The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-09

ate and lieutenant governor. was nornl-
mated twice to the constitutional conyen-
tion without being candidate, and was
elected delegate at large to the national
democratic convention in 1903, without so
much a single effort or the expendi-
ture of a cent In my candidacy for gov
ernor Ii was sense of duty and loyalty
to my friends, who were giving me their
hearty and cordial support. and also to
my state, however presumptious the as
sumption may be.
After carefully considering my duty
In the matter, l fail to see that 1t is my
patriotic duty to announce as urged by
many of my friends. Never before in my
time has the democratic party been so
cohesively united and effectual in the re-
form of our economic policies and fear
less in the discharge of its duty. This
Is due to the wise, sensible. Independent
leadership of Woodrow Wilson as the
head of the executive department of our
national government and to democracy's
legislative leader, our own matchless I'm
derwood. whose leadership in Congress
has united and held together all factions
of the party and whose constructive
craftsmanship in the legislation accom-
plished, pending and proposed is effectu-
ally demonstrated
Duty Does Not Call
so far as the personal equasion is in
volved in the contest, | yield to no man
a greater patriotism, integrity and fide-
lty in the discharge of the duties of pub
lie office, but / do concede to many men
greater ability and who are better quali-
fled to discharge the duties of congress-
man. 1t appears to me, therefore, that
neither patriotic duty, party loyalty nor
personal qualification, separately or COM
bined demand my candidacy for Con-
gress. Under existing conditions it ap-
pears to me that the question of my
candidacy for Congress- is one of am
b1tion only. Here | will say, notwith-
standing such no doubt Is not generally
believed l am not politically ambitious
Ny education, training and work have
been that of a doctor. To succeed in the
medical profession has been my ambi-
ton and has employed my energies.
nave been practicing for 3s years With
what success | leave to others, but will
say that While not satisfied, 1 am much
gratified at its measures. To cast aside
this lfe's work, with its cumulative
| experience. it's opportunity for good, to
enter upon new field of labor, would
be unfair to me and in this matter un-
Just to the public, which l know can do
| better In the selection of a congressman.
1T is an automatic principle that am
bition is necessary for success 1t is also
| right that the methods should be fair
| square and honest. Politics is not my am
ways adopted in all my lifes ambitions
| and work fair, honest and clean methods
| am of the opinion. in which l may be
wrong, and hope l am wrong, that Clean
| fair and honest methods and political sue
cess are, as a rule, incompatible entities
and impossible parallels.
Appreciates Offer of Support
After careful consideration from the
viewpoint of patriotism, duty and per-
sonal ambition, l am persuaded that ]
must decline to offer for Congress. TO
you and others, let me, however, express
| my sincerest and deepest gratitude ana
| thanks. You have done me a great honor
| In suggesting my name. Believe me- tllo
one thing that greves me Is the disap-
| pointment of friends, and my seemine
want of appreciation of their friendship
and interests. / want to particularly
thank the working men of this communi-
| ty who have always supported me ana
who now promise me of their own ac-
cord their continued support
with sincerest thanks to all who havs
interested themselves in this matter, am
| with regret that | cannot see it my dutS
| or feel it my inclination to run for Con-
gress, | am, sincerely and faithfully
yours. r. M. CUNNINGHAM
When asked for an expression about
| the declination OF DR.. Cunningham to
make the race for congressman, Mr.. Nc
| Dowell said:
| Or Cunninghams statement speaks
| for itself. l am very sorry he declined
| He had the office within his grasp but
| foregoes the honor, and 1t seems he has
! flung ambition aside He would have