The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-08

my duty to support that nomination.
Acting upon this conviction, | went
before the Silver Republican conven-
ton and succeeded in persuading it
to not nominate me, and the Vice
Presidential question was finally re-
ferred to the Silver Republican Ma
tional committee with full powers.
Later in the night this committee
placed the name of Mr.. Stevenson on
its ticket as candidate for Vice-Presi-
dent.
This recital clearly develops the
situation as it now is. Everybody
knows that either Mr.. Stevenson or
Mr.. Roosevelt is to be the next Vice
President of the United States. | am
expected to take a laborious part in
the campaign. / shall, of course, advo-
cate the election of Bryan and Stew
enson. The Democratic convention,
before which | was candidate, nomi-
mated Bryan and Stevenson. The Sill
yer Republican party, of which or
ganization [ was the official head for
nearly four years, has nominated Bry-
an and Stevenson. In what light
should / appear before the American
people if, while advocating the cleo
IlOIl Oh one IlckeI, Il SHOulu OC SOIuS
through the form of running on an
other? Nobody in the United States
would think / had the slightest chance
of being elected, and nobody would
believe that [ considered myself Sc
riously as candidate unless at the
same time he believed me to be abso-
lutely lacking in common sense. Whom
could such a phantom candidacy de-
ceive? What respect should | deserve,
indeed, if in such MAJ
ter l should attempt to de-
ceiye anybody whatsoever? /
know the Peoples party to be COM
posed of men most exceptionally keen
and expert in political judgment. So
obvious sham could not elude their
vision. Either they would resent my
implied uncomplimentary estimate of
them or they would be justified in
forming one of me which could re-
suit only in injuring the cause which
it had been the professed object of my
mistaken folly to advance. Consistency
and candor in politics therefore, my
own self-respect, a proper Difference
to the Peoples party and sincere
regard for the welfare of the cause OF
political reform in the United States
all counsel that | now respectfully re-
place in your hands the honorable
trust which your great party commit
ted to me in contemplation of a differ
ent complexion of affairs than that
which has resulted.
I'm conclusion, i may be permitted
to express the profound satisfaction
which feel in contemplating the pres
ent attitude of the Democratic party.
In 1896 | was of those who, keenly
feeling the recreancy of the Republl-
can party was much in doubt whether
the memorable Democratic convention
at Chicago in adopting it's splendid
platform and nominating William j.
Bryan for the Presidency was actuated
by an impulse or by a purpose. The
magnificent achievement at Kansas
City has settled all possible doubt
on that subject. The platform adopt
ed not only re-enacts the principles of
1896, but, in language whose force,
dignity and beauty have never been
equaIled in similar document, re-
spends to the new issues presented in
growth of the trust monopoly and the
imperialistie policy of the Admins
tration, by an appropriate enuncia-
ton of those sublime doctrines of hui
man rights and liberties whose profes-
sion and observance have been the
peculiar glory of our country and are
the sure basis of the ultimate happi
ness of mankind. And again the duty
of carrying the banner of the cause
has been committed to that tried and
trusted hand whose grasp has never
weakened, no fear can make to falter
and no burden can dismay. The lead
ership of Bryan which could have re-
deemed d bad platform, sanctifies q
good one. 1t made memorable an un-
successful contest. 1t will crown a
victory with imperishable splendor.
With every sentiment of respect and
gratitude, | remain.
Most sincerely yours,
(Signed
t.CII DI nc II TOXNNL