The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-12-10
PAEaIDENT CLAY NOT a OANDI-
DATE.
Ee win Not Seek the Nomination For
Governor.

DATE.
Ee win Not Seek the Nomination For
Governor,
Atlanta, Ca, Dec. 9.-The Constitution
will publish tomorrow morning the fol-
lowing correspondence in which it will
be seen that Hon. \. 5. Clay viii not be
a candidate for governor. This is the
first definite announcement of his deter
miuatiOn not TO enter the race. The cor
respondence speaks Tor itself as follows;
SENATOR wooTEN's LETTER.
Hon. A. - Clay. President OF the Senate,
Atlanta, a My Dear SIR; 1t seems that
the Eu0erUatorial campaign is beginning TO
take shape in announcements OF candida e.
for he democratic nomination. As a friend
who has watched with interest the growth
demo, ratio nominee. and who wishes TO
give you his hearty support 1 would
like 10 know if you propose to make the
race. II 50, let your friends know 1t, IN
order that they may lose no time in the
important work or organization. Yours very
truly. W. Z. WOoTEN.
MR.. CLAY'S REPLY.
Hon W. +. Wooten, Atlanta, Ga.-Dear
Sir: Fe lying to yours OF the 9th instant,
asking " neither or not / Will be a candidate
for governor. which IS based on your assur-
ance that you wish to give me your hearty
support 1 beg to express my deep appre-
citation OF YOUR cordial words, and 10 return
my sincere thanks for this generous nantes
tatlon of Your friendship. Will not be can
dldate for governor, and in making this, my
first definite announcement uot TINS determl-
nation. 1 deem II proper that l should give my
reasons to the public, through you for reach
ing this conclusion.
For some time my name has been generally
discussed by my friends and by the press
throughout the state in connection With the
high ana distinguished office Of governor. 1
have neither denied nor affirmed my eaudi-
dacy, though at no time have I been a candl-
date in the popular acceptance of the term,
for this honorable position. 1 do not deny
that l have appreciated most highly the
many generous things that have zen said
about me, and it would be instncere in me to
say thatmy aspirations have been foreign to
such honorable promotion. There are but
few men, and 1 confess am not one of them,
who could say with CandOr that infinite pleas
ure and Just pride would not attend the award
of such an honor at the hands of his fellow
men.
After having represented the people of my
own county for six years in the lower house
of the general assembly and the people of my
district for two years in the state Senate, l
have been asked by many of my friends
throughout the state and by many whom l
do not know personally, to allow the use OF
my name IN come ton with the governor
ship. l have assurances Of strong support
from every section Of the state, and l have
every reason to believe that. if a candidate
my chances would not suffer and that
through the ACTIVITY and zeal of my friends, l
could make a record before the state cotven-
ton which would not be otherwise than cred
liable.
But there are considerations, both personal
and party, which induce we to withhold the
use of my name in this connection at this
time. I have been in active public life long
enough for mo to stop, at least for a short
while, and get my business matters in such
shape as viii do juStl,e by myself and my
family. This l can do at once by devOting nv
energy to that end. 1 could not do so with an
active political campaign ahead of me. AS
to party considerations, 1t goes without say
ing that the democratic party is to have
another light In the next election In this state
The opposition is organized, and the demo
cratic nomination, while assuring election
does not mean. as it did a few years ago, a
walk-over. In order that the party may
present a solid and united front, there should
be as little division and dlSsention in party
ranks as posi- ele Personal entanglements
ana IN 1lVluual dluerenceS may prove to be I'm
fortunate. resulting in the embarrassment OF
friends, and in creating antagonisms that
might endanger the success of the party.
cannot afford to he factor in bringing about
any such results for personal qualification.
After careful consideration, 1 have fully
made up my mind not to become candidate,
at this time. Il is my intention when my
term as senator expires to return to
private life and take this method of so in
forming the public 1t is impossible to confer
with all OF my friends throughout the state
who have been kind enough to assure me
their support uefOre making this announce
ment. Not having the opportunity. therefore
Of seeing them to express my deep sense of
gratitude Tor the true and loyal support ten
cert me IN the event Of my becoming can
didate let me say that shall never cease to
be grateful TO them or to demonstrate my ap-
probation by service for them when in my
power. TO those who, not through personal
consideration, because they are unknown to
me. have said so many kind things in my be.
half, wish to return my hearty thanks. II I
mel1 the Generous words 1 have received at
their hands 4 am more than gratihed.
Never having fully made up my mind to be-
come q candidate for the place. 1t is unneces-
sary to say that the announcement of my de
teI nina ion not to enter the race is made
nett er in disappointment nor regret
intend to be as useful to my party in
private life as If had gone into making the
race. l shall manifest the same interest in
public affairs that L have taken heretofore
and If my services are needed in the lmpaign
next year. I do not hesitate to say that as a
private citizen, shall take a bold. fearless
and active stand for the ticket nominated by
the democratic party. 1t has been in power
in Georgia ever since James NJ Smith was
elected governor, and, in nv Judgment the
affairs Of the S ate have been wisely ecOnomi-
cally and ludlciously managed during the last
twenty years. l believe that the future hap
piness and prosperity of the people of Geor-
gia depend largely upon the preservation of
democratic ascendancy; so believing ] shall
continue to lie earnest, active and enthusiast
tic IN behalf OF democratic success.
In announcing that will not be a candidate
1deslre to distinctly state that do so, neither
to lnJure nor advance the claims of any can
d1date. Will not make the race, solely for
the reasons ABOVE stated. and my declination
10 make the race must not be construed as in
volving myself or my friends in any way.
Thanking the people for the kind con
sideration hay received at their hands
beg to say that Will not be a candidate for
governor, and as this letter is written
in the nature of a public announce
ment, you are at liberty to give it to the press.
With assurance of esteem am, very truly
yours, A. s. CLAY.