Evening journal., 1896-04-27
RUSSELL'S STATEMENT
He Says Something In Regard
to His Candidacy.
DOES NOT SEEK THE NOMINATION.

1t IL Intimated, However, That He Would
Not Refuse to Be the Demooracy's Can
didate For Presldcnt-1nsists on Hard
Money Platform.
Boston. April Eek. Governor VIII.
liam f. Russell has made the following
statement:
am greatly surprised to hear that the
action Of the Massachusetts, convention
has attracted any special attention outside
the state. While greatly appreciated the
compliment Of an Endorsement by my
state, am not shaking the nomination,
nor am desirous of being the candidate
nor do wish any movement made in any
state in my interest
On the contrary, 1 have already ear
nestly requested that no such movement be
made in any other state by friends OF
mine. My belief is that it is all important
that whom the Chicago convention meets
Its delegates should be absolutely free to
deliberate and act clear OF all instructions
or pledges OF even expressed preferences
at least so far as / am concerned. do not
know that any movement personal to me
is contemplated If it is, request and in
sist that 1t should not be made
1T seems to me that our party should
send its strongest men to Chicago and
leave 1t to their good Judgment, in view
Of the situation as it then appears, TO de-
termine what is best to be done. 1t will
be time enough to consider candidates
shen.
1.-The important thing now is to make
every effort to have the Democratic party
take an absolutely sound position on the
promise. believe this is Of vital conse-
quence to the party for its present and its
future.
''I am firmly OF the opinion, as 1 have
recently said, that our national platform
ought explicitly and emphatically to OPP
pose the free coinage of silver OF its com
p1lsory purchase, OF any compromise leg
islation in that direction, and that it
ought to indorss An commend the admin
istration Of President Cleveland for It's res
olute work In maintaining our present
gold standard and in preserving the credit
Of the nation.
The Issue Must BE Fought Out.
II think It would be neither right nor
wise to attempt to avoid or straddle this
question by any ambiguous or moaning
less declaration. The time has passed for
that.
THE issue must be made and fought
out--I trust to a sound conclusion"
In the course of an interview Mr.. Rus
sell said
"TAe position of president is one Of
tremendous responsibility. 10 involves so
many things, requires so much Of the
man who would Ill il. 1 doubt-yes, 1
doubt very muoh-if 1 would care 20 take
up tho load were it thrust upon me.
81 believe that a president should go
into Office unfettered. Therefore, hold
firmly that could never even bo a oandi-
date on n platform that was not in accord
ance with my own principles / would
never consent to straddle on finance or
any other public question. / should not
90 into office bound by hampering declara-
tions, restricted in the power Of veto, help
less in authority"
Would you accept nomination upon
a platform of your beliefs?''
~ don't know. / should hesitate very
seriously. But this is too far ahead. l
tell you in all earnestness again, that first
the Democratic party must settle these
financial questions that are disturbing
the country. don't care what other men
may be doing about seeking a nomina-
tioD, but of this one thing / am positive
no one shall so to the convention pledged
70 me and unmindful OF what Is best for
the party and the country"