The Wichita daily eagle., 1896-08-01
SEWALL ACTS TOO LATE.

The stable door has been locked in
Maine. The horse is not within. 1t
will be remember that the Eagle point
ed out that the Endorsement of Sewall
at st. Louis was prevented by the ac-
tivity of one, Professor Bateman, q
Populist of Maine, who fought Sew
alFs Endorsement because Sewall was
supporting Mr.. Winslow, the Demo
cratic gold candidate for governor in
Maine.
Now Mr.. Winslow has withdrawn.
That means that Sewall has persuaded
him to pull off. Had this been done
before the St Louis Populist conven-
tion Sewall would have been indoEsed
with Bryan. What good it will do
now is not plain. Watson says posi-
lively he will not get off the track.
1t is a little singular. however, that
Democracy in Maine should surrender
as it does to Populism. Winslows
letter of declination is a singular one.
1t reads:
Honorable S. c. Gordon. and the Hon
orable John W. Deering.
Gentlemen: Your letter of June a. IN
forming me of the action of the Demo-
cratic state convention held in Portland.
June Il. which made me the unanimous
choice of the convention as candidate for
governor, to be voted for at the approach
ing election. was duly received, and in
reply would say: While deeply feel the
honor conferred upon me. and am pro-
foundly grateful TO the Democrats of
Maine for the confidence they placed in
me in placing me in nomination as their
standard bearer. I deferred answering
this letter until after the national con-
vention, held at Chicago. July II
1 regret very much the complications
which have arisen. which viii make II
impossible for me to see my way clear
to accept this nomination so kindly ex-
tended to me The platform adopted by
the state convention, which has declared
for single gold standard. is plain. and
IL was ucon that platform that 1 was
nominated, and I could not, even had L
SO desired. have accepted this nomination
under any other circumstances than to
stand firm upon the platform made by the
Democratic party OF Maine. The Demo
cratic national convention adopted a plat
form declaring for the free and uniimit-
ed coiIssge Of silver, and there was q
strong pressure brought to bear to have
me announce myself IN favor of the na-
tionai convention. which 1 did not con-
slider was right to do in accepting the
nomination, as Il was rendered to ms. by
the state convention
There have been many expressions on
the part o1 the Democrats OF Maine ,n
resard 10 my duty. but Il has been plain
70 me. az all times. that there was but
one thing for me TO do. and that was 10
stand firmly by the Maine platform.
Since the Democratic national conveo-
tion ii has been thought advisable to hold
some meetings OF conference with MEM
hers OF the state committee and the lead
Ing members OF the Democratic partv.
that fun ard frye expressions might be
obtained. and Il WAS rlaizly shown that
a vide difference OF opinion existed. and
many OF the Democrats Of Maine thought
il my duty TO come forward and iuSu-Se
the Democratic national platform I have
given no expressions up 10 the present
time as to Hshai I should do. but have
gwen the matter great deal OF tholEht
and study, and see but one thing for me
to co. and stand as wish TO with the