Evening star., 1896-07-27
MAINE DEMOCRATS, PUZZLE.

Must Find Nominee for Governor In
Place of WinsIow.
Following upon the announcement of his
withdrawal as democratic candidate for
governor Of Maine Edward B. Winslow Of
Portland has given out the following letter:
Portland, Me-, July .3. 1895.
Hon. Charles F. johnson, Hon. s. C. Cor
don, Hon. John W. Deering:
Gentlemen:
Your letter Of June ~, informing me of
the action of the democratic state conven-
tfon held In Portland on June II. which
made me the unanimous choice Of the con-
vention as candidate for governor, to be
voted for at the approaching election. was
duly received. and IN reply would say. while
l deeply feel the honor conferred upon me
and am profoundly grateful TO the demo-
Gratis of Maine for the confidence they place
In me in placing me in nomination, 1 de-
ferred answering this letter until after
the national convention held at Chicago,
July Z. 1 regret very much the complica-
tions which have arisen which will make 1t
impossible for me to accept this nomination
SO kindly extended.
THE platform adopted by the state con-
Vention, which has declared for a single
gold standard, is plain; and 1t was upon
that platform that was nominated and /
couid NOT. even had I so desired, accept
this nomination under any other circum-
stances than to stand firmly upon the plat
form made by the democratic party OF
Maine.
The democratic national convention
adopted platform declaring for the free
and unlimited coinage Of silver, and there
was strong pressure brought to bear to
nave me announce myself in favor of the
national convention. which 1 did rot con-
slider was right to do in accepting the nomt-
nation as 1t was rendered to me by the
state convention. There have been many
expressions ex % on the part Of the democrats
oI MAINE IN regard to my duty, but it has
been plain to me at all times that there
was but one thing for me to do and that
was to stand firmly by the Maine platform.
since the democratic national conven-
tlon IL mas been thought advisable to hold
some meetings Of conference with the mem
bers OF the state committee and the lead
ing members Of the democratic party that
1un ana free expressions might be obtain
eo: ana II was plainly shown that a wide
otHerence OF opinion existed, and many Of
the democrats Of Maine thought 1t my duty
TO come forward and indorse the demo-
cratic national platform I-have given no
e1presslons up to the present time as to
what should do, but have given the mat
ter great deal Of thought and study, ana
see but one thing for me to do and stand
as l wish to with the people Of Maine. That
y, ss9 10 oechne tne nomination so kindly ten
grets this more than do
wish to return many thanks for the
warm congratulations from my many
IIleHuS ..iousHout the state, and, had har
mony existed in the party, It would have
been great pleasure to me to accept the
termination. 1t is very evident from the
free expressions Of opinion that If / wish
TO secure the vote Of the democratic party
shall be obliged to harmonize with hoth
gold and silver platforms. and that I can
pot do under any circumstances. There is
but one thing for me to do, and that IL to
thank you, and through you the demo-
Gratis Of Maine, for the high honor con-
ferred upon me. and most respectfully de-
cline the nomination,
''Yours very truly.
EDWARD B. WINSLCw."
Opinion is divided among Maine demo-
Gratis as to whether a new Convention viii
be called Or 4 meeting OF the state com
mdttee held to select q candidate. Maine