Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-08
T0WNE WITHDRAWS
FROM THE RACE.
Continued from page 1.

iAsliiic OI1 your nominee was presented
TO that convention and was received
with remarkable demonstrations of ap-
proval by the enormous number of citi-
zen spectators, and with the utmost re-
spect by the delegates.
ADtAI e. STEVENSON.
But geographical considerations, and
the fact that in certain parts of the
country 1t was deemed wise to defer
to sentiment demanding that the
candidate should be a man absolutely
identified with the Democratic organi-
cation, not only by holding it's princi-
pies and advocating it's cause, but also
by name and profession, determined
the selection of the Hon. Adlai e. Ste
Venson, or Illinois, q man of unim-
peachable character and or ripe poIitI-
cal experience, who, as n member of
congress more than twenty years ago
was d close associate and cO-laborer of
General ]. B. Weaver. and other e.reot
leaders IN the reform political move
mentS or that day. and who as Vice
president from 1893 TO 1897, distin-
gulshed himself by rebelIing against
C oetayat OF the Democratic prn-
clpies by President Cleveland.
THE LINE OF DUTY.
Wnen Mr.. Stevenson had been nomi-
mated what was it my duty to do? NV
name had gone before the convention
along with his and l had been beaten.
me nomination had been made de-
cisively and with absolute fairness.
The candidate chosen was personally
unexceptionable; his loyalty to our
principles was beyond question. and
his career had been n long cxemplilica-
ton of them. Manifestly it was 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 Presi-
Dental question was finally referred
TO the Silver Republican National
Committee with full powers. Later in
the night this committee placed the
nomination of Stevenson on it's ticket
as its candidate for Vice President.
WHAT HE WILL DO.
This recital clearly develops the sit
uation as it is now. Everybody knows
Roosevelt is to be the next Vice Pres
ident of the United States. l am ex-
pectcd to take a laborous part in the
campaign. 1 shall, of course, advo-
cate the election of Bryan and Ste
venson. The Silver Republican party.
of which organization l was the official
head for nearly four years, has nomi-
mated Bryan and Stevenson. In what
light should I appear before the Amer
lean people If. while advocating the
election of the ticket. 1 should be 60
Ing through the form of running on
another? Nobody in the United States
would think l had the slightest chance
of being elected. and nobody would be-
lieve that ] considered myself seriously
as n candidate unless at the same time
he believed me to be absolutely lack
ing in common sense. Whom could
such n phantom candidate deceive?
What respect should / deserve, indeed,
IL in such matter I should attempt
to deceive anybody whatsoever? |
L. lxA ~. a..t,
posed of men most exceptionally keen
and expert in political judgment. SO
obvious n sham could not elude their
vision. Either they would resent my
implied complimentary estimate Of
them or they would he justified in
forming one of me which could result
only in injurinG the cause which it
had been the professed object of my
mistaken folly to advance. Consist
cncy and candor in politics, therefore
my own self-respect, a proper defer
ence to the Peoples party. and sin
ccre regard for the welfare of the
cause of political reform In the United
States-all counsel that / now respect
fully replace in your hands the honor
able trust which your great party
committed 10 me in contemplation of
n different complexion OF affairs than
that which has resulted.
PROFOUND SATISFACTION.
"In conclusion, / may be permitted to
express the profound satisfaction which
feel in contemplating the present at
titude of the Democratic party. In 1896
| was of those who, kecnly feeling the
recreancy of the Republican party, was
much in doubt whether the memorable
Democratic convention at Chicago. in
adopting its splendid platform and
nominating William j. Bryan for the
Presidency, was actuate by an impulse
or by purpose. The magnificent
achievements-at-fSa nsaS- City listre set
tied all possible doubt on that subje
The platform adopted not only rc-en-
acts the principles of 1895. but. in Ian
guaGe whose force. dignity and beauty
have never been equalled in similar
document responds to the new issues
presented in growth of the trust mono
poly and the impcrialistic policy of the
Administration by an appropriate enun-
citation of these sublime doctrines of
human rights and liberties. whose pro-
fession and observance have been the
peculiar glory of our country. and are
the sure basis of the ultimate happiness
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 bad platform, sanctifies a
good one. 1t made memorable an I'M
successful contest. Ii will crown n vic
tory with imperishable splendor. With
every sentiment OF respect and graft
tude. remain, most sincerely yours,
CHARLES A. TOWNE."