The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-04-27
DEMOCRATIC EVASION
E-Gov. Russell Declines to Be
. Candidate.
WHAT The PARTY SHOULD DO.


New York, April A-The world tcnor.
row WIN print the following signed state
ment OF ex-Gov. W. E. Russell. of NAssa-
chusetts. In Response 70 Q question from
one Of It's star correspondents:
i am greatly surprised to hear that
the action Of the Massachusetts, ccnven-
ton has attracted any special attention
outside the state While greatly appre-
ctated the compliment OF an Endorsement
by my state. I am not seeking the nomina-
ton nor am DESTROYS Of being the czndi-
data nor do wish any movement made
In any state in my interest On the con-
tray. l have already earnestly requested
that no such movement be made In any
other state by friends OF mine
Ny belief Is that IL Is all important that
when the Chicago convention meets its
delegates should be absolutely free to de-
hberate and act. clear Of all Instructions
OF pledges or even expressed preferences.
at least % far a. l am concerned 1
don't know that any movement personal
tome Is contemplated II II Is. ! request
and insist that il should not be made
IT seems to me that our party should
send its strongest men to Chicago and
OF the situation as it then appears. to
determine what 10 best to be done.
The important thing now Is to make
every effort TO have the Democrats take
an absolutely sound position on the money
question. without evasion or compromise
believe this is OF vital consequence 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 emhpaticilly to OPP
pose the free coinage of silver or Its COM
pulsory purchase. or any compromise Leg
islation in that direction: and that IL ought
to indorse and commend the administra-
ton Of Mr.. Cleveland for its resolute work
IN maintaining our present gold standard
and in preserving the credit of the nation.
Il think 1t would be neither right nor
wise to attempt TO avoid or straddie this
question by any ambiguous or meaning
less declaration. The time has passed for
that The issue must be met and fought
OUT
A Boston special to the World. In which
the ex-governor Is interviewed at length
supplements the above statement. In the
course of this interview he says:
The position of the presiden; Is one Of
tremendous responsibility. 1t involves SO
many things. and REQUIRES so much Of
the man who would fill 1t. / doubt-yes,
doubt very much-if I would care to take
up the load were 1t thrust upon me.
Il believe that q president should 60 in
to Office unfettered. Therefore. I hold
firmly that could never even be q can
didate on platform that was not IN ac-
cordance with own principles. I would
never consent to straddle on finance or
any other public question. ! should not
go into Office by hampering declarations.
restricted in the power Of veto. helpless
in authority"
Would you accept . nomination upon
. platform of your beliefs?"
Il don't know. ! should hesitate very Sc
riously. But this Is too far ahead. tell
YOU in all earnestness again. that first
the Democratic party must settle those
financial questions that are disturbing the
country. l don't care what other men may
be doing about seeking q nomination. but
OF this one thing / am positive. no one
shall go to the convention pledged to me
and unmindful of what is best for the
party and the country"