New-York tribune., 1907-10-13
QUITS CAPITOL.
GiUes Up Headquarters at Rhode
Island State House.

Providence, Oct. 12.-In n letter sent TO Lieu
tenant Governor Frederick H. Jackson. dated
October g. and given out to-day by the Repuo-
lican candidate for Governor at the coming elec-
tIon General Charles r. Brayton. the Republican
national committeeman. states that he VIII not
occupy the sheriT's Office at the state house as
his headquarters during the sessions of the Leg
islature nor use that Office for the purpose OF
transactIng any legislative political business
He also states to the Lieutenant Governor that
he will not attempt to assume control of the Re-
publican campaign.
General Brayton has been recognized as a
power in Republican politics for many years. ana
in the last state campaign his alleged influence
WAS one OF the prominent issues. For years ne
had occupied desk room in the sherifTs offlce'
but he gave UP his quarters there few months
ago -
The announcement OF General Braytoh IN
tentions came as a surprise to politlcal ie9u
of both parties. Governor Higgins. OF Pa"tuchet'
Democrat who was elected last year. naO
cxpressed his intention of driving General Bray
ton from the State Capitol. and during the legls-
Iative session made several attempts to get the
general out OF the office of Sheriff White, but
the general persistently refused to go. The
Governor commanded Sheriff White not to allow
Rrayton to use his Office referring to Brayton as
"a notorious lobbyist" but the Sheriff. in re-
plying 10 the Governor. refused to Oust General
Brayton and accused the Governor Of attempt
ing to make political capital.
In his letter General Brayton comments on the
attempts to displace him as follows:
During the campaign Of 1906 the Democratic
candidate for Governor pledged himself TO drive
me out OF the State House If he elected. I
did no, believe that he had either the right or
the power TO do this and l therefore went there
as frequently as 1 could, and often at consider
able inconvenience to myself during last winter 3
session, for the purpose OF demonstrating that
he could not carry his threat into execution.
The letter continues:
I am now told that many good Republican,
yourse'; among theU-thnk that my continued
presence in the Shern's office endangers the
success OF the party in the approaching election,
because II gives our opponents something 10
talk about and affords excuse to some who
nave recently opposed the candidates OF the
party while protesting to approve its principles
am first Of all n Republican. and l earnestly
wish for the complete success of the Republican
party now and always, because I think that tho
welfare Of the country demands it, II my pres
ence at any particular place Is thought by anv
considerable number of Republicans To- he an
obstacle to Republican success / intend 10 keep
away from that place. And l therefore assure
you that shall not occupy the SheriHs office al
the state House as my headquarters during the
sessions of the Legislature. nor Use that Office
Tor me purpose OF transacting any legislative or
political business
have also heard It Intlmated that Won he's
itate TO accept a Republican nomination for
Governor because You fear that / may attemp+
TO assume control of the Republican campnipn
ana thus ALLEVIATE from YOU the support of those
who are personally opposed 10 me. | therefore,
further assure YOU that / shall do notbini, Of tho
kind and that while a good Republican 7 shan
earnestly hope for your success, | shall respect
your wishes II you are chosen as the standard
bearer Of the party and In no way seek TO con
trol or interfere with your canvass
The retirement Of General Brayton from Rhode
Island politics marks the passing of one OF the
states most picturesque figures. Although blind
for many years the General had a large follow
ing and his personality a fOrceful element
In the Republican policies in the state