The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1896-09-30
nEoLlhEp WITH rhANks.
John Boyd Thacher Refuses to Accept the
Democratic Nomination for Governor Of
New York.

| Oonu ltOyu InhcnoE hokubeo 90 ACo0pt the
Democratic Nomination for Governor Of
New York.
ALBANY, N. Y, Sept ss.-John Boyd
Thatcher has declined the democratic
nomination for governor of New York
Saturday was the day set for the visit
to Mr.. Thacher by the committee of
five appointed at the meeting of the
state democratic committee on Tues
day to officially notify him of his nomi-
nation, but in advance Of their coming
he gave out letter announcing his
declination. At the outset OF this
statement Mr.. Thatcher made ac-
acknowledgement of the honor which the
nomination implied, and in the next
sentence said that he was constrained
to decline it. He says:
l was away from Albany and at my country
home during the convention, and / did not
learn OF my nomination until after o'clock
Thursday p M September l7.) 1t was not
until o'clock that night that had an oppor-
tunity TO learn the character Of the platform
adopted by the convention
There had never been submitted to me any
copy Of the proposed platform. II any one had
such copy the trust had not been fulfilled I
had no reason TO expect after the convention
at Saratoga, and after the attitude of the dele
gates from New York In the national oonven-
tion, that the next state convention would COM
NIT the democratic party unreservedly TO all
parts Of the Chicago platform.
Mr. Thacher then recounted the facts OF his
now famous letter to the state committee, and
summarized the contents Of that communica-
tion. While, Mr. Thacher continued, 1 had
not sought the nomination or requested sin
gle delegate to give me his support, was will
ing and eager to contend against that system
Of 'bossism," which is to-day in control Of the
public affairs OF the state of New York. I was
prepared to organize the democratic party
from one end OF the state 10 another on a line
OF battle against that system, and to wage On
unremitting and vigorous warfare. / believed
that municipal and other reforms In which the
people are interested could not be obtained un-
til the administration had been wrenched from
the hands OF the political boss l believed that
the people would be with us on that issue.
1t has developed, in the consideration OF the
resolution by which the state committee mp
pointed your committee. as well es In the pub
lie press and other public and private COM
munications, that there Is very decided desire
on the part Of the democratic party to contest
the election on the abstract question Of the un-
limited coinage of silver at the unalterable
ratio Of 10 to as compared with gold, and to
ignore or to subordinate every other state
ISSUE 1t is apparently the purpose Of the
party at this time TO make the acceptance Of
an extreme pei tical sentiment the sole test Of
q candidates democracy. II does not seem to
be enough that men are willing to support the
regular candidate Of the regular democratic
party, but they are required to subscribe to
every letter and phrase Of the platform
1t is impossible for me, with the views hold,
TO make contest on the coinage issue. I be-
lleve in the good old democratic doctrine Of the
Joint free and equal use Of gold Gnd silver.
This doctrine Is as far removed from the single
use Of gold, which enables spectators to juggle
with its value. MS 1t Is from that other principle
which seeks to establish IN impossible ratio
for its sister metal Therefore, entertaining
the views do. and now thoroughly impressed
with the belief that the party will consent to
make that contest only or primarily upon the
silver Issue, I feel that, as IN honorable man, !
should make way for somo ono who can carry
the banner with that device.
There seems no place In the democratic party
to-day for conservatism Men ore divided into
two 0 asses, each entertaining views intolerable
Of the other The history Of legislation Ia that
conservatism In the end prevails I believe
that the democratic party, when 1t approaches
the responsibility Of legislation, will be true to
itself and to the people.
The strength OF the democratic party 10 its
weakness 1t is the party OF the people 1t
stands with sympathetic arms welcoming the
oppressed the weak the distressed, and prom
ising them comfort and relief 1t Is natural
that mschievous and destroying elements
should clothe themselves In the garments Of
honest distress and sock to shelter themselves
within those arms and to conduct from that
refuge their predatory raids What the demo-
cratic party needs Is wise. fearless and pow
erful organization, which will respond to every
beat Of the popular heart, but which will regu-
late the entrance OF the wicked and per-
verse. This organization will not come
from outside, but from inside the party
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 It's ranks and by counsel and ex-
ample endeavor 10 build It up and make 1t
strong. My party can demand OF me no honor
able sacrifice wall not make 1t can ask Of me
no duty will not perform. Ny best useful
ness now will be humbly to remain within Its
ranks and give such powers as possess TO
strengthening It's pillars and establishing its
bulwarks
The probable outcome Of Mr.. Thncher's de-
clination will be the Endorsement bya branch
Of the regular democratic party Of Daniel F.
Grimm on state issues and the Endorsement OF
n popuistic candidate by the silver mSn In the
state 1t is believed that this is satisfactory to
Mr.. Hill Tammany Hall, however, may insist
upon its own candidate, and ut the state COM
mittee meeting on Monday night they may file
O demand for the promotion Of Judge Porter to
first place and Elliott Danforth 10 second,