Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1911-01-05
CORNWELL WILL ACCEPT.
But Declines to Enter Into Scramble
for the United States SenatOrship.
Romney, W. Va, Jan. 2, 1911

Romney, w Va, Jan. z, 1911
iohn |. CornWeli, Democratic candidate
for Governor in 1904, whose name has
been mentioned in connection with the
United States Senatorship, has given out
the following statement:
Immediately after the election, began
receiving letters from various sections OF
the State urging me to become a candidate
for the United States Senate. ! received
numerous other letters inquiring whether
would be candidate, and not a few
urging me to endorse certain other per-
sons for the place | intended, some
time ago, TO make statement to the ef-
feet that would not be candidate IN
any sense of the word, but the letters
coming TO me increased so rapidly, and
coming, as they did, from disinterested
and influential Democrats, ! felt that they
were entitled to earnest and careful con-
sideration, especially as many OF them
were urgent in their character, and the
writers apparently feeling that ! would
be turning my back on my friends it |
refused. To most of these letters have
replied direct, but as this is entailing no
little labor, and as there may be others
who desire to know my position, this
statement is made.
Those closest to me know that ] am
not an office-seeker that ! am content
to continue private tizen, attending to
my private affairs and serving my party
Loyalty so long as it merits and deserves
support. The Office OF United States
Senator, however, is of such dignity and
importance that perhaps no one would
decline it, and. like any other citizen, /
would be gratified to receive it honorably.
II, therefore, the Legislature, in its Wis
dom, should see proper to elect me, |
would, of course, accept it, and serve the
people OF the State and the Democratic
party to the best OF my ability.
| have not sought the place for several
reasons, nor have solicited the support
or assistance OF any member of the Leg
lslature or any other person. | would
not, under any circumstances, enter into
a scramble for this or any other political
position. am more interested in seeing
the policies ofthe party carried into effect,
and its prestige, success and good name
preserved, than in holding any office,
and would not knowingly do anything
tending to disorganize the party or create
any antagoniSmS.
NV views may be old-faShioned and
considered by some as obsolete, but !
cannot get away from the idea that the
man who accepts an important public Of
flee, especially one OF this character,
should divorce himself, in very large
measure at least, from all private inter
eStS, and give his undivided time and at
tention. with whatever ability and energy
he may possess. to the duties OF the OF
flee and the interests OF his constituents
and party. In no event should the po-
sition be made side-iSSue or treated as
a private asset. Holding this view, those
who know the way am situated, and the
things have on hand (the success OF
some of which depends largely upon my
efforts will understand why have hes
itared to become even a receptive candi-
date.
! am reliably informed that my name
has been used in such connection, in
some parts of the State, as to lead some
of my friends to believe il was done in
the interest of some other candidate /;
hence desire to state just as emphati-
cally as the English language can express
it, that anything have done, am doing,
or may in the future do, must not be con-
strued to be in the interest OF anyone
else. Any reports TO the contrary, either
past, present or future, will not be &C
cepted as true by any friend OF mine. |
am also led TO believe that a majority OF
the rank and file OF the Democratic party
of West Virginia favor my election to the
Senate, and the above emphatic statement
is made that they may know that at no
time shall betray their confidence, what
ever the result may be.
want to emphasize the further fact
that have not asked any member OF the
Legislature to vote for me; nor would |
accept the office of Senator, if elected,
were il apparent that it did not command
the approval OF the rank and tile OF my
party, and of the independent voters
whose generous assistance made the cleo
ton of Democratic Senator possible.
! may add am confident those charged
with the responsibility Of electing Sue
cessor to Senator Scott realize the far
reaching results OF their action, and will
be actuated solely by desire to "render
the State some service"
want also to express in this way my
appreciation of the many kind suggeS-
tions that have come to me by letter and
the expressions of confidence that have
appeared in the public press, all OF which,
as the writers know, were voluntary and
unsolicited.