Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1896-05-01
MR.. RUSSELL SPEAKS
HE SAYS HE DOES NOT SEEK THE
NOMINATION.

II Is Intlmnted, However, That he Would
Not Refuse to he the Democracy's Cam
didats For Frssident-Insists on = hard
Money Platform.
BosToN. April 2g.-Ex- Governor vii.
liam E. Russell has made the followinn
statement:
~ am greatly surprised 70 hear that the
action of the Massachusetts, convention
has attracted any special attention outside
the state. While l greatly appreciated the
compliment Of an Endorsement by my
state / am not seeking the nomination,
nor am deairous Of being the candidate,
nor do wish any movement made In any
state in my interest
"On the contrary, have already ear
nestly requested that no such movement be
made in any other state by friends Of
mine. My belief Is that 1t Il all important
that when the Chicago convention meets
its delegates should be absolutely free TO
deliberate and act clear Of all instructions
or pledges Of even Expressed preferences
at least so far as / am concerned do not
know that any movement personal TO me
is contemplated. II IL Ia, request and In.
sist that IL should not be made.
~ bb6luh u ll5 t0bb our pdkbY buouhN
send its strongest men TO Chicago and
leave IL TO their good Judgment In view
of the situation as it then appears, TO de-
termine what 10 best TO be done 1t will
be time enough 10 consider candidates
then.
1.-THE important thing now is to make
every effort TO have the Democratic party
take an absolutely sound position on the
money question, without evasion or COM
promise believe this ls Of vital oonse-
quence 20 the party for it's present and lbs
future.
"I am firmly Of the opinion, as have
recently said that our national platform
ought explicitly and emphatically TO op-
pose the free coinage of silver or it's COM
pulsory purchase, or any compromise leg
islation in that direction. and that II
ought to indorse and commend the admin
istration Of President Cleveland for lite res
olute work In maintaining our present
gold standard and in preserving the credit
of the nation.
The Issue Must BE Fought Out.
81 think it would be neither right nor
wise to attempt to avoid or straddle this
question by any ambiguous or meaning
less declaration. The time has passed fol
that.
"The issue must be made and fought
out--I trust to a sound conclusion"
In the course Of an interview Mr.. Rus
sell said:
"The position of president is one oi
tremendous responsibility. II involves &C
many things, requires 80 much Of the
man who would hll IL. I doubt--yes,
doubt very muoh--if would care to take
up the load were It thrust upon me.
II believe that a president should Sc
into office unfettered. Therefore, hold
firmly that could never even be candi
date on platform that was not in accord
ance with my own principles. would
never consent TO straGidle on finance OF
any other public question. should moi
go into Office bound by hampering deolAra-
tions, restricted in the power Of veto, help
less In authority"
Would you accept nomination upor
a platform OF your bekiefss''
81 don't know. should hesitate very
seriously. But this ls too far ahead.
tell you in all earnestness again, that first
the Democratic party must settle thest
financial questions that are disturbing
the country. don't care what other mer
may be doing about seeking q nom ina
tion, but of this one thing am positive
no one shall go to the convention pledged
to me and unmindful of what is best fol
the party and the country"