The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-09-02
HE HAS TWO REASONS.
I. H. Burns Decilnes Democratic
Nomination for ongress-Writes
Characteristic Letter.

In a letter that will go down in his
tory as the most novel thing in the po-
litical literature of these parts, Ira II.
Burns yesterday formally declined the
congressional nomination rendered
him by the recent Democratic con-
vention during his absence and with
out any solicitation, expectation or
knowledge on his part.
This is Mr.. Burns letter of declina-
ton:
Scranton, Sept. /, 1888.
+. ]. Fitzsimmons, ESQ.
Dear Sir:-On my return from a brief
summer outing l noticed certain news
paper charges to the effect that l mad
been nominated for congress by the DEM
ocratic convention during my absence
Upon investigation these charges ap-
pear to have been well founded, but the
convention having died, and no admins
traitor having been appointed, there seems
to be 10 proper official method of putting
an affirmance or denial on the record. 1t
does not even appear that 1t is the duty
of any one to notify the intended victim
of the fate in store for him. The trainers
of our rules evidently never contemplated
the possibility of a candidate declining
nomination. / take this early opportun-
ity, however to address you as the sole
trusting that you will take such steps as
may be necessary to prevent. If possible
my election.
While / highly appreciate the compli-
ment of an unsolicited and unexpected
nomination. there are two obstacles in
the way of my acceptance: First, the
danger of beirg elected, and, second, the
danger of being defeated. In the first
case I should be compelled TO seriously
neglect my practice. which 1 much prefer
to any Office whatever, besides incurring
the risk of becoming an habitual politi-
clan. In the second place, there is no fun
ir being licked, especially when you give
lot of time, labor and funds for the
privilege of getting 1t. Taken alto
gether. the situation somewhat resembles
that described by the colored preacher
when he said: my brethren, there am
two roads; one leads down to hell and
the other to damnaticn." Still, 7 might
have considered it a duty to face these
alternatives were it not for the fact that
there are plenty of others equally capa-
BILE and with more ambition, youth and
energy, to put into the canvass. With a
loyal and united Democracy behind him,
the candidate whoever he may be, ought
to be triumphantly elected. and at the
same time he will accumulate a fund OF
experience and knowledge of human ma
ture, probably attairable in no other way
in so short a time.
My brief experience as a quasi candi-
date has not been at all unpleasant. No
one has seriously pulled my leg, and,
| comparatively speaking. l have been
kindly treated by the newspapers and the
general public. Besides, have made a
| large circle of warm friends by numerous
| promises of garden seeds, agricultural re-
ports and the new bug book as soon as
published. 1t should be understood that
my successor takes the office subject Ia
these encumbrances.
With cordial thanks TO yourself ard as
sociates of the late convention for your
| spontaneous and unanimous evidence OF
misplaced affection, I am.
Very truly yours,
l. II. Burns.
Colonel Fitzsimmons said last even.
| ing that the other Democratic candi.
dates, Judge Gunster, DR.. Saltry, and