New-York tribune., 1898-09-25
ROOSEVELT SAYS NO.
HE DECLINES THE NOMINATION. OF THE
INDEPENDENTS.

SAYS HE WOULD NOT Re ACTING IN GOOD FAITH
TOWARD HIS FELI,ow-CANDiDATEs IF HE
PERMITTED HIS NAME TO HEAD TICKET
DESIGNED FOR THEIR OVERTHROW
Colonel Roosevelt spent busy day yesterday
From an early hour in the morning until late at
night he was occupied either with conferences or
in seeking people with whom his interests are
identified. 1t had been his intention TO return to
oyster Bay at 4 o'clock In the afternoon, but 80
great were the demands upon him that he was
unable TO leave town until 10 o'clock last night.
His earliest callers yesterday morning. at the
home Of his brother-n-law. No. $50 Madison
ave, where he stayed, We're John Jay Chapman
and Paul Fuller. Of the city Club, who break
tasted with him. and remained in consultation
with him until after 10 o'clock. Colonel Roose-
welt refused to dvuge the nature of the con-
ference but let it be understood that the sub
ject discussed bore upor his intention to decline
the independents nomination.
Other callers including Surgeon Major Wood.
OF General Kents staff were also received and
then from 1890 o'clock until after midday the
Colonel was coseted with Mr.. Roo,. Then late
in the afternoon Colonel Roosevelt had another
protracted conference with r. Fulton Cutting
men Colonel Roosevelt said he had written two
letters-one a personal letter and the other an
open one-which he would submit TO them as
representatives. Of the Independents. These let
ters. he said he would probably make public
but courtesy insisted that he rhould first obtain
permission from Messrs Cutting and Ro,hschd
and also from John Jay Chapman. who
pected 10 be present. But after the meeting
Colonel Roosevelt said he unable 20 give out
the lettera and 1t was no, until after n further
meeting with the Independents al the Reform
Club that he announced ne was at last In po-
sition TO give a copy OF his open letter to the
newspapers. This letter which conveys his
declinatlon Of the Independent nomination. reads
as follows:
Sycamore Hi. september q. 1895.
Mr. Dear Mr. Chapman: hesitate 10 write to
you while the independent domination mar not oeen
a,es,,ens =, 20 V tei,ons In the mater
that am not willing TO wait longer.
at the RepuScan state CONVENTION at sarSiosi on
the nth. II l am nominated then It VIII be On th the
other State offices. The Republican party Will
also have Congressional ard lesislatiye t;eHets IN
very few municipal officers are to be elected The
candidates VIII be my 1ssoS'ai,, IN oe enrs
Congressman 20 support President MchlRry tne
send 10 the Senate Republican United states
Senator.
II seems TO me that I would not be acting In good
faith toward my low-cnnddates II permitted
my name to head a ticket designed for their over
throw. ,icket. moreover. which cannot hc pui
up because Of objections To the character or Mt
ness OF any candidate. inasmuch as 10 candidates
have vet been nominated.
write this with great reluctarce for wish the
support OF every independent II elected GovernJr
| would strive 10 serve the State as whole, ana
10 serve my party by helping Il serve The STATE
should prcatly Ike the aid Of the independents.
and I appreciate the importance % The indFpcn-
dent vote. but cannot accept n nomina ION on
terms that would make me feel dsloyaI 20 the
nrinciples for which stand. at the cost of
acting with what seems 10 me 10 be bad falih
toward my associates -
Again expressing my hearty appreciation or the
honor YOU wish 10 confer upon me. and my regret
that IL comes In such shape mat do not see my
way clear 10 accept II. am very sincerely yolis'
VIZ THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
While ON his wav TO the Reform Club Colonel
Roosevelt called at the Fifth Avenue Hotel'
Whatever object Colonel Roosevelt had In Nlslt-
ing the hotel ne refused 10 make II known. lie
also endeavored again to find Mr.. Root, hut
without avail. A Tribune reporter. however.
ascertained at 9 o'clock last night that Mr.. Root
was at the Union League Club. card sent 10
him brought back tfe reply that he was too busy
to be
Colonel Roosevelt left the city for Oyster Bay
by the 10 o'clock train last night. Before start
ing ne said he was unable to say whether or not
he would return TO New-YOrk before the Sara
toRa Convention took place.