Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-11-28
TO MICHIGAN ELECTORATE.

u
Although the official canvass OF
the votes cast November 5 is not yet
available, it is generally understood
Prof Woodbridge N. Ferris has been
elected governor OF Michigan
1t seems entirely proper to at this
time express my profound gratitude
to those citizens OF Michigan who
stood by me so nobly in this cleo
ton There was a combination OF
circumstances beyond my control and
for which ! was not responsible, that
made victory for me seemingly i'm
possible Our party was hopelessly
divided and with many, man who
supported the entire Republican tick
ct was committing an objectionable
offense Yet it is generally admitted
a good fight was made and ! wish to
assure you come out of it without
any soren s. or bitterness. | fought
fairly and the best | knew how, and
have no regrets or apologies to offer
for my course during the campaign
! was treated fairly by almost every
one and have only the kindest feeling
toward my successful rival, He is
entitled to the support of all good
citizens in every effort he may make
that is for the best interests OF the
people
At this time wish particularly 10
express my gratitude for the uniform
courtesy shown me by the newspa-
pers of the state. With few excep-
tons they were fair" The inspira-
ton of these few was not difficult 10
discern
While our party was divided in this
campaign and while the position
occupied was often misrepresented
no person who heard me speak could
have possibly misunderstood me.
took my stand for the whole Repub-
lican ticket, aud it held to the end
and while ] am not to be your Cover
nor, am deeply interested in the
great work that awaits the new adj
ministration, and as a private citizen
will serve our state to the extent of
my ability.
The majority of our party is thor
oughly progressive, and this element
has been in control in our legisla-
lures for the past eight years, even
if not in our conventions. ] am con-
WINGED it is now the duty OF those
who love our grand old party, to seek
by every honorable means to unite
the level-headed men of both wings,
and to that end / am ready and will
ing to lend whatever inhence | poss-
ess, because | believe the work of the
Republican party is not finished. 1t
has ever been the party of progress,
and the future will show that its fun
damental principles are sound and
their application to the affairs of our
nation essential to its best develop
ment.
The past campaign was remark
able one. Certainly unlike any pre-
ceding it, within my recollection. Be
cause man could not feel as many
of his friends did towards the head of
his ticket, he was frankly told sup
port would be withheld. So it be-
came matter Of conscience with the
majority of both wings of Our party
and brought disaster to some of us.
1t would be foolish to say | am not
disappointed, as | coveted the oppor-
tunity TO work out many reforms /
believe possible. | should like to
have been your governor, but it was
not to be, and / accept the verdict
of the people cheerfully. Only one
of the three candidates could be elect
| ed and I rejoice in the fact that the
campaign on the part of the candi
dates themselves was clean, honor
able one, with personalities elimina-
ted
Therefore, have heartily congra-
tulated Prof. Ferris and assured him
of my earnest wishes for splendid
administration.
AMOS S. MUSSELMAN.
November 10. 1912