Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-02
GOV. MORTON IN THE RACE,
He Has Finally Announced to His Friends That He Will Be a Candidate for
 President.

Albany N. Y., Jan. 1.-Governor Nor ton has finally announced to his friends that he will be candidate for president before the national republican conven- tion to be held in St. Louis. He stated his position at dinner given al Chaun- cey M. Depew's residence in New York city on Monday night. The others pres ent were Hon. Thomas c. Platt, Benja- min Tracy. Warner Miller, State Comp troller Roberts of Buffalo and ex-United States Senator Frank Hiscock of Syra- cuse. The gentlemen had at a dinner ten- dered the governor in New York ten days previous assured him that he could have a solid delegation from this state and the undivided support of the republicans of the state without regard to leaders The first step in securing him this unani- nous indorsement was the resignation of State Comptroller Roberts as president of the State club, which was organized by John E. Milholland of New York city as an anti-PIatt organization. MT. Roberts is preparing a statement which he will give out for publication tomorrow afternoon, in which he will indorse Gov ernor Mortons candidacy and show why
 in his judgment, MT. Morton should be nominated. Mr. Platt and other promi- nent republicans will also be interviewed tonight or tomorrow and give like state ments to that of MT. Roberts. These publications will be with Governor Mor- tons Knowledge and consent, ,as he is now satisfied that the republicans of the state are anxious to give him a hearty and unqualified indorsement It is stated that when Governor Morton acceded to the wishes of the party to become cal- didate for president, he at the same time announced that no matter what the re- suit of his canvass might be he will not be candidate for reelection IS governor when his term expires on January 1, next. If he is unsuccessful, which it is not for moment expected that he will be by those who are cogniZant of the, cir cumstances which have led Governor Morton to announce hic candidacy, he would, it is thought, go to the United States senate as the successor to David B. Hill. whose term expires next year.
 The decision of the governor has led to much speculation as to who among the many candidates for governor is likely to succeed him. State Comptroller Roberts, Speaker Hamilton B. Fish, Sec retary of State Palmer. Adjutant-Gen- eral McAlpin and J. Sol Fassett have time and again. been mentioned as pos- abilities, while there are some who seem to think that Hon. Warner Miller would profit by the governors declination of second term, under the circumstances which have caused the governors an- nouncement of his candidacy for the presidency.
 James A. Roberts. the state comp troller, at midnight gave out the follow ing statement announcing Governor Mortons candidacy for president and his support of It:
 '"rhe positive knowledge that Governor Morton is to be a candidate for president is received with great popular favor. It Is unfair for moment to assume that Governor Morton would sacrifice any of the distinction and honor which he has so ably won by being a stalking horse or a complimentary vote candidate. His candidacy means that he is to win and that he will stay In until the contest Is decided in the St. Louis convention. His distinguished career in this capital, his ability and his conservative judgment are the qualities which his friends bank confidently upon for success. It Is great thing in a political contest to have candidate against whom no has any thing to say. This Is true of Governor Morton and in addition the party can point to the services performed with dis tinguished ability as guaranty of what he will do in the highest office. I fully believe he will win"