Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-09-26
TO-DAY'S TELEGRAPHIC NEWS
Mr.. Thacher Declines.

ALBANY, n. Y, Sep. 26.-John
Boyd Thatcher has declined to accept
the democratic nomination for gov
ernor. Mr.. Thacher was nominated at
Buffalo by the democratic convention
on September II. Mr.. Thacher thinks
that his declination will result in Will
Der F. Porter, of WATERFOWL, his com.
panion on the present democratic
ticket as candidate for lieutenant-gov-
ernor, being named by the State
committee at its meeting on Monday
night as the candidate for governor.
Mr.. Thacher arrived at the Hotel Ken.
more at y o'clock and proceeded to
the rooms of the notification commit
tee. He remained closeted in secret
consultation until nearly one o'clock.
Senator D. B. Hill remained at his
house at Wolfert'5 Roost to-day When
a representative of the United Associa-
ted Presses called to see him at Ito clock
be refused to be interviewed. The
general impression of the politicians
about the Kenmore was tia Mr..
Thacher's withdrawal meant Senator
Hill's retirement from active political
service this fall.
At 1:30 o'clock Chairman York, of
the notification committee, called the
meeting to order and formally notified
Mr.. Thacher of his unanimous nomina-
ton for Governor by the democrats.
Mr.. Thacher replied as follows:
liam constrained to decline the nomi-
nation. was at my country home
during the convention and did not
learn of my nomination until after FIVE
o'clock Thursday afternoon. 1t was
not until o'clock that night that |
had an opportunity to learn the charac.
ter of the platform adopted by the con-
vention. There had never been submit
ted to me copy of the proposed plat
form. I addressed com uunication to
the State committee at the earliest mo-
ment consistent with maturing my
thoughts and two days before its
meeting in New York. In that COM
munication l stated that my view on
the financial question had not changed
since l had publicly uttered them ct
the State convention in June and that
| assumed my nomination was made
with the expectation on the part Of the
convention that, as the governor of the
State of New York has absolutely no
official connection with the question OF
national finance, could make the con-
test upon certain clearly defined State
issues which l then enumerated and
which l deemed vital and dominant
While had not sought the nomination
or requested single delegate to give
me his support, was willing and eager
to contend against that system OF boss
ism" which is to-day in control of the
public affairs of the State OF New York.
1t has developed that there is very
decided desire on the part Of the dem
ocratic party to contest the election on
the abstract question OF the unlimited
coinage CT silver at the unalterable
ratio of 16 to as compared with gold
and to ignore or to make awkwardly
subordinate any other national issue
aud every other State issue. 1t is ap-
parently the purpose Of the party at
this time to make the acceptance of an
extreme political sentiment the sole
test of candidates democracy. 1t
does not seem to be enough that men
are willing 10 support the regular can
didate of the regular democratic party,
but they are required to subscribe TO
every letter and phrase of the platform.
The republican managers invite the
support of democrat without formal
ly exacting of him approval OF a high
protective tariff and the principle Of
controlling southern elections by army
bayonets. 1t is impossible for me,
with the views l hold, to make con-
test on the coinage issue. l believe in
the democratic doctrine of the joint
free and equal use of gold and silver,
and being now thoroughly impressed
with the belief that the party will con-
sent to make the contest only or pri-
marily upon the silver issue, feel that
as an honorable man l should make
way for some one who can carry the
banner with that device. / have no
sympathy with those who desert the
party now in its hour of need. Every
democrat who believes that the party
is or can be made an instrument Of
good should stay within its ranks and
by counsel and example endeevor 10
build it up and make it strong. My
party can demand of me no honorable
sacrifice will not make. 1t can ask
of me no duty I will not perform. My
best usefulness now will be humbly to
remain within its ranks and give such
powers as l possess to strengthening
its pillars and establishing its bull