Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-01-22
To Accept the Nomination
For Presidency.
Will Be Content Whether He
Receives It or Not.
Does Not Seek Office and Will Not
Try to Secure It.

Albany, Jan. 21.-GOV. Hughes to-
night publicly declared his attitude to-
ward the movement in favor of his
nomination for the Presidency, in a let
ter to James S. Lehman of New York.
acknowledging notification of the reso-
luton oe endorsement recently passed
by the Republican Club and appoint
ing the evening of Friday of next week
for meeting with the club at which
he intimates ne will still more definite
ly declare himself.
II am deeply sensible of the honor
conferred upon me-" says the governor
by MY fellow members OF the Repub-
lican Club in the passage of the reso-
luton TO which you refer, and it will
give me pleasure to accept the invita-
ton. In accepting it, it is proper Tor
Inc to hesitate my position.
1T Is my desire that the sentiment
Of the party shall have the frcest e%-
preston and that such action shall be
taken as will be for its best interests
Il do not seek office nor shall at
tempt to influence the selection or vote
of any delegate. The state adniinistra
ton must continue to be impartial and
must not be tributary to any candi-
dacy.
Il have no interest in any :actional
controversy and desire above all things
that there shall be elaboration. hon.
est expression of the party will, and
harmony Of effort.
Il cannot fail to recognize the honor
which the nomination would confer or
the obligation of service which it would
impose Nor should | care to he
thought lacking III appreciation of tie
confidence and esteem which prompt
the efforts of those who sincerely de-
sire to bring it about. The matter Is
one for the party to decide, and what
ever its decision ! shall be content.
II shall be glad to meet with the
members of the club as you suggest
and to make such further statement
may be appropriate. In view Of the
engagements already made 1 do NOT
see how it will be possible to have such
Il meeting before the evening of Jan.
81. And i that date suits Your con-
venience arrangements may be made
accordingly"
The letter of Johmaier to which the
governor replies as above, is as fol-
lows:
AT 4 recent meeting of the Republic
can Club of the city of New York, very
largely attended, resolution was
adopted with practical unanimity
strongly urging the next Republican
national convention to nominate you
for the office of President of the United
States and to that eNd inviting the
cooperation of Republicans generally
The president OF the club mas ap-
pointed committee of % to carry out
the purpose OF the resolution.
THE committee has entered upon tho
duties assigned to it and its efforts
have met with Il most gratifying public
response.
Under the circumstances il has
seemed to us that SOME expression
from you would be timely.
AS chairman of this committee and
in the hope that this suggestion may
meet with your approval, l white to in
quire whether you will meet your fell
low members of the Republican Club
at its clubhouse at such time as may
suit Your convenience"
1t il taken for granted tonight that
his expected expression before the club
next week will answer 4 purpose that
might be subserved by a correspond
ence with the Hughes State League.