Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1893-12-04

would lie not only a hiudrauc,, To- national
progress, but in time a positive menace to
the success Of popular government and hay
ing large interests nj stake, was impelled
by both patriotic and selfish reasons to
aid the Democratic cause.
Il did not do - until had made myself
familiar with the methods Of the campaign
a. conducted 10y the national Democratic
committee. | visited the Democratic head
quarters and was a~toui>hed At the great
work being done IN expenditure, just
in pruprictic~. WIS being made to bring
home To the American people the truths
upon which believed the welfare Of the
country depended. Hundreds of speakers,
too poor ter pay tU,ir own cNpvusy>, were
being helped to do "a patriotic duty 10y the
national committee, and vast amount OF
literature wis being distributed free Ia
awaken the public mind ON the questions
pending IN the campaign. The Democratic
party had Nv favored Interests, to assess and
WAS obliged to- rely upon iudiN idual~ for
necessary tintu,ial assistance; hence my
contribution 1t WIS 10y no means the FIR;
time | had assisted the party since Mr.
Cleveland aggressive leadership arCus, 4
my admiration, and do not kes!,at, to sar
that il it shall again seem to be my duty
Us I citizen L>~irouS of the best govern
ment il will not be the last
Does Not Regret IL
$50 far from attaching undue impor-
tance to it, I was fully aware that the CON
tribution meant lar less TO me than the
time and effort devoted by Thousands OF
/ unselIish citizens to the same campaign.
Nor did believe that it should cntitle me
to any mOrc consideration. On the con-
trary, have not only admitted, but have
positively insisted at all times, that it
created no obligation to me whatever, and
feel confident that the president, who in
fact was Kind enough 10 say to the Demo
Gratis of Rhode Island that his personal &C
quaintance with me enabled him to con-
slider my candidacy solely upon its merits,
will bear me out in this assertion.
"On the other hand, l frankly admit
| that until after the appointment had been
made it never once occurred to my mind
| that my contribution could be used to my
injury. | may add that, although have
I underworld to study without bias the ar
guments which have been advanced, l can
! not even now perceive that it is any less
creditable or patriotic for one to aid with
! his means cause in which he believes
| than with his voice or pen.
But whatever may be the correct CON
clusion regarding the ethics of the case, the
fact remains that large number of my
! fellow citizens have been led, either by Co
I incidence of circumstances or by false re
port, to look upon my appointment as in
| some way inconsistent with the professions
of the Democratic party and the presidents
high ideals of public service. BY these
critics generally my fitness for the position
has been generally conceded, but the fact
of my contribution to the campaign fund
has been considered As making it improper
for me to receive this appointment do
| not think that could now remove this im-
preston from the minds of many right
minded and thoughtful people, whose judg-
mert, l frankly admit, may possibly be
correct.
AT all events. it is clear that find my
self in false position with reference to
this office and appointment. Acceptance
of the office would make me appear willing
for the sake Of personal qualification TO
fliscredit in the minds Of many the political
party to which am attached, and to bring
undeserved rcbuke upon the administra-
ton which has houored me and whose sue
cess l earnestly desire.
1T therefore seems to me sufficient to add
that self respect compels me TO adopt the
only alternative-to decline the high office
to which l have been appointed have
the honor to he, sir, your obedient servant
~. J. VAN ALIEN"