The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-12
WHEELER WILL NUT RUN FOR OFFICE Little Joe' Seeks No Further
 Publicity RUMORS WERE ,. UNTRUE Only Public Office He Ever Held Was to Represent His District in Con-
 gress for Twenty.
 Years.

New Decatur, January l.-(Special.)- Within the past few days dispatches have appeared in the various daily dapers throughout the country, stating that Gen. Joseph Wheeler would probably enter pol itics again and become candidate for congress from the Eighth Alabama dis trict Your representative interviewed a leading democrat, who is warm per sonal friend of the general, as to the cor rectness of these published statements concerning the probability of his entering politics again and as to his probable can- didacy for congress- In answer to ques- tions propounded to him by your corre- spondent this gentleman said:
 This is only a re-appearance of often repeated allegations which have been made since the general resigned his seat in congress. While it is quite true that many of General Wheeler's admirers be- lieve he would be very valuable to the state and the entire south if again in pub lie life, can say that since he ceased to be member of congress in August, 900, not a word about again becoming a can didate has emanated from him.
 Representative Twenty Years.
 General Wheeler has never held any political office except that of representa- tive of the Eighth Alabama district dur ing nearly twenty years. His nomination in 1880 was because of the general belief that he was the strongest man to put against that astute politician, Col. Will fam Lowe. and his victory justified this judgment. No doubt General Wheeler appreciates very highly the honor of be- ing elected to positions of trust by his fellow countrymen. but his entire life shows that he has never sought such distinction for the sake of personal honor or pecuniary gain.
 Tn 1861 he was a cavalry officer in the United States army His state called for his service and he immediately re- signed and accepted a lieutenancy in the confederate army at an emolument about half that which he was receiving in the service of the United States. He also left alluring prospects and promises of promotion with no other reward in view than that he was following the dictates of conscience and duty.
 His rapid rise to colonel, brigadier gen. eral, major general, lieutenant general and army corps commander, was all won by his courage, skill and success in battle, earning at the same time the highest encomiums from his commanders and the love, admiration and confidence of his sol diers.
 Was Highly Commented.
 President Davis and Generals Lee, Johnston, Bragg Polk, Kirby Smith Hood and Hardee referred to General Wheelers 8 service and skill and gallantry in battle and campaign In terms of the highest I. hot no officer of his grade was so esteemed by each of his commanders as this com mander of the cavalry of the western army.
 During the dark days of reconstruc- ton his service was most constant and valuable in rescuing his state from the destructive carpetbag rule, and at all times since 1865 he has been active in his work and duty to the party, and 1t was not until the crisis of 1880 that he was selected to lead what was called a forlorn hope against Colonel Lowe. and this was after the principal leaders of the party had declined to enter so doubtful con- test.
 His victorious rescue of the district from his greenback-republean opponent, his ten elections to congress- his able ser vice in that body. are well known to the people not only in Alabama, but to the entire country.
 When war came upon us he was com missoned a major general in the army of the United States and at Las Guasamas. San Juan and Santiago won more dis tinction than any officer had enjoyed during the last third of a century.
 General Wheeler has not been a can ddate for any office since that time and it may be assumed that he will not be unless circumstances should arise where his services should be needed. and in that event he can be depended upon to accept any position and labor in any field where he can best benefit the people of Alabama