The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-22
MELDRIM OUT OF THE RACE.
DECLARES HE WILL NOT CAST HIS
LOT AGAIN.

Has Accomplish objects lie
Contemplated on Accepting the
Omce-Says He Was Pressed by
Friends to Tell How He stood.
He Wanted TO Wait Until He Gould
Retire without Being Forced TO
Do So-The Race VIII Probably he
Between NcDOnough and Myers.
Alderman Duncan's Position.
Mayor Meldrim has come to the conclu-
sion he will moi run again under any cir
cumstances. and has so told his friends
who called upon him for the purpose of
finding out what he proposed 20 do. As
the tension had become too great to stave
the question off any longer, and as the
friends who were willing to support him
for another term did not desire TO wait
until too late to select another candidate,
their request for an answer was peremp-
tory.
MY reason for declaring my intentions
at this time is In a measure due to the
request of friends who called upon me,
Mayor Meldrim said last night. They
urged that l give them an answer, and
considered myself it was time to let the
party know I would not be in the race
again. By reason for Withholding re-
ply to the various questions asked me in
this connection has been due to the fact
I have not been able TO make up my mind.
1t is now settled, however, and I am out
of the field In favor of any good man who
wants the Office"
The course Mayor Meldrim has pursued
in keeping his friends in the dark as to
his intentions has kept his most intimate
friends nudging him to find out what he
intended to do. on the strength of a
statement made by Mayor Meldrim TO one
of his friends recently the Morning News
announced that 1t was understood that he
would not make the race. This was bas-
ed on a conversation between the Mayor
and ex-Police Commissioner Gleason.
Later on Mayor Meldrim said he had only
made the statement casually, that he did
not intend It for publication, and that
he had not fully made up his mind what
he would do.
After stating he would lay down the
gavel when his successor is elected and
qualified, Mayor Meldrim gave two rea-
sons for his declinaticn to run.
ITO begin with, 1 never sought the may
orality," he said" but when it was ten
dered me, accepted with the avowed Fur-
pose of accomplishing certain things. One
was improvement at the quarantine sta
ton and a lessening of the charges there,
this has been done. Another was the gem
eral improvement of the city, and a re-
moval of the factional lines which have
been instrumental in creating bitterness
among the people; both these objects have
been attained AS a gentleman not de-
pendent upon public office for a living has
no desire to continue longer than to ac
complish the things he contemplated on
entering 1t, / think my mission has been
fulfilled and that l can retire with the eat
isfaction the city's affairs have been sue
cessfully conducted"
To this the Mayor added: But I was
also waiting TO see If opposition cropped
out. Had there been an effort to force
me out my decision in this matter might
have been differeRt. OF course, may not
be in position to hear everything. but from
what l learn, harmonious feeling prevails
among the people, most of whom are sat
isfied with what has been accomplished.
Many friends have been asking me wheth-
er | would run, and as my mind is fixed,
and the election being only a few weeks
hence, / concluded to inform them of my
position"
Notwithstanding Mayor Meldrim's an
nouncement does not come as sur
prising, Ii viii work a change on the local
political situation. Now that the ques-
ton of second term is put aside. can
didates who have been waiting patiently In
the background viii doubtless loom up.
Two are mentioned as possible candi-
dates of the Liberal Club, ahd expressions
from reliable sources indicate that one or
the other of them viii head the ticket
They are Hon. ]. ]. MeDonough, who ex-
pressed willingness through the Morn
ing News two months ago TO run If nomi-
mated, and Alderman Duncan, who is be-
ing urged by the element opposed to MIR
MeDonough. 1t cannot yet be. told what
turn things win take, but judging from an
expression by Alderman Duncan last
night. it looks as if Mr.. McDonough will
be the nominee.
1T is reported you are being urged to
lead the Liberal Clubs ticket" it was
suggested TO Alderman Duncan.
ION that subject l have only one thing
to say. 1t is that I have not the remotest
idea of becoming a candidate for Mayor.
1t will take far more pressure than viii
be brought to induce me to run. My main
objection is that do not wish to go into
the fight which it will be necessary to
make"
I'm the event friends insist upon your
running, would you be a candidate with
Mr.. McDonough for the nomination."
II certainly will not" DR. Duncan re-
piled. III Mr.. McDonough goes before the
Liberal Club for nomination, l will not
allow my name presented"
When seen a day or two ago with ref
erence to municipal matters. Mr. McDon-
ough was told of a story quietly going the
rounds to the effect il was one of the con-
ditions to his election as president of the
Georgia Pine Lumber Company that he
should not so into politics. He was ask
ed what he had to say.
My position with regard TO becoming a
candidate for the mayoralty was defined
in the Morning News some time ago. and
l do not wish to say anything further at
present. So far as the report of any re-
striction on my conduct is concerned. how
ever, l will say I am free citizen and
will govern myself according to my own
judgment"
The contests among the city office hold
ers to retain their jobs may not have a
great deal to do with the coming election
which will be by the City Council The
board viii elect officers for the coming
two years. Those who will oppose the
ont -.