{"newspaper_name": "The North-Carolina standard.", "edition": "01", "page": "p3", "byline": ""}
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r ts' r, POPLAR MoUNT 5h January, 1916. 81


My Dear Sir: On my return fiom Halifax the
day before yesterday, Ireceived your letter of the
1st instant, in which you inform me that you :sexs
Pect to attend the Convention. which will meet at
Raleigh on the Sth tor the purpose of selecting a
democratic can6idate for the Office of Governor"
and are pleased to ask "whether nv friends will
be al liberty TO urge my claims 10 the nomina-
ton 90


The hattering notice nv name has already re-
ceived in connection with so distinguished an Of
fee, is compliment enough for me. Though !
should prize as highly as any onethe distinction of
"a nomination and be grateful for its bestowal,
nevertheless sincerely desire not be considered
among those from whom selection may be made
for there are considerations, both of public aud
private nature, which, an sure, would excuse, if
not justify me for declining its acceptance, even
were j: rendered. Tosthis conclusion have come
with the less hesilancy, because of The ample op-
portuuity which will be afforded the Convention of
making better and more judicious choice from
among The Distinguished indi4idnale spoL -aE E--


A well-seIiled conviction that the cause Of. de-
mocracy is the cause Of the Constitution and free
Government and an earnest desire that the efforts
Of the great and patriotic party which suslains il
may ever prove successful, would induce me, at
all times, TO withhold my humble pretensions to
place OF favor, however highly valued by friends,
could their public notice, in any way, embarrass
or weaken those efforts. 1t has ever been my OBJ
ject TO promote, as far as could the union, har-
monv, and strength of the democratic party, and if
can best effect that object by remaining in the
peaceful shades Of retirement, that position pre-
fer.


have no political aspirations; and, thaEk God |!
had any which have occasoned the practice of
the slightest injustice unkindness to friend
or opponent, or been TO myself the cause, in any
degree, Of restless soliciIude. And though have
now spent more than half Of my life in the public
service, have been prompted, hope and believe,
alone by of duty TO country and TO friends,
and by unaffected desire to acqait myself of the
many and lasting Obligations under which have
been laced by the liberal and indugent support of
a kind and confiding constituency. Far be il from
me TO underrate public honors: uOhen deserred, I
consider them the highest prize and richest re-
ward of tke patriot but suffer 10 say, that q
knowledge of the trials and responsibilities they
bring with them, has not increased my fondness
for them.


l cannot close this letter without expressing the
high qualification feel at the opportunity you have
afforded me of committing my wishes to safe and
discreet hands, and TO one who is able, from his
intimate knowledge of all my riers, 10 testify to
the sincerity with which this communication is
made, as we'll as TO the grateful sense entertain
of the kindness and good opinion of those who
have associated my name with the proposed ap-
pointment. .-.-i Be-. --,..i b. - ...s., -


Wishing you a pleasant session, and that 1t may
be characterized by wisdom and harmony in its
counsels, and by results the most proptious to the
good cause of democracy,


Z am truly and sincerely yours, -


NJ Z