The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1897-07-23
COLE NOT A SEEKER
DECLINES TO BE CONSIDERED AS
CONGRESSIONAL TIMBER
President of the Silver Republican
Club Explains Why Friends
Should Not Mention It

There has been considerable talk and
gossip of late concerning congressional
candidates. The question as to who will
succeed the Hon. Charles A. Barlow will
not be determined for over a year. New
ertheless, the matter is one of such great
Importance and universal interest as TO
already be topic Of more or less discus
sion.
Among others the name of Nathan
Cole, Jr., the president Of the Silver Re-
publican club of Los Angeles county
has been talked of as an available one
to adorn the fusion congressional ticket
The friends of Mr.. Cole, who have used
his name in this connection have men
toned the fact that he would probably
be the candidate who could best unite
all of the forces favoring bimetalism in
this congressional district. They have
talked of the possibility of there being
difference of opinion among Democrats.
and Popultsts as to Mr.. Barlow's sue
cessor and have gone on to state that in
this event Nathan Cole, Jr, would be
the man who could bring all the forces
together and upon whom Democrats,
Populists and Silver Republicans would
all unite. .,-.f...-.s
Inasmuch as the movement to make
Mr.. Cole congressman was assuming
some shape representative of the Her.
aid called upon him yesterday and asked
if he was a candidate for, the position or
if he would accept it if the nomination
were rendered him.
tive statement from Mr.. Cole that he is
not only not candidate, but that he
could not possibly accept the honor. The
gentleman said:
while l appreciate the honor con-
ferred upon me by my friends in sug-
costing my name in this connection, l
trust they will desist. There are many
reasons why should not be a candidate
for congress, and there are still others
existing which render it absolutely i'm
possible for me to be.
"In the first place I have large bust
ness interests which already demand
more attention than I can give them.
am engaged in developing the Antelope
valley and its resources and in this i'm
portant work represent not only myself
but I am also the conservator of the in
terests of others.
For me to assume any responsibility
or to enter upon any work that would
interfere with the labor I have before
me in connection with the development
of the Antelope valley would be an in
Justice to a great many people, not to
speak of the sacrifice of my individual
interests.
"Then again, feel confident that I
will be able to do more for the cause of
silver as a humble worker in the ranks.
MY ambition does not lie in the direc-
ton of seat in congress. have always
taken an active part in politics because
I regard it to be my duty as citizen
to do so. but have never been candi-
date for any elective office and l can see
no reason why I should be now. On the
other hand I can see many reasons why
l should not
II have taken an active part in this
silver movement because | consider that
bimetallism is the proper financial pol
icy for this government to resume.
propose to continue to do everything I
can to bring about the reconciliation of
silver as long as there is the slightest
hope of obtaining it. AS you know,
am the national committeeman of the
Silver Republican party for California,
and all the time I have to give desire
to devote to the work of organizing the
party in this state. Anything that would
in the slightest degree hamper me in
this connection 1 will be compelled to
forego.
"Then again. Mr.. Barlow is a personal
friend of mine and in so far as l know
he has done his full duty in the lower
house of congress. George S. Patton is
also my friend and there are many
who would like to see him nominated.
There are also other worthy gentlemen
who have ambition in this direction.
mo. On the whole it would be mpos
sible for me to make the race for con-
gress if the nomination were rendered
me- and as conditions exist it is rem
dered dOubly impossible.