Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1888-02-05
NOT A CANDIDATE.

q Letter From Hon. j. Y. Browning on the
Subject of His Re Election.
Correspondence Of the Gazette.
MoBEETIE, TEX, Feb. 2.-Since tie
statementin THE GAZETTE several months
ego thst Hon. J. N. Browning, Represen-
tative Of this, the Jumbo District, in the
Legislature, would not be candidate for
reelection, he has constantly been re-
ceiving letters from all parts Of the dis
trict, insisting that he should revoke that
purpose and consent to occupy again the
position he has filed SO long and so filth
fully. The following extract from letter
written by him to a prominent gentleman
of Crosby county expresses his final de-
cision in the matter:
"Replying to that part of yourl letter
which puts the direct question to me,
will consent to serve another term IN
the House of Representatives, have to
say: Sometime ago signified my inten-
ton Of retiring from office and declared
that l would not be candidate at the
next election. Since the announcement
of that purpose have received number
of letters, besides personal requests from
friends, asking me to reconsider the mat
ter and become candidate for re-elec-
ton. The press of the district, too, have
been very generous and solicitous
for me to offer again for the
office. These evidences of confidence
and esteem, coming from friends in all
parts Of the district, I frankly admit have
had their influence. This district is so
large it cannot be csnvassed without en-
failing an enormous expense upon the
candidate. Should 1 become candidate
this year the expense Of the campaign
would so cripple me financially that
would be forced to deny my family many
OF the necessary comforts oflife. Having
large family dependent upon me for .
living and being poor man, makes the
situation the more embarrassing to me.
1 freely admit that it is the duty Of
man to respond in every instance
if possible, when his services are re-
quested by his countrymen; but there is 8
higher and more imperative duty also en-
Joined upon one, and that is the duty he
owes to his family. II the performance
of both these duties be required Of him
at the same time and he is so situated as
to be able to perform only one Of them,
it will be admitted that the duty to his
family must and ought to have preced-
ence. assure you that know Of moth
ing that would give me greater pleasure
than to battle in my humble
way, for the rights and best in
terests of the people of my district,
in whatsoever place or position they
might see proper to put me. And were I
financially able to stand another campaign
I would not hesitate 8 moment in re-
spouding to the requests of my friends.
Il is proper to say in this connection that
my present financial embarrassment
comes from having to neglect my private
business while attending TO pubic duties.
At the expiration Of my present term Of
office I will have served as the Represen-
tative from this district, three consecutive
terms-six years. 1t would be putting II
mildly to say thst the duties Of the office
during these six years have been Arduous.
I have, as best could, performed
these duties cheeIfully and
faithfully and only regret thst
have been able to accomplish so little
good. Out of the depths Of my heart
will ever spring gratitude to the people
Of this district for the generous consider
stion and honors which have received at
their hands. And 1 shall rejoice to see
the time when sectional prejudices are
laid sside, and wise laws enacted giving
US the opportunity to develop every re-
source OF this entire district. There is
no lack OF good material from which to
choose Representative, and 1 have no
sppreAeEsions but that my successor
viii be equal to the emergency. In con-
clusioH / regretfully say that l can not
consent e become candidate for re-
electfon,