Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1938-05-05

the Democratic Party in an endea-
vor to accomplish his or her own
selfish personal ambitions.
Believing as l do in the principles
of Democracy, have as much right
to seek the high office of Governor
as any other individual in Ohio,
and honestly believe that I would
take to that office wealth OF ex-
perience that would be extremely
valuable to the Chief Executive.
Unfortunately for me, public opin-
ion to some exent is still controlled
by propaganda, and propaganda
costs money.
am a Democrat by choice and
conviction and I have frequently
said, both privately and publicly,
am not ashamed of the Democrat
ic Party and the Democratic Party
In Ohio is not on trial.
In this important decision that
have been called upon to make
want it clearly understood that the
decision is mine and mine alone,
ard has not been Influenced by
either the newspapers, the political
leaders, or the announced candi-
dates for Governor.
Therefore, it is my considered
opinion, in the interests Of peace
and harmony, the Democratic
Party, and the people of Ohio, that
I should not be a candidate for
Governor at this time.
Whatever else l may be charged
with, no one has ever charged me
with lack of independence or cour-
age. l have gone through life
with convictions of my own and the
courage Of them, and l expect SO to
continue. All the money in Ohio
and all the glowing promises of
conniving politicians would not be
enough to have me consider myself
being used as "cat's paw" or
Stalking horse"
Having decided not to become a
candidate for Governor, l am now
announcing my candidacy for re-
election to the important Office Of
Secretary Of State.
The people of my city and the
State of Ohio in the past have been
exceedingly kind and generous to
me. Two years ago they made it
possible for me to lead the Demo-
cratic ticket, for which I am ever
lastingly grateful. Two years ago,
as a candidate for Secretary Of
State, you took me on faith. l
trust that that faith and confidence
was not misplaced.
AS a candidate for reelection to
the Office of Secretary OF State,
which is one Of the few self-sus-
tanning offices in the state govern
ment, I point with pride to my first
year in that office; our receipts
were over a half-million dollars,
which is an increase OF thirty-two
per cent Of the earnings of this
office over the preceding year, and
that has al, been done with a re-
duction in the cost to the tax-pay-
ers. The Office is much improved
physically, and much needed new
equipment added. In other words,
I have endeavored to conduct this
Office as you would have me, or as
I would my own private business,
based entirely on efficiency, econ
omy, old-fashioned honesty, and
service to the public, for which you
elected me.
have at the moment three ambi-
tions:--
1. To continue rendering serv-
ice to the people of Ohio and the
Democratic Party;
2. To make my contribution to-
ward taking the "mock" out of De-
raocracy;
8. To be reelected Secretary of
State and, if my public service to
the people of Ohio should warrant
it, sometime to be elevated to the
important office of Governor.
Last but not least, may I take
this opportunity Of expressing my
genuine appreciation to the hum
dreds Of Democrats in this State
who from time to time, through
their letters, kilograms, and per-
sonai calls, offered me not only
their moral but their financial sup