The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-07-27
WinSlOW Will Not Accept
the Nomination.
The Democratic Candidate for
Governor Declines.
He Is for Gold and Cannot Support
the Chicago Platform.

Portland, Me-, July 27.--Fon. r. p.
winslow, Democratic candidate for gov
ernor. made public two letters last night.
One was signed BY Charles L. Johnson.
&. G.. Gordon and John w. Deering and
notified him OF his nomination as gov
ernor by the Democratic state conven-
tion. In this letter, the loyal support OF
the Democracy OF Maine was pledged to
Mr.. Winslow. To this letter OF notifica-
tion, Mr.. Winslow replied as follows:
Portland. Me-. July %.
To Hon. Charles Il. Johnson, Hon. s. G..
Gordon. Hon, John w. Deering:
Gentlemen-Your letter Of June -, In.
forming me OF the action OF the Demo-
cratic state convention held in Portland
on June IL. which made me the unan-
imous choice of the convention as candi-
date for governor, to be voted for at the
approaching election, was duly received.
and In reply would say. while / deeply
feel the honor conferred upon me. and
am profoundly grateful TO the Demo-
Gratis of Maine for the confidence they
placed in me In placing me in nomina-
tion as their standard bearer. deferred
answering this letter until after the ma
tional convention held at Chicago, July
IL. / regret very much the complications
which have arisen and which will make
10 accept this nomination so kindly ex-
tended TO me.
The platform adopted by the state
convention, which has declared for a
single gold standard. is plain, and II was
upon that platform that L was nomi-
mated, and l could not, even had / so
desired, accept this nomination under
any other circumstances than to stand
firmly upon the platform made by the
Democratic party of Maine, The DEM
ocratic national convention adopted a
platform declaring for the free and un-
limited coinage OF silver. and there was
strong pressure brought TO bear TO
have me announce myself in favor OF the
national convention. which L did not
consider was right to do in accepting the
nomination as II was rendered 10 me by
the state convention. There have been
many expressions on the part of the
Democrats of Maine In regard TO my
duty, but IL has been plain to me at all
times that there was but one thing for
me to do. and that was TO stand firmly
by the Maine platform.
Since the Democratic national conven-
tion IL has been thought advisable to
hold some meetings OF conference with
the members OF the state committee and
the leading members Of The Democratic
party. that full and free expressions
might be obtained, and IL was plainly
shown that wide difference Of opinion
existed. and many OF the Democrats of
Maine thought II my duty TO come for
ward and endorse the Democratic ma
tional platform. / have given no ex-
pressions up To the present time as to
what / should do, but have given the
mattera great deal Of thought and study
and see but one thing for me to do, and
stand, as | wish to- with the people of
Maine, and that Is to decline the nom-
nation so kindly tenderd me, and / as
sure you that no one regrets this more
than | do.
i wish to return my thanks for the
many warm congratulations from my
friends throughout the state. and had
harmony existed in the party II would
have been great pleasure to me to ac-
cept the nomination. 1t Is very evident
from the free expressions of opinion
that If wish TO secure the vote of the
Democratic party / shah be obliged to
harmonize with both gold and silver
platforms. and that / cannot do under
any circumstances There is but one
thing for me TO do, and that Is 10 thank
you, and through you the Democrats Of
Maine, for the high honor conferred upon
me, and most respectfully decline the
nomination. Yours very truly,
Edward +. Winslow.