Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-10-27
LOCKWO0D's LOST LOVE.
An Unique and Interesting Let
 ter of Decli1ation.
TOO PURE FOR POLITICS.

Alfred H. Love Says He Could Not Take
 the Vice Presidential Oath if Elected.
 His Conscience Even Forbids His Use of the Ballot Denied His Mother. PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27-Mr. Alfred H. Love, a merchant of this city, president of the Universal Peace Unions American branch, has written the following letter, de- | clining the candidacy for vice president on the National Equal Rights ticket: PHILADELPHIA, 10th mo- 27. To N $. Chapin, Marshalltown, Iowa, and c. Leonard, New York city, Chairmen of General Committee of National Equal Rights party:
 ESTEEMED FRIENDS-Gratefully appre- ciating the action of the conventions which nominated me in Iowa, and renominated me in New York, for the vice presidency of the United States, I am constrained to add pub hcly to what I have already said more pri- vately that positively decline to be a can | didate
 Lockwood and Love poles are being erected in various states; I am receiving letters ask ing for funds to prosecute the campaign; electoral tickets are being prepared etc, and 1t should be known that l promptly and un- equivocally declined.
 Although have not seen the platform as far as am informed of its general principles of equal rights, even handed justice, world wide philanthropy, licensing nothing which injureS mankind, removing the causes and | abolishing the customs of war, and implant- ing the principles and establishing the condi- tions of peace, am thoroughly in sympathy. The party you represent is developing a true national character and establishing the great moral forces of our being But I would make poor candidate, indeed, when can not ask, by vote or otherwise, any one to do what would not do myself, and could not hold office under a constitution that makes ''the president of the United States com mander i'll chief of the army and navy" that gives congress the power to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, raise and support armies, provide for calling for the militia" that declares that ''the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed," and provides for similar acts in- consistent, ineXpedient, subversive of the best interests of humanity, and contrary to the light of divine truth as revealed to me.
 So you see if elected (and we must always count on victory what thena How could I take the oath of office2 Mental reservations are neither fair nor allowable. I have been on trial l voted for Lincoln for president, and when was drafted he asked me to sus- tain him in that which had asked of him. I a congressman, and found empowered him to declare war. Thus realized could not vote clean handed under q war constitution, neither could touch the ballot denied my mother, sister, wife and daughter. I could not use 1t when refused to the black man, or vote in tavern. Happily, by continued protest and appeal, the ballot is no longer one of complexion, and we are rapidly hav- ing temperance polling houses.
 May the same efforts secure equal rights and peace I surely want to vote and when qualified would willingly do my part in gov ernment affairs. Where there is a sacrifice, there is gain.
 You certainly see I cannot honestly be a candidate To those who can, let there be no condemnation, but hearty commendation for their willingness to serve, if it be done from the purest motives In this race for office it is often disgusting to see the number who seek it merely for popularity or gain, but in the efforts of the Equal Rights party to ad- vance the cause by this means, so honest and potent, all honor to it and to our brave and faithful Mrs. Lockwood.
 It is said my acceptance would be a powerful lever to help onward arbitration, woman suffrage and temperance" These are, indeed among 'the things which make for peace, but we must deepen as we widen; conscience sacrificed to expediency is danger ous We sometimes weigh heavier outside the ballot box than in it.
 In answer to some suggestions as to ac- cepting the second place on the presidential ticket, and that headed by woman, wish emphatically to declare, that has nothing to do with my decision. Merit and ability are my only tests It would be an honor to be on ticket with woman, and such woman as Mrs. Belva A. Lockwood May I never do injustice to the mothers of our race The dual relationships of life have been estab- lished by the great author thereof, and when we can make governments like homes we will be more likely to preside and govern with wisdom.
 It is likewise an honor to have been nomi- mated on the first presidential ticket ever made in the history of our republic, contain ing the names of a woman and a man. In the near future our nation will regard it not as a novelty, but as security for its pros perity and peace.
 Let us persevere for the right Let us amend the constitution of the United States that already contains so much that is worthy of preservation, by removing the war clauses and by the fullest recognition of human rights, so that all can support it, and thus make 1t as possible for the Equal Rights party to triumph as it is desirable and de- served Your assured friend and the friend of the cause, ALFRED H. LOVE.