The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-05-18
mn. CATION S LETTER
OF WITHDRAWAL

= 4. 4. ~
Tells Why He Abandons Field
in Favor Of Ely
Editor OF The Times.Dlspatch
Sr,-I beg permission through tho coll
umns of your paper to shy to my fellow
Democrats OF Virglnin, that when | nu-
thorzed the announcement of my candi-
dacy for tho office OF Lieutennnt- Gov
crnor, did so in good faith and with the
intention Of remaining in the contest
until the result OF the Democratic primary
was announced. When, however, In jan
uary last, the name OF Hon. j. Taylor
klTllyson was mentioned In connection With
that office and was advised that his
candidacy would be announced In the Is
sue OF The Timcs-D Dispatch OF Sunday
January 18th, recognizing his claims upon
the Democratic party because Of long and
faithful services as It's chairman, on tho
morning OF January 14th, I wrote and
delivered to the editor OF the Alexandria
Gazette, and authorized TITS publication.
Immediately upon Mr.. Ellyson's an
nounccment. tho following letter;
..ro the Editor of the Alexandria Ga
zettc:
"Dcnr Sir,-11nving been advised that
the Hon. j. Taylor 1Illyson, chairman of
the State Democratic Executive Com
mittee, las announced lis intention to
be a candidate before the Democratic prl-
mary for nomination to the office OF
Lieutenant Governor OF Virginia. and re-
cognizing the fact that Mr.. t:llyson, by
reason of his long, faithful and efficient
! services as the chairman of the Demo,
II W y Ia a prn mil a.
| cognltion by the Democrats Of Virginia,
| / beg to announce to my fellow Demo.
| Gratis and friends, that will not oppose
| Mr. IGllyson, and SO far as am con-
cerned, chccrfully accord to him an open
! field. beg to thank my friends through
| out the State for their many fIottering
| assurances of sympathy and support III
! my aspiration to fill tic office of Lieu
Ittcntant- Governor. and to say 70 them.
that my, withdrawal from the contest Ia
actuated by no other motive than my re-
| cognition of the pre-cmnent claims OF Mr..
| IIllyson upon the Democratic party for
| the honor which he seeks.
Very respectfully.
/ JAMES r. CATION Z
/ On the same day went to Richmond
/ and took with mo copies OF this letter
1 for publication in the daily papers OF that
( city, should he announce his candidacy.
\ The announcement of MIR. Ellyson was
1 not forthcoming as expected; but ON the
/ contrary q few days later he authorized
| the publication Of the statement. that he
j had not been and would not be q cum
/ didatc for the office Of 1,cutenant-Gov-
/ crnor. This announcement wes general
lily accepted as final, and realizing l had
4 other highly respectable opposition for
4 the honor I sought, l began at once a
! vigorous canvass Of the State by cor
J, respondence and otherwise, which brought
me flattering assurances OF support from
1 every city and county In the State. anu
1 which we're followed by perfecting In
majority Of the cities and counties, an
4 organization In tho interest Of my can
| tlidacy After two months or more had
! ELAPSED, Mr.. Ellyson RECONSTRUCTED his
/ former decision and announced that no
! would be a candidate before the Demo
i cratic primary for nomination to the
i office Of Lieutenant-G Governor. THIS nn-
i nouncement came not only as sur
4 prise, but was attended with considcra-
4 bic embarrassment to mo because Or my
4 recognition Of Mr.. l1llysons distinguish
\ cd services to the Democratic party, and
j OF my disposition to accord 10 him the
honor he desires. felt, however, under
/ strong obligations to the many friends
| throughout the Stntc who had not only
1 pledged me their support, but VINO hau
| for some time, Deem adCtlNcly u W. ~ 80
! nv behalf, to remain in the race, an4
/ could not see how in justice to them, or
l with credit to myself. could then with
1 draw from the contest and in good faltll
| announced my intention to remain in tho
campaign to the end. In reaching thls
| conclusion, II was not prompted by my
1 ambition to secure the honor to Whicn
z. aspircd, nor was It reached IN dlsresaIu
! az the distinguished services OF Mr.. FL
IL n
4 the contrary. l was then, and have ever
4 hoon ready to sacrifice personal ambition
q FOR tho good Of the Democratic party, and
to give recognition and honor 10 net
faithful servants, and In SO announcing
my intention to remain In the contest.
& was actuated alone by sense OF iealty
to nv friends throughout the state i3lnct
then, however, have by corresl'oiiue, =, :
md conferences with my friends III dlt-
. ferent sections of thesState become con
WINGED that it is the Desire Of a majority
. nj least Of the Democrats Of Virginia
~ honor Mr.. Icllyson with the office tt
which he aspires, as an expression o.
their appreciation Of his distinguishes
services, and that many Of my friends
who have faithfully stood by mo- a an.
orc still willing to stand by me, also lee
: int Mr. I1llyson is entitled to this re,
copnition by the Democratic party, there
rorc, 7 have concluded to withdraw ron
! tho field. and now beg to announce the
, fact 10 my friends and fellow Democral'
OF Virginia I beg to express my pro
found appreciation of the oidial sym
, nathy and support ! have received, iron
friends throughout the State. and to as
! sur thcm, and each and every one o
, them, that they will always have a warn
placc in my heart, and that shell eve
remain their most obedient sefVa'l'
whether in private or pubic nte'
Very respectfully,
JAMES r. CATION.
Alexandria, Va, May 10. 1905.
Social and Literary.
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