The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-08-07
ELEcroR CUMMING.
| sIis letter to tho state Democratic
Executive Committee.
Hampton. Va, July 81, 1896.

10 the State Democratic Executive COM
mittce, Richmond. Va:
Gentlemen-In justice TO myself and
to those delegates of this district TO the
nomination was due, L respectfully offer
nay designations as the Democratic cleo
tor for the Second District of Virginia,
and. in taking this step, ] feel that 'rhe
principle Involved justiiies and necessi-
tates q statement of the easons which
aotuate me.
My nomination as eleC.or was occa-
stoned by no personal merit, which L
might or might not possess. but. on the
contrary, was entirely and clearly a trib-
ute TO my views on the currency issue.
The action of the district meeting shows
this. for after a large number of roll
calls. so Enthusiastically defined were the
silver votes" and the gold votes" that
on several questions preceding the vote
for elector, and on that question itself,
as the district gathering was pressed for
time TO get into the State Convention.
the chairman Ga silver man, Hon. J. G.
Parker) by unanimous consent omitted
phe roll-call, announced so many votes
for the silver side and so many for the
sound money side, and declared the gold
men in the majority on each issue.
SO clearly and Enthusiastically was my
selection due 10 principle and not to per-
SON, | am forced 10 view the si;ua ton
as one broader than mere matter OF
personal consideration.
While l am fully jmbued with the
fundamental doctrine of Democracy,
that the majority must rule. especially
when the will of uhat ma jority is mould
ed by men of vastly greater experience
thar /, and with fully as much patriot
ism, the circumstances are such that
for me TO withhold my resignation would
logically indicate one of two ahings:
]. II performed the duty which prece-
dent renders incnmbent nuon ma !
Should be considered very rapidly con-
vericd politician, which | abhor; or
worse. a hypocrite; and
?. Should / fail to perform the duty Of
electoi ship without a sender of my re-
signatioR. the term "sulking" is the
mildest adjective which In justice could
expect.
Comprehending as do that Dhe duty
of an eiector is faith fully, conscientious
ly and energet:cally stamping his dis
t.'ict, TO confirm the faithful in their
adherence TO the platform, and to CON
vert the waverins and preselyte the
wanderers to these principles: and at
the same time, approaching the fact
That | was elevated to my position by
the votes of those Who did not and pos
sibly do not, believe in the principle of
free coinage as subsequently, set fort n
and crystalized by the majority of the
Democratic party In National Conven-
ton assembled-in this situation. my
honor demands that my resignation be
placed a. your disposal
Though the action of the Chica go
Convention and my subsequent study of
the question: have not changed my
opinion on the currency issue. and l
continue to believe that the principle
popularity known as sound money" Is
the proper financial view. / shall supper:
the Chicag so nominees for these reasons:
l. Because ] believe their nomina lions
81 Of 1,a ,.;t
Democratic party, through their regu-
larly elected delegates. not the voice
of Populists or Anarchists. as some as
sert for while leaders differed on the
issues. there we!a able Democrats in the
majority. whose patriotism and party
loyalty are above question.
=. Because ! am morally bound 10
support these nominees as a member
of the State Convention. which Indirect
~ aided In their selection. And.
3. Because ! firmly believe that the
approaching campaign involves Issues
not on me surra &c perhaps-upon che
determination of which depends the pre-
se'vation of our social fabric in Virginia
;nd Issues more important TO our moral
being than the financial or any other
plank OF the Platform.
The situation is such. that. while as an
rlector, could not discuss what will IN
doubiedly he the most debated issue
next fall; still | can consc!ent!ously vote
the regular Democratic ticke. and
mo:eoVer. unoflicially use what influence
may possess 10 aid in their success.
a further discussion might more
clearly define my position, bur trust
ma nave said enough 70 free myself
from. any charge of sulking or of nv
p"crisy. which. without this letter NIGH T
De consequen; upon my actions.
Gentlemen, my resignation is In your
hands. ga W"
Respectfully
S. GORDON CUMMING.