Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-11-20
THE OLD MAN RISES
TO EXPLAIN WHY HE REFUSED To WORK
FOR BLAINE.
An Old Letter Brought to Light Concerning Senator
Edmunds' Position in the Last Presidential
Gampaign--Why He Refused to
Make Speeches, Etc.

MONTPELIER, W., November 19.-FOl-
lowing is letter written by Senator Ed
munds, which was sent yesterday to the
editor of the Daily GermORter for publica-
ton by the person to whom it was ad-
dressed. 1t has been kept from the public
nearly two years, and is probably the only
personal explanation from Senator Ed
munds which the public has obtained
concerning his position in the last Presi-
Dental campaign. The person by whom
it was received is well known and can
youch for its authenticity, though the re-
cipient desires that his name be withheld.
The following is an exact copy, with the
exception of the address:
WASHINGTON, D. G., April 10, 1885.
"DEAR SIR have your very kind and
welcome letter of the 10th, and thank you
heartily for it. 1t is true my position was
trying, for on reflection felt that it was
far better that the Republican ticket
should succeed (whatever my personal
opion had been and was concerning can
didate) than that the Government should
go into the hands of the Democratic party,
but could not under any circumstances
or temptation say that | believed some
thing about q candidate that l did not be-
lieve, and if were to make speeches and
say what did believe as to certain trans
actions, etc, or was (SO speaEing) to re-
fuse to answer questions on these topics,
it would be especially worse for the party
than staying at home. ] know, therefore,
that did the best thing for the party that
an honest man could.
81 believe; then, that the sOber-minded
Republicans of Vermont will not condemn
me because | could not and would not tell
untruths, or be a hypOcrite, even to retain
our party in power. | understand per
fectly the bad sources, one db mira and one
ab Crtrd, whence came the sort Of things To
which you refer, but there is nothing that
wish to do about it other than to 90 on
manfully and try, rs | have always done,
to do my duty in the Senate and, 80 far as
have the ability, to honor the Common
wealth that has bestowed upon me, un-
asked, great trusts and honor. can
never be "wire worker" or beggar for
the gift she has hitherto freely placed
in my hands not rs the cOnSe
quence of importantly, but (as she
suppOsed) for the advancement of her
own interest. Ii the people believe that
these interests may be better cOulided to
other hands it is their right and their duty
to act accordingly. My only ambition is
that the honest and intelligent men OF
Vermont and of the country shall think
that am brave enough to walk according
to the light that have, and not to worry
about consequences.
My dear sir, am not passing as
martyr, for the pride of the power is, aS 1t
seems to me, more and More, Is the swift
years 90 by, among the least of the pleas
ures or benefits of life. There is an mex
ting guiShable JOY in having been faithful To
truth and self-respect, and there will al
ways he with me glad gratefulncSS to
those who have hOnOred me with their re-
spect and confidence. | am, in haste, sin
cerely yours,
GEO. f. EDMUNDS.'