Perth Amboy evening news., 1913-07-10
COLBY DECLINES
PUBLIC DEBATE
Tells Osborne He Has Cam
paigned Enough

Newark, July 10.-Everett Colby
yesterday turned down Edmund B.
Osborne's suggestion that they cam
paign state together in joint debate
for Progressive nomination for gov
ernor. At the same time he served
notice on his rival that he does not
propose to make a canvass for the
nomination, feeling that his seven
years of activity on the platform and
otherwise have given the Progress
sive voters of the state sufficient
knowledge of his qualifications and
shortcomings to pass upon his fit
ness for leadership of the party.
Mr.. Colby, in declining to enter
upon such a campaign as his oppon-
ent proposed, informed him that If,
toward the close of the primary fight
it appeared that Mr.. Osborne had
been denied right to which he was
entitled, and there was q real prin-
ciple to be discussed, he would glad
ly take up the SUBJECT in a public
debate anywhere and uSder what
ever conditions Mr.. Osborne might
impose.
In deciding to adopt this course,
Mr. Colby, as indicated by a state
ment he issued. followed the lead of
the Progressive State committee,
which two weeks ago in convention
at Asbury Park, tabled a resolution
offered by Mr.. Osbornes friends, pro-
yiding for just such a joint debate
between candidates. In the form of
a reply to Mr.. Osborne's letter of
yesterday, Mr.. Colby's statement fol-
lows;
Il have your letter of the eighth
instant, inviting me to campaign the
state with you, to address all meet
ings jointly and to share the neces-
sary expense. l respectfully decline
Tor the following reasons:
First, because / do not propose
to make a canvass for the nomina-
tion. Afer seven years of active
Progressives of the
state have sufficient knowledge of
my publications and shortcomings
to pass upon my fitness for party
leadership and after announcing my
platform shall leave the choice of
them.
Second, because the Progressive
State committee, representing the
Progressive voters of the state, at
its recent meeting, held in Asbury
Park, went on record by large ma
jority as being opposed to such
plan of campaign.
"Third-Because my experience In
public debate with political oppon-
ents has convinced me that they do
not make for q clear exposition of
ideas and that they are OF little
value In forming public opinion.
"Fourth-Because there is not
sufficient difference in the funda-
mental principles between us to
such an elaborate tour as
you propose and l do not care to
become involved in purely per-
sonal wrangle.
"If toward the close of the cam
paign, however, it appears that you
have been denied a right to which
you are entitled and that there is a
real principle to discuss, / will glad
Iy hold a debate with you anywhere
you wish and under any conditions
you may propose
With the announcement of his
platform on July "a at a meeting in
this city, to be held under the aus
pices Of the Colby League, Mr. Colby
will rest on his oars. He said that
his reply to Mr. Osborne meant just
what it said and that he would not
arrange any campaign meetings, If,
however, there develops any ques-
ton upon which he might want to
make fuller explanation he said he
would attend what meetings might
be arranged.