Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-02-04
HARRISON DECLINES
His Decision Not to Be a Candidate
Announced.
EFFECT ON TEE OTHER LEADERS
Comment on His Action by Promii-
nent Republicans.
SOME ARE NOT SURPRISED

Capt. John K. Gowdy. chairman of the
Indiana republican state central committee
called on Ger eral Harrison at Indianapolis
last evening by invitation and the ex-Presi-
dent handed him the following explanatory
letter:
Hon. John X. Gowdy, Indianapolis, Ind
I'm view OF the resolutions passed by the
state central committee at its recent meet
ing and Of the fact that delegates to the
rational republican convention are soon to
be chosen in this state have concluded
that some statement from me as to my
wishes and purposes should now be made to
my Indiana friends.
Hitherto have declined to speak to the
public upon this matter, but scores of
friends with whom have talked and many
scores more to whom I have written will
recognize in this expression the substance
of what have said to them. To every one
who has proposed to promote my nomination
I have said No There never has been an
hour since I left the White House that
have felt wish to return to it.
My Indiana friends have been most de-
voted and faithful, and am their grateful
debtor. The republican party has twice in
rational convention given me its indorse-
ment. and that is enough. think the voters
OF our party are now entitled to have new
rame. For the sentiment, great or small,
that has betn manifested for my nomina-
ton am grateful; and of that wide respect
and Misunderstanding party lines-which
Eave been shown me in so many ways, am
profoundly appreciatfve.
! cannot consent that my name be pre-
scented to or be used in the st. Louis con-
vention. and must kindly ask my friends to
accept this as sincere and final expression
Upon the subject.
"BENJAMIN HARRISON"
Indianapolis Ind. February 3, 1896.
Gen. Newsa Vfews
Mr.. John c. New. in an interview in In
dianapolis, said that the letter took General
Harrison entirely out of consideration at the
st. Louis convention.
General Harrison he said, lis not ac-
customed to fight behind DISCUSSES, and it
would be unjust to General Harrison to sus-
pect that there Is offered any opportunity of
reading between the lines The letter says
what he has said to me and other Of his
friends for year. We had hoped that he
might be induced to change his mind. but
he has evidently made up his mind, and his
declaration should be regarded as final"
do you think General Harrison will take
any hand in the selection Of candidate?"
Il do not think he will turn his hand over
to forward the chances of any man. The
republicans of the state. SO far as he is con-
cerned will be perfectly free to exercise
their own wishes in the matter. He I'M
doubtedly has his preferences. but he will
not try to influence the vote of any dele
gate"
For whom will the vote of the Indiana
delegation probably be cast?''
Il think that In the great manufacturing
districts of the state the sentiment will be
for Mckinley. In some parts of Indiana
Senator Allison has following. That will
probably make him some delegates. I do
not take 1t that Speaker Reed will develop
much strength.
THE letter of Mr.. Harrison is an honest
and straightforward expression from him
self of his position to the presidential
candidacy this year. and he should be credit
ed with being sincere in his declara TONS
When he was candidate in former cam
paigns he readily took the public into his
confidence. and announced his position with
out reserve. Now that he is not a candi-
date. he has taken the course so far as can
be desired. l think he should be understood
when he SO freely and unequivocally ex-
presses himself.
1T has been known to myself and a num-
Der of his friends for more than a year that
Mr.. Harrison did not wish to become can
didate again for the presidency. He was
honest in his expression when he said So
and we understood it.
Il am not authorized to speak for Mr.
Harrison. but from his letter of this even
ing 1 perfectly understand his feelings.
What he says in it have known for some
months.
'1'he action of the republican state central
committee few weeks ago in indorsing him
for the presidency this year gave him the
indicated privately for some months. He
has now made an honest declaration and
I do not see how he can be misunderstood"
Means What 1t Says.
Chairman Gowdy of the state committee,
to whom the letter was addressed, said:
81 take it that the letter of General Har-
r:son means just what it says, and that he
is not and will not be candidate 1 think
the republicans of this state will so take it,
and that the vote of the Indiana delegat on
at the national convention will not be given
to Mr.. Harrison. 1 think the strength of
Indiana will go for the most part to Nc
Kinley, with some following for Allison"
Mr. Lauterbach. chairman of the New
York county committee. said he thought
Gen. Harrison's strength would go to Mr..
Morton.
A dispatch from Des Moines, Iowa, says
that Alisons friends be:ive that a large
part of Mr.. Harrison's following will ulti-
.mately come to the Iowa man.
They claim it was the vote of Iowa which
turned the tide in the direction of Har-
rison in 1888. A number of people inter-