Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-07
c.pxys,.e WILL NOT CONTEST.

CARLISLE WILL NOT CONTEST.
We have never thought that there ives
any reason why the friends Of Mr.. Car
lisle should expect him to figure as a
prominent candidate for President OF the
United States. So we were not at all
surprised when we saw his letter saying
that he would not enter into that con-
test.
Mr.. Carlisle writes a good letter. He
thoroughly understands the currency
question. and discusses II with pronoun-
ced ability when he discusses 1t at ALL
His prominence, however leaving out OF
sight his ability, Is sufficient reason for
giving his utterances to the general pub
lie. His last letter reads as follows:
Treasury Department,
Office OF the Secretary,
Washington. April 4, 1896
Charles II. Long. Esq, Chairman Demo-
cratic State Central Committee. Louis
vile, KY:
My Dear Sir,--Your favor OF March Goth.
IN which you say. In substance, that
many OF my friends in Kentucky ana
elsewhere desire me TO become candi-
date before the approaching National
for the Office Of President and requesting
me 20 give some authoritative or de-
finite expression" upon the subject. was
duly received. and has been maturely
considered.
Many communications upon the same
subject and OF similar import have been
received from friends in different parts
OF the country, and while very grateful
for those numerous expressions OF conf
or& Of "
Democratic fellow-citizens, have not
been able TO reach the conclusion that the
existing conditions require me TO comply
with their requests by authorizing them
20 announce me as a candidate Tor the
presidential nomination.
While feel a profound interest In the
welfare OF my party, / am much more
concerned about Its declaration OF prin-
ciples than in its selection OF candidates,
because. In my opinion, its failure or sue
cess at the election. as well as its capa-
city for useful service to the country in
the future depend upon the position 1t
takes or omits to take upon the public
questions now engaging the attention of
the people, and especially the questions
affecting the monetary system OF the
country, and the character Of and amount
OF taxation to be imposed upon our citi-
zens. It's position upon these and other
subjects having been agreed upon, and
clearly and distinctly announced, the
convention ought to have no difficulty In
selecting an acceptable candidate, who
will fairly represent Its views; and, In
order thnt Its deliberations may be en-
barrassed as little as possible by the con-
tpptione OF rival aspirants and their
friends, ] think my duty to the party
Will be best performed by declining 20
participate in contest for the nomina-
ton.
The obligations assumed when I accept
cd, my present official position require
me to devote my entire time and atten-
ton TO the public interests committed to
my charge and shall continue TO dis
charge the duties imposed upon me TO
the best OF my ability. and in such man.
ner az will. In my judgment, most certain
~ promote the interests OF the country:
and ", In the opinion Of my fellow Demo-
Gratis in Kentucky. my services entitle
me to their commentator. and approval.
I would regard their endorsement OF my
public course as an ample reward for
the little l have been able to accomplish
IN behalf OF honest administration and a
Z scprd financial policy.
With many thanks for your kind letter.
81 am, very truly your6
J. q. CARLISLE
Mr Carlisle thinks It more important
for the Democrats TO lay down a sound
platform than for them to nominate any
particular man for President IL they
follow this advice, they win have the
pleasure OF seeing the currency or none
tary question settled very soon. once for
all. and the grand old Democratic party
remitted to its mission as the promoter
OF sound Democratic principles and
sound Democratic policy.
Had Carlisle consented TO have his name
presented TO the Chicago convention. the
word would have understood that Cleye-
land had given up all thought Of q third
term- AS II Is. we now know no more of
clevelands purposes than we aid months
and months age. II Is significant. too. that
no administration man Is seeking the
nomination. or Is considered an aspirsnt
for II. True. there was 'boom" for Or
ney started at Boston some weeks ago,
but II met With a freezing reception in
administration circles-the only place
where IS promoters could have expected
support from it--and Is now dead. One
after another. Hill. Whitney. Campbell.
and Carlisle have declined to become can
didates. Morrison. we believe, has said
that II his services are wanted they may
b. comsnandcd There IL. too. Just now.
seme talk Of Boies as the favorlte OF the
free-sliver-men.
II this sort OF thing continues the Ma.
tionaI Democratic Convention will assem-
be Al Chicago all lat sea" as to who
our nominees VIII be. However II satls-
factory currency plank Is agreed upon
W predics that there win be no diffscuity
ii securing suitable candidate. In that
event. We could command the xeryiees OF
elzrest any man in our parry, nus. Tor the