The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1892-03-19

in response to a letter from Gen. Ed
ward s. Bragg. of Wisconsin, author OF
the famous phrase "We love him for
the enemies he has made"
Following is the full text Of the cor
respondence: p
Fosp Dc LAC, Wis, March s, 1see.
Hon. GROVER CLEVELAND, NEW YoRK-Sfr:
But a few months since the promise Of demo-
cratic success in the coming national election,
with the resulting deliverance from excessive
taxation and the more iniquitous tributes to
favored classes, which our tariff laws in1ict on
the people. was bright and cheering. In every
quarter you were looked to Is one who BY your
former official conduct your abilities, character
and courage, stood foremost as the embodiment
and expression Of the popular cause and the
popular hope; and upon you an aimose
universal expectation was fixed -
the proper representative and leader Of the
cause and the party. But recently distraction
has distressed our counsels and cast cloud
over the prospect. In some part contrfbutory to
this have been reiterated reports that you would
not stand for the presidential nomination, and
want Of the concert and organization requisite
to give form to the popular purpose Friends
Of your candidacy have found themselves On
different sides Of minor questions where their
cooperation should have been expected with
benefit.
Ineed not suggest to you that the political
action Of great people can only be wisely d.
rected by means Of intelligent and Trustworthy
leadership. organization. concentration and
continuity Of effort, with distinct ends In view
not less than clear principles.
Your reserve has bsen IN keeping with youS
high station in the public regard, your distin-
guished public service and YOUR personal dig
nifty. But the danger to the public interests
which failure Of the democratic party would
involve seems to me now to require tho open
avowal Of your willingness to submit 20 any
service to which your party and the people may
assign you. Many entertain fears that you
may decline further public duty. which none
but you can effectually remove. and your
voice will be everywhere heard with benefit and
effect. believe your usefulness 10 the nation
may be greater now than ever In the past, 10
carry to victory the cause Of tariff reform, and
to restore the blessings OF good government 70
our people; and rs your fellow democrat and
fellow-citizen ask you to say to your party
and the people that your name may be pro
sented to the national democratic convention -
a candidate for its nomination to the presidency.
and that you will accept that nomination II the
convention shall make 1t and again undertake
theduties Of president II the people shall. % !
believe they viii, choose you for that ofice.
Sincerely yours,
EDWARD 8. BRAoo.
LAKEWOOD, N. J.. March Q, lsoz.
Hon. EDWARD 8. BRAee-My Dear Sir: Your
letter of the 5th inst. Is received. I have
thought until now that might continue silent
on the subject which, under the high sanction
of your position as my "fellow-democrat and
fellow citizen" and in your relation as . trus
and trusted friend. you present to me-
II, in answering your question, might only
consider my personal desires and my individual
~
promptly made. and without the least reserva-
ton or difficulty. But If you are night In sup
posing that the subject is related to . duty
owe to the country and to my party. condi-
ton exists which makes such private and PSF.
sonal considerations entirely irrelevant. lean
not, however. refrain from declaring to you
that my experience in the great ONCE Of presi-
dent Of the United States has 50 impressed me
with the solemnity of the trust and Its awful
responsibilities that cannot bring myself to
regard a candidacy for the place rs something
to be won by personal strife and active self-ss-
sertion-
have also an idea that the presidency b pro-
eminently the peoples office; and have been
sincere in my constant advocacy Of the effective
participation in political affairs on the part Of
all Of our citizens Consequently I belieys the
people should be heard in the choice Of their
party candidates, and that they themselves
should make nominations, rs directly "a is on
sistent with open. fair and full party orearixa-
ton and methods
speak Of these things solely for the purposs
of advising you that my conception Of tbs
nature of the presidential ONCE, and my con-
viction that the voters Of our party should b
free in the selection Of their candidates, pfe-
clude the possibility Of my leading and pussinK
a self seeking canvass for the presidential NOM
ination, even IL had desire to be again . can
didatP.