The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-07-30
The Porter-Johnson Letter.


The letter Ex-Governor Porter wrote to State
candidate In any way for Governor. was given
out last night for publication. 1t. with one from
Mr.. johnson preceding il, is as follows:
To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal
Notwithstanding the determination expressed
by Hon. Albert q. Porter at the conference
meeting beld at indianapolis on the Goth Of De-
cember last, not to be a candidate for the Re-
publican nomination for Governor, there has
ever since the occurrence OF that event been q
large number of Republicans, including myself,
In Wayne county who felt that he ought to be-
come our standard-bearer and who INDUCED ia
the hope that be might yet be induced Il TO recon-
slider mis- determination accordingly addressed
him n letter from this city about three weeks
ago. informing him of the sentiment prevailing
here on the subject. telling him that the ex-
preston l had heard from leading Indiana Re-
publicans in attendance upon the Chicago con-
vention led me to believe that the same
feeling existed throughout the entire State, and
urging him TO permit his name to be presented
to the Republican State convention as a candi-
date for the gubernatorial nomination. To-day
l received from him the following answer to my
letter, which, In. my opinion, ought to be given
TO the public at the earliest possible moment in
such q manner that all Indiana Republicans,
including the various aspirants to the uornina-
tion for Governor, may have the exact language
before them, and thus be enabled to shape their
political conduct wisely and iutelligently. Will
you kindly publish the letter 10 the Jeurnal2
RICHMOND. July g. HENRY q. JOHNSON.
'-INprANApoLIs, July %.
'Hon. Henry u. johnson,
my Dear Sir-The pressure of many engage
ments has delayed my reply to your letter.
"At the conference OF the Lincoln League
speech. after careful consideration. that ] would
not cs a candidate before the Republican State
convention for nomination for the Office of Govern
or, anu that ny name would not be presented to
the convention. Several gentlemen were present
VINO were understood to desire the nomination,
and the declaration was properly Interpreted by
them as being in the nature of a pledge that ]
would not stand in their way. / have never
since eaid that / would be o candidate, but, on
tne contrary. have stated to many persons that
l would not.
"Ths partiality Of friends has recently. not
withstanding these declarations, so strongly
evinced itself in favor of my being nominated
that | feel it to be incumbent upon me. in reply
to your letter. to renew the statement ana &c
give you authority to make it public that / shal
not be a candidate before the convention. and,
an obliged to add. that l could not accept
nomination even were it rendered.
II have taken al active part 10 every Repub-
Iicau campaign since the Republican party was
organized. exceptone which occurred while / wa:
holding Office at Washington After this lon
service, the State convention will. I am sure
spare my feelings by retraining from pressing
upon me a candidacy to which 1 would be averse
aud which / should feel obliged to decline
But while / shall not be a candidate. l shall
not be Indifferent to the success of tho Bepub
lican party, nor shall my voice be silent in To.
important campaign in which II is about 10 en-
ter. From the time the campaign shall begir
until it shall have closed, by every effort that
can bestow. 1 shall give whatever aid / am abb
to secure the triumph of the Republican ma
tional ticket aud the success of the candidates
who shall be nominated at our State convention.
Yours sincerely, A. g. PORTER"