Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1896-05-08
ALLEN NOT A CANDIDATE.

Stating That He Il Out of the Race.
Specia, Dispatch to the World-Herald.
Governor Holcomb several days ago
received from Senator w. V. Allen a
letter in which the writer explains the
reason for writing it, and as the letter
is sufficiently explanatory of itself it is
here given. This is the letter:
washington, d. c., March 24.-Hon.
Silas A. Holcomb, Lincoln, Neb.-My
Dear Governor: I have just been read
ing the very pleasant things said of me
in connection with the populist nomina-
ton for the presidency, in your recent
interview published in the press dis
thanks. The favorable mention Of my
name with the high Office Of president
of the United States by the chief execu-
tive of my own state, who is himself
able and well qualified by education,
temperament, and experience, to fill the
exalted position, possesses double value
and is truly gratifying.
II have not been unconscious, for sew
eral months, that strong sentiment
exists in the populist party throughout
the nation favorable to my nomination,
and will not disguise from you that it
has given me much pleasure to know
that my services in the United States
senate have been instrumental in
prompting the use Of my name in that
connection. have also observed quite
an extensive discussion Of the matter in
the public press, and I have been the
recipient of hundreds of letters asking
me if l would be candidate for the
nomination, or accept it if rendered me.
Fully realizing that ordinarily it is
to be considered indicate to either &C.
cept or decline a nomination that has
not been rendered, still feel that the
time has come when, in the interest OF
the party, l should speak openly and
frankly as I desire above all things TO
promote the interest of the populist
party and by that means the interest
of my country. Deeply conscious that
it would be distinguished honor to
be the standard bearer of great politi-
eau party founded on the principles OF
eternal justice and right party that
must, in my opinion, soon succeed to
the administration of our national gov
eminent, nevertheless deem it unwise
to permit my name to be used as can
didate.
81 think every true citizen should, at
this time, consult the interests of the
country and not his own personal de-
sire. l do not feel that my experience
has been such as to warrant me in being
a candidate for the nomination, OF in
accepting it if it should be rendered me.
There are many older and ADLER men in
the party than am, highly well quail
fled to make the race, and | feel conf
dent that l can do the cause greater
! good by remaining where | am, light
ing in the ranks for success, than by &C
cepting the nomination If it should be
rendered. The welfare of the party,
and, therefore, the welfare of We coun-
try, is to be consulted at all times; prin-
ciples count for everything, and men for
nothing, in our struggle.
Permit me also to say in this connec-
ton that there are personal reasons
why l should not be candidate, among
which is the important fact that have
a family of children whose education
must be looked after at this time, and
who need my personal supervision more
now than they have ever needed 1t be-
fore, or will ever need it again, and
must not permit myself to imperil their
interests for my own promotion.
Profoundly grateful to my fellow
citizens of the state and nation for the
flattering mention of my name in con-
nection with the highest office on earth,
l sincerely trust that hereafter atten-
ton will not be conferred on me, but on
some gentleman better qualified to dis
charge the duties Of the position in the
event of an election, and that wisdom
will characterize the formation OF our
platform and the nomination we may
make. have the honor to be very
truly. your friend,
WILLIAM v. ALLEN"