The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1898-12-02
Mr.. vARDAMAN FOR GOVERNOR.
: ormally Announces His Candidacy in
Letter.
WILL REMAIN II CUBA DOING HIS
DUTY AS LONG AS HIS SERVICES
ARE NEEDED.

Hon. James X. Vardaman has for
mally announced his candidacy for
Governor in the following letter:
Near Santiago de Cuba, Nov. 6, 1898.
l have recently received a large num-
Der of letters from friends throughout
the State asking il | would be a candi.
date for the Democratic nomination
for Governor at the coming State cleo
tion in 1899. And as my time is com-
pletely taken up with the exacting
cares and responsibilities Of my pres
cnt trying position that | cannot pos
sibly answer them all, | take this
method OF replying. In the out
set l will say that it has been my am-
Dltion for years to serve my State IN
the capacity Of chief executive, and
should the Democratic party, whose
principles honor and whose interest
| have ever served faithfully since |
have been old enough to vote, see 1T
TO honor me with the trust, | shall ac-
cept. As to my platform OF principles
and capacity To perform the functions
Of the Office, the people Of Mississippi
are familiar with the former and
must Judge OF the latter. My public
c~areer-the uarL | have taken in the
affairs Of thu Ate for the past decade
and my private life is an open book to
which | invite the closest Scruting OF
every Suflragist within the borders Of
the State. In all matters | have done
the best l could under the circuiu-
stances, looking always to the honor
aud prosperity of Mississippi. In ev-
cry campaign since | have reached
manhood's estate l have, with alac-
rity, contributed my mite OF talent,
labor and money. When or where my
service was needed it has been rem.
dered regardless of my private per-
sOnal interest. ] can truthfully say
that no draft or demand has ever been
made upon my time or talent by the
Democracy that has not most cheer
fully been hOnured. And in rcply ITO
those who would leave my post here
and look after my political interest" |
want to assur them that they totally
misunderstood me | Joined the ar
my because I'bclicved it my duty to
do so. l did it over the fearful pro-
test Of a loving wife and five sweet
little children. l did IT fully con
SciOus Of the sacrifice which | was
m%aking-thc perils to be encountered
and the hardships to be endured. ]
believed then, l know now, in the alb.
solute business Of the war. The hon
or Of the flag and the prestige of my
country were involved and there was
nothing left for me to do but to 60.
And | came, and | shall stand at my
post. | shall defend the stars and
stripes as long as there is AN armed
enemy, and when my services are no
longer needed | shall return to my
home. II after the people hear me
they Shall conclude that | am worthy
Of their suifrageS | shall consider my
self fortunate. If they shall see it TO
call another, in the future, as in the
past, | shall bow most gracefully to
their mandate. But, in the mean
time, | shall remain here looking af-
ter my sick men many of whom are in
IA very critical condition. meeting the
onslaught Of pesLilcnce, disease and
death. and preparing to devote attetl-
tlon to the common enemy should he
not be satisfied with what he has al
ready received.
Cordially and sincerely,
JAS. X. VARDAMAN.