Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-25
Good, if True.

Word was gwen out Immediately after
the st. Louis convention that the
present Governor would soon publicly
announce his purpose not to be
candidate for denomination for his
present; office. Newspaper correspon-
dents report that Mr.. Upham so assured
them, and newspapers are commenting
upon the subject as if it were settled
that he is really out of the field. He
may be; and if he is, the fact will fully
justify the unanimity Of rejoicing which
the present belief that it is true seems
to occasion. No newspaper in the
state, excepting perhaps the Milwau-
kee Journal and no Republican voter,
has spoken upon the subject who does
not say Of the assumed or proposed
withdrawal, "Amen," at is the ONLY
thing for him to do" But an authentic
announcement Of such withdrawal has
not yet been made although several
days have elapsed since it was promised.
The REPORTER feels that it is not safe 10
celebrate the event until it actually
transpires. This caution proceeds from
Mr.. Upham's unrivaled ability to do the
very opposite of what he promises.
The REPORTER will cordially join in the
general approval of Upham's withdraw
al-wIEN lie wITHDRAws.
LATER. Gov. Upham has written the
following letter to Z. D. Coe of White
water, chairman of the Republican
State Central committee, setting forth
reasons for not being candidate for
denomination:
Il believe it to be the proper thing
for me to inform you, as chairman of
the Republican State Central committee
that | shall not be a candidate for a
denomination as governor. I have not
at any time since | took upon myself
| the duties of this high Office considered
myself a candidate, but party usage has
made it appear probable that [ would
accept denomination. | am certain
| that | could be renOminated and elected,
| but in order that the rights Of no
candidate shall be prejudiced from lack
of information, this announcement is
made prior to the calling Of any Conven-
tons, that all delegates may be elected
with full information as to the political
situation.
There is no official act of the
administration for which [ desire to
make any apology, or offer any defense.
My reasons for determining not to be a
candidate | can briefly give. | have all
my life been a Republican and loyal
one. | consider the mission of the
Republican party so important that the
party welfare is Of greater moment to
me than the interests Of any one man.
For reasons that are not clear to me |
have been aSSailed by criticism which |
am satisfied time will prove to have
been unjust. This criticism has reached
a point where it was believed by some
to imperil the party interests. If
understand my own sentiments, L would
at any time sacrifice all my personal
interests in behalf of the party whose
principles believe in, and certainly, in
this case, while am unable to under.
stand the ground for much of the
criticism, yet, not for one moment will
[ as a loyal Republican and believer
in the principles for which the Repub'
lican party stands, allow myself to even
seem to be in the way of party success
II desire 1t understood that | stand
ready to do all in my power in the
campaign approaching, to further the
interests Of the party.
w. H. UPHAM."
The editor of the REPORTER, in com.
mon with all good Republicans, is
gratifed by the announcement.