citizen, but it woul
r at once be taken as a guarantee of Nun
D. icipal prosperity on an economic an
q business-like basis by our sister cities.
The Republican primaries will b
held tomorrow evening, and il is to b
u" hoped that care will be taken in select
ing good men as delegates to the col
y vention who, in turn, will accord NJ
Willard hearty and unanimous nom
nation. The Democrats will hold the
= primaries week later, and they WI
If also have an opportunity to expires
q themselves in a manner that will rehe,
i credit upon them if they select sue
delegates as will extend to Mr.. Willar
that feeling of confidence which he 8
$ Justly merits, by declaring him thei
/ choice for mayor.
Is Mr.. Wizards name is now before tn
3 people for the Office of mayor and
will not be Withdrawn. Let us trea
, him as he has treated Mankato-wit
magnanimity and confidence.