Complex sentence: Chandler was an obvious choice as president since he had been instrumental in establishing the society, however, he felt that New York University Professor John William Draper had the reputation as a scientist to lead a national organization.
Split into simpler sentences: Chandler was an obvious choice as president since he had been instrumental in establishing the society. However, he felt that New York University Professor John William Draper had the reputation as a scientist to lead a national organization.