The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-08-07
His Letter of D~eciination VIII DC Pub
Iished in the Democratic Or
gan This Morning.
WILL NOT ACCEPT NOMINATION
DEMANDS OF PRIVATE BUSINESS
GIVEN As MAIN CAUSE.
The Taggart Mantle May Fall on 10.
seph Il. BelI-Gossip About
Candidates.

In the indianapolis Sentinel. the Demo-
cratic organ, Mayor Thomas Taggart will
this morning publish a statement over his
own signature that will take him out of the
race for the Democratic nomination for
mayor.
This action on the part Of Mayor Taggart
was not unexpected by "a few of his friends,
but "A great majority of the people will no
doubt be surprised, having thought all
along. notwithstanding the mayors claim
that he was not a candidate. that he was in
a receptive mood and would at least accept
the nomination if it were thrust upon him.
About a week ago several members of the
Democratic city committee called upon
Mr.. Taggart and urged him to allow his
name to go before the Democrats of In
dianapolis as a candidate for mayor for the
fourth time. At that meeting these men
claimed, as usual, that the name of Tag
CART at the head of the ticket was neces-
sary to it's success. and exercised all the
wiles at their to induce him to
give an m answer.
SIDE STEPPED FOR TIME.
AS is his custom. the willy mayor side
stepped for time. asking the committee for
a few days in which to further consider the
matter. yesterday dlitIIOOu lutSC SdAAC
men again called upon Mayor Taggart and
were given his ultimatum. lie rehearsed
the fact that he was serving his third term
as mayor; that the Office had been an ex-
pensive luxury for him, his campaigns hav-
ing cost him more than the salary of the
office aggregated; that he was getting TO a
point in life where he felt that his family
and his private business demanded all of
his attention. anE that, therefore. he would
not only be compelled to decline TO be a
candidate. but also the nomination if it
were rendered him.
After this conference the mayor prepared
the letter which he sent to the Sentinel for
publication this morning. In this letter he
calls attention to the fact that several
months ago he published a statement in
that paper in which he announced that he
was not a candidate for mayor of Indian
apOlis and would not be, but that, not
understanding this fact. different newspa-
pers had been busy prating about Tag
CARTS probable candidacy. In the letter is a
note of appreciation for the good things
the Democratic gods have given him from
time to time, with the statement that after
three terms of service in the executive
chair he thinks it is time to give some
other good man a chance.
When asked last night, just before he
left for Chicago, whether or not this dec
lination is to be considered as final. Mayor
Taggart answered in the affirmative. He
said: with malice toward none and char
ity for all. / shall leave the office of mayor
and give my whole attention TO my private
interests"
WILL AROUSE INTEREST.
There is no doubt that this decision of
Mayor Taggart. which takes him out of the
running for mayor, will fall with a note Of
interest among the Democrats of Indian
apolis and the whole State. 1t is safe TO
say there will be some tall hustling on the
part of the Democratic city committee TO
secure an acceptable substitute for Mr..
Taggart as the mayoralty candidate. The
petition for William f.. Moore is the only
one, aside from that for Taggart. that has
so far been filed with the city committee.
In view OF the fact that Mr.. Moore is
persona non grata with the city committee
that body Will be expected to dig up n man
TO make the race against Mr.. Bookwalter.
II seemed TO be understood yesterday i'm
Democratic circles that the mantle Ct Tag
CART would fail upon the shoulders of
Joseph Il. Bell, assistant city attorney. and
there Is little doubt that the Taggart ma
chine Will give Mr.. Bell all the assistance
In its power. The only other likely canGi-
date is John j. Appel, who. pending action
ON the part of Mr.. Taggart, has religious
ly kept his candidacy in allegiance. 1t
would not. therefore. be surprising Il a
petltion III FAVOR OF MT Appel sh0nld
promptly be filed with the Democratic city
committee.
Among some politicians who are fairly
well informed there is a feeling that bust
ness considerations did not wholly compose
the motive that caused Mr.. Taggart to step
down and out at this late date. The signs
OF the times point To a Republican victory
in October. and there are those who know
Mr.. Taggart TO be Il crafty politician. These
people. therefore. consider that there H.
logic in Mr.. Taggart's decision to quit the
ofice-hoiding business in this city.
At the conference yesterday afternoon
the men who signed the petition TO have
Taggarts name placed on the ticket at the
primaries were present and addressed 4
petition to Chairman Tanning asking him
10 nullify the petition presented some DAYS
ago. The chairman Is doubtful of his power
TO do this. and the matter will be referred
TO the executive committee for final action.