The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1920-10-21
4 CARD TO VOTERS srH OSTRICH

On Saturday last gentlemen representing ever
county in the Eighth Congressional District called upon
and earnestly urged to consent to the circulation Of
petitions in the several countless requesting the election
commissioners to place my the ballot for State
Highway Commissioner for this district
heard their appeals, which certainly sim
cere and honest telling them that surprised that
they should make such request of me, there
many other in the district better qualified for the
place than suggesting number of names, all of which
they declined to consider They insisted they had gone
the whole question, had canvassed many names at
a conference held in Jackson and had united on me.
replied that could not become candidate;
that public Office did not appeal to me; that not
politician, and could not be persuaded to make can
vass that had been nominated at the last State Con-
vention for presidential elecor, and did believe
would be qualified for Highway Commissioner any
other Office They replied that presidential elector is
not an office; that they had looked into the law, and
there is nothing incompatible in person running for
presidential elector and any other office.
But, said it would at least look awkward for my
to appear twice the ticket. They replied that
that would make difference and would cut figure;
that they did not ask to become candidate but sim
ply to agree to allow my to the ticket they
did not expect make a canvass, and would look
ter that themselves. :,
Their appeal so earnest, sincere, hon
est, that found it hard to resist them and assured
them that while desired Office and would not
into personal canvass that would refer the matter to
the Attorney General and if he decided was eligible
might agree 10 allow my name to go on the ticket
hoped he would decide against me, but he did not.
So confident the gentlemen who had done
the honor to solicit stand for the Office they
began the circulation of petitions and l informed
have more than the requisite names in each
of the five counties.
Lastly, said to my friends, II have agreed to
give week ten days to canvassing in Tennessee
and Kentucky for Cox and Roosevelt must leave the
state and will not be here during the short for
Highway Commissioner" when they replied 'That will
be all right ahead and do what you the DEM
ocratic nominees for President and Vice Presidents
will not be needed here; your friends will
look after your interests at home"
So consented to the of my name for an office
that salary whatever but which carries great
responsibility was lOath to allow my to go upon
the ticket; but that have consented desire to say
that should be elected, will give the position all
the time it may require, and pledge the public that it
shall be my earnest edeavor discharge the duties of
the office conscietousy, honestly and the best in
teres of the public
Will not enter upon a personal canvass: would
moi do so if had engagements that conflict for feel
that to engage in scramble for purely honorary
flee would subject me to criticism.
My public life is written, is part of the history of
the state; and the people know where upon all
political and economical questions.
While have not sought the office Of Highway
Commissioner have ample time to devote to it's admin
Istratlon and should he elected will be grateful for
the honor shown and confidence bestowed; and assure
all supporters and opponents that the trust shall never
ce apused-Advt r. III. HENRY.