Gilpin observer., 1906-08-23
WOULD GO TO CONGRESS.
Gen. George w. Cook Candidate for
Nomination.,

Denver.-In letter to the public,
Gen. George w. Cook, former mayor
of Leadville and senior vice comman-
der-in-chief of the Grand Army of the
Republic, announces himself as a can
didate for nomination as congressman
at-large for Colorado on the Republi-
can ticket. Following is the letter:
'In view of the wide publicity ac-
corded my name during the past two
months as a prospective candidate for
the nomination of congreSSman-at-
large, take this opportunity of thank
ing my friends for their kindness and
also to announce that l have decided
to yield to their solicitations by allow
ing my name to be presented to the Re-
publican state convention.
while always active in furthering
the interests of the Republican party,
with which have been identified for
life time, 1 have never sought or held
a political office, with one exception,
and that was when was twice elected
mayor of Leadville. Each time l was
returned by an overwhelming majority,
and was unanimously nominated for a.
third term, which l very respectfully
declined.
For twenty-seven years l have been
avtively engaged in developing the lat
ent wealth Of Colorado and in that ca
pacity have employed thousands OF
men. ! have always been consistent
friend of organized labor, and am hon
ored with the good will and friendship
of thousands of miners, railway en-
ployes and men and women engaged in
our chief industries, who have Joined
i'll urging me to allow my name to ap-
pear as their candidate for representa-
tive in Congress.
"The old soldiers, their relatives,
families and auxiliary organizations in
this state, who will poll $4,000 votes.
have also especially urged me to be Il
candidate.
Il was unalterably opposed to plac-
ing sugar beets and hides on the frea
list, and have always favored the pro-
lection of industries, especially those
which are of vital Importance to OUT
own beloved state, and, if nominated
and elected, / solemnly pledge myself
to use my best efforts to interest the
government in the expansion of irriga-
ton, reservoir systems and expert
mental stations. to develop the wonder
full agricultural and horticultural re-
sources of our state, thereby increasing
our population to a measure commen-
surate with the Importance of Colorado,
reclaiming the plains and valleys, and
thus materially inuring to the pros
perity of the farmer and all producers
by reducing taxation.
"The interests of the people at large
in young state like Colorado cannot
be served better than by stimulating
interest in our lands, by diverting the
tide of immigration that rolls by our
doors, building up the wealth OF adjoin-
ing states and territories.
with proper representation at
Washington and at the various sea-
ports and in our consular service, am
certain that we can attract an army OF
hardy people to till the lands that are
begging for settlers. Every other state
is spending hundreds of thousands OF
dollars in this movement, and l am con-
fident that a little well-directed per-
soral energy will produce results that
will increase our population twenty
five to fifty per cent. within few
years.
Without egotism. | desire to ex-
press the belief that through my extern
sive personal acquaintance with sena-
tcrs and congressman all over the
United States, with whom l have held
close friendly relations and familiar
ity with the work of Congress, that l
will be in a position to accomplish
great deal for the people of Colorado.
Thanking the friends who have
urged me to this step, take pleasure
in entrusting my candidacy to their
care, with the assurance that my acts
will always meet with the hearty ap-
proval of the men and women who
have rendered. me this great honor, /
remain, your obedient servant,
.CEOpCE w COOEp