The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1898-03-10

[ levS because had not enough to go
around. Ihave often antagonized mon
whom honor and esteem in the strug-
gle for political preferment. In obedi-
ence to the command of duty 1 have un-
avoidably trampled upon hearts that
are noble and warm in the relentless
warfare of politics. There are many
scars in my own heart; some of the
wounds are not yet healed, but there is
no malice there towards any man.
1t was my wish to retire last 0 stOber,
but the protests of my friends con-
strained nae to remain in the Office of
governor until the expiration of my
present term. l declared myself can
didats for the United States senate, in
the excitement of the hour, at the close
of the recent senatorial contest.
l do not retire from it now because of
any fear of defeat, for have assurances
from every county and section of the
state which convince me that could
easily win in the coming contest, but
with my health not so robust as in the
days gone by; with private interests,
long neglected, threatening a penniless
old age; with a resistless desire to get
away from the unhappy collisions of
politics, and with the wish that may
have the good will Of all the elements
of the people of my state, 1 Voluntarily
announce, after full and thorough de-
liberation, that with tho close of nv
present term of Office 1 shall vanish
from the political arena.
To those who have so generously and
vigorously sustained me, and who are
even now working and planning to
crewn me with the highest honor in the
gift of our people, l wish to express my
deep and undying gratitude and love.
For these who have opposed me in po-
litical life, l have nothing but good
will and the olive branch.
RoBT. l.. TAYLOR.
GOV. Taylor's announcement came SO
suddenly that the few politicians around
the hotels were dazed for the moment,
rnd were hardly able to express an
opinion about it. The whole matter
had been kept very quiet, and only
those who make business of following
up such things day by day knew any
thing about it.
There were quite number of Gov.
Taylor's political friends in the city
Thursday, and it is understood that
they had conference with the COVER
nor. Ever since that day it was quietly
rumored around that there would be a
sensation in political circles. After
mature deliberation, Gov. Taylor de-
cided upon his course of action and
carried to completion the plan he had
formulated.
Some of the governors closest friends
are heart-broken at the thought that he
has left the field of politics forever.
They say that it is the best thing for
him to do, yet they have feeling OF
sadness to see him retire from such
pursuits. Gov. Taylor himself doubt
lessly felt making the statement that he
was severing himself from an old friend,
as it were. But he had decided upon
his course and executed his decision
with dispatch.
He said that he was tired of the thing
that there was no comfort in it; nothing
but worry and trouble; he resolved to
quit. A newspaper reporter remarked
, that he would probably not have to &c
to Trenton Monday to report his speech,
and Gov. Taylor laughingly said that
he guessedit would not be necessary.
l Gov. Taylor was asked what he ex.
pected to do after his present term as
governor expires, whether he would
enter actively in the lecture field. He
r replied that he had not decided as yet
but that he would find something else
to do without being in politics. It il
probably his idea to go on the lecture
e platform after his gubernatorial tern
expires.
When asked what they thought of hi
announcement, the politicians for tn,
t most part said that they were too mucl
9 surprised to say anything about it. L
has been known for long while tina
e Gov. Taylor did not bear with ease th,
trials of political life, and that som,
t had earnestly requested that he leav
public life and follow less trying pu1
i suits more congenial to him. Notwith
" standing this, his announcement come
in the nature of complete surprise.
: Gov. Taylor's withdrawal from tn
g senatorial race leaves Senator Bat
4 alone in the field. 1t had been antici
= pated that there would be warm con
q test before the next legislature betweel
4 these two political giants. The con
:. test had already begun to assume inter
esting proportions and was about t
ia play no smslL part in the election G
4 members of the next general assembly
"a Gen. Bate is now alone in the contest
=. 1t remains to be seen whether or nc
h there will be other candidates for th
"A place.
or Gov. Taylor's term as governor e.
q pires about the middle of next January
Suppprcr An NJ Acu1Nnros-