The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-03-20
THE PRESIDENTS ATTITUDE,

WASHINGTON, March 15.-[Special. The
attitude of President Cleveland in reference to
the democratic nomination is matter of deep
and general interest. 1t is considered that the
following correctly expresses his views and
feelings:
Mr.. Cleveland is really avcrse to a second
term. AS matter of policy, he thinks that
it would be well to limit the presidential in
executive of the nation above the temptation
to frame his administration with
a view to the repetition of his great honor,
and leaving him unbiased to administer the
government with an eye single. to the public
good. Apart from this conviction his official
duties for years have been so laborious
that he Graves a relaxation from their
exacting burdens and rest from
the onerous responsibilities of weighty
public trusts. His toilsome terms as governor
of the great state of New York, crowned with
the herculean labor as chief executive of the
United States with its colossal drains and ire
mendous subjects for determination, involving
vast interests and mighty results, have left
this conscientious servant anxious for the rest
of private life. Nor has this natural desire in
one, who has rather accepted than sought the
turmoil of public life, been diminished by the
fact that his marriage to beautiful and de-
voted wife and companion has brought with it
that appreciation of quiet domestic existence
that true and manly characters like Mr.. Cleye-
land crave.
Against these strong inducements to retire
lrOu the SlTlle OF u nealeQ p0I1tlcaI contest,
upon honors nobly won and honorably worn,
there stands peculiar condition of public and
party necessity, to which the patriotic states
man and democrat is especially alive. He is
the acknowledged leader and exponent, not
only of a great national party, but of pubic
policy which achieved supremacy for the first
time in quarter of century through his in
strumentality, and whose craftsmanship he
has endeavored to faithfully illustrate, under
circumstances of remarkable difficulty His
desires must be subordinated to the demands
Of his people. He can neither
accept in advance nomination that has not
been rendered, nor refuse responsibility that
his duty may require him to assume. If the
success of his party should be deemed by its
wisest leaders to be connected with his con-
it's masses call for him, it would be ungracious
in him to ignore the call. He has won the
confidence of his party friends and the re-
spect of the country, and can not properly di-
vorce himself from whatever duty may be de-
manded of him.
Mr. Cleveland is the active representative of
a popular change in the administration of the
national government, that he can not desert i'll
its crucial hour OF popular trial and indorse-
ment. The party voice is calling him, and
seems strong and universal for his nomina-
ton. Preferring retirement and private life,
he yet could not refuse service deemed inn
portant to perpetuate democratic principles
and strengthen sectional fraternity and ma
tional brotherhood. If the democracy think he
can aid in renewing its benefcent rule, he can
not decline. He neither seeks nor rejects re-
nomination. A change of party sentiment
may occur, but as long as 1t points to him, it
would neither be grateful nor in the line of
duty to place personal inclination before pub.
lie obligation.