The Louisiana populist. [volume] (Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish, La.) 1894-1898, 1896-05-29
ALLEN NOT A CANDIDATE.
Mt. Vernon, I'll.

| "fhcs 10 GOvernOr HOIcOmD
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 1t Is
here given. This is the letter:
Washington, d. C., March 24.-Hon.
Silas A. Holcomb, Lincoln, Neb.-My
Dear Governor: 1 have just been read
ing the very pleasant things said OF me
in connection with the populist nomina-
tion for the presidency, in your recent
Interview published in the press dis
paches, for which please accept my
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 valus
and is truly gratifying.
Il 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 II
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 / have been the
recipient Of hundreds of letters asking
me II l. would be a candidate for the
nomination, or accept it IL rendered me.
Fully realizing that ordinarily it is
to be considered indelicate to either &C.
cept or decline a nomination that has
not been rendered, still l feel that the
time has come when, in the interest Of
the party, l should speak openly and
promote the interest of the populist
party, and by that means the interest
Of my country. Deeply conscious that
it would be a 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
ernment, nevertheless deem it unwise
TO permit my name to be used as a can
didate.
II 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, or in
accepting it If it should be rendered me.
There are many older and abler men in
the party than am, highly well quail
fed to make the race, and feel conf
dent that can do the cause greater
good by remaining where l am, fight
ing in the ranks for success, than by ac-
cepting the nomination IL it should BE-
rendered The welfare of the party.
and, therefore the welfare of the coun-
try, is tc 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 should not be a 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 it 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
fattering mention of my name in con-
nection with the highest Office on earth.
I sincerely trust that hereafter atten-
tion will not be centered 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"
nromedarv Parcel Post.