The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-04

VIII Not Consent to Allow His Name to g
Before the convention.


INDIANAPOLIS, IND, FEB AT an
early hour tonight Captain John X. Cow
| DIV. chairman OF the Republican State
| Central Committee, called by invitation
at the residence OF General Harrison,
when the ex-President handed HIM the
] following letter:
lion. John X. Gowdy, indianapolis,
Ind.
In view OF the resolutions passed by
! the State Central Committee al its re-
cent meeting, and II the fact that dele
gates to the National Republican Conven-
ton are soon to be chosen in this State.
/ have concluded that some statement
from me as to my wishes and purposes
should now be made to my Indiana
friends
Hitherto | have declined to speak TO
the public upon this matter, but scores
Of friends to whom l have talked, and
many scores more to whom ] have writ
ten will recognize in this expression the
substance OF what / have said 10 them.
ITO every one who has proposed to
promote my nomination ] have said no:
there never has been an hour since left
the White House that ! have felt o wish
TO return to IL
My Indiana friends have been most
devoted and faithful, and ] am their
grateful debtor The Republican party
has twice I'm National Convention given
me endorsement, and that Is enough.
think the voters Of our party are now en-
titled to have new name.
For the sentiment, great or small that
has been manifested for my denomination.
l am grateful. and OF that wider respect
and Misunderstanding party lines which
have been shown me in so many way~
/ am profoundly appreCatiVe.
81 cannot consent that my name be
presented 10 or used in the St Louis Con-
vention, and must kindly ask my friends
10 accept this as sincere and final ex-
preston upon the subject.
BENJAMIN HARRISON"
indianapolis February Q. 1896"
The politicians close TO ox-President
Harrison have feared that he would
fatty refuse the use Of his name If
crowded too closely upon the subject and
they regard the resolutions of loyalty"
adopted by the State Convention last
week rs the prime cause of the letter.
Even in spite of these resolutions they
had hoped that he would continue 10 say
nothing. and quietly permit the use of
his name. Nobody here questions the
entire sincerity Of the letter. and they
regard Harrison as definitely out of the
race. In this situation, there is litte
question that the Indiana delegation VIII
De for Mckinley.
When General John G. New was seen
this afternoon. relative TO the letter Of
General Harrison. he said the letter
meant what Il said:
ct takes General Harrison said ne,
"out of consideration az q candidate be-
fore the st. Louis convention. General
Harrison is not accustomed 10 fight he
hind DISCUSSES. and it is useless 10 say
he has allowed any opportunity Tor read
ing between the lines The letter says
what he has said 20 me and others for
a year. We had hoped that he might
he induced TO change his mind. but ne
has evidently made up his mind ana must
be regarded ne final
DO YOU think General Harrison VIII
take any hand in the selection Of cam
didate?"
Il DO not think he viii turn his hand
over 10 forward the chances OF any man.
The representatives OF the state. so far as
ho ifs concerned viii Joe perfectly free 10
exercise their own wishes in tho matter.
lie undoubtedly has his preferences in the
matter. but ne will not try 10 influence
the vote Of any delegate
For whom will the vote OF the In
diana delegation probably be cast?'
Il think that In the great majority Of
the districts Of the State the sentiment
will be for Mckinley. In some parts of
Indiana Senator Allison has a following
that will probably get him some dele
gates do not take il that Speaker Reed
will develop much strength"
"Wm General Harrison be a quantity In
the senatorial race TO succeed Voorhees,"
Il do not have any idea that he will.
In this. however. l am only speaking for
myself General Harrison desires TO get
away from official life and public notice
lie wants TO become a private citizen
again In truth and fact He wants once
more 10 be able TO come and 90 without
being stopped at every cr0ss-road and
asked about what he thinks about every
subject under the sun"