Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-03-18
THE WORDS OF A PATRIOT.

General Edward s. Bragg. Of Wis
consin, a trusted friend OF Grover
Cleveland. recently addressed letter
to the ex-President, asking him to de
fine his position in relation to the
presidency and the Democratic party.
Mr.. Cleveland sent him the following
reply:
LAKEWOOD, n. j, March 9.
The Hon. Edpard S Bragg-My
Dear Sir Your letter of the OH inst.
isIeceived. have thought until now
that might continue silent on the
subject which, under the high sane
ton Of your position rs my fellow
Democrat and fellow citizen, and In
YOUR relation as a true and trusted
friend, you present TO me. If, In an
sweriny your questions. l might only
consider my personal desires and my
individual ease and comfort. my re-
spouse would be promptly made, ana
without the least reservation or diff
Guilty. But if you are right in suppns-
ing that the subject is related 10 du-
~ owe 10 the country and 10 my
party, n condition exists which makes
such private and personal considera-
tions entirely irrelevant. l cannot,
however, refrain from declaring TO
YOU that my experience in the great
office OF President OF the United States
has so impressed ne with the soieinnl-
" of the trust and it's awful responsl-
biliri-s that | cannot bring myself TO
regard candidacy for the place as
something To be won by personal strife
and active selt-as>ertion.
Il have also al idea that the Presl-
dency Is prominently the peoples Of
flee. aud | have been sincere III my
constant advocacy OF the effective
participation in political affairs on
the bart OF all our citizens conse-
ouently | believe the people should be
heard in the choice of their party can
didates, aud that they themselves
should make n olniuations, as directly
As il consistent with open, fair, aud
tull party organization and Ill tthods.
Il speak of these things solely for
the purpose of advising you that my
conception OF the nature Of the Presi-
Dental office aud nv conviction that
the voters of our party should he Tree
in the selection of their candidates
preclude the possibility of my leading
AID pushing self-sreking CANVASS
for the Presidential nomination, even
if had desire TO be again candI-
date.
believing that the complete SUI
premacy of Democratic principles
means Increased national prosperity
aud the increased happiness Of our
people, | ain earnestly anxious Tor the
success OF my party. am confident
success is still within our reach, but L
believe this is time for Democratic
thoughtfulness and deliberation. not
only as to candidates, but concerning
party action upon questions OF I'M
mrnse interest 10 the patriotic ana III
t-lligent voters of the land. who watch
for an assurance of safety rs the price
OF their confidence aud support.
Yours, Very Truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND"
This letter il like Cleveland, and
shows him TO be patriotic. level
headed. frank, honest man. He isnot
a candidate for the Office. He will not
seek il. IL the Democratic party
wants him as its candidate and asks
him TO lead it, he willaccept the trust.
II the people want him as President
he will serve them.
Mr.. Cleveland occupies an ideal pc
sition in respect TO his party. Is the
party looking for all ideal candidate