Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-07-04
HARRlTY IS WANTED
To Conduct Cleveland's Third Cam.
paign for the Presidency.
HE'S VERY DIFFIDENT ABOUT IT,
Preferring to Act as Ex-secretary Whitney's
Lieutenant, but
THE LATTER GENTLEMAN WON'T HAVE IT

PHILADELPHIA, July 3.-William F
Harrity, of Pennsylvania, will be the mex
Chairman of the Democratic National Com.
mittee. Everything in political life is un'
certain, but the above Representation ha
the seal of certainty.
Heretofore it has been considered settled
that the successor of Calvin s. Brice would
be William G. Whitney, and that Mr. Har-
r1ty would aid him as Chairman of tn,
Campaign Committee Yesterday, however
MI. Whitney made the following declara.
tion: "a great many persons have beer
good enough to mention my name in con
nection with the Craftsmanship Of the Dem
ocratic National Committee, but will no
take it under any circumstances.
Mr. Harrity was seated in the com
fortably appointed Office of the Presi
dent of the Equitable Trust Company wher
this declaration was made to him: "Mr.
Harrity, you are to be the next Chairman
of the Democratic National Committee.
Every objection you may make to that
proposition will be met. You will tnot be
permitted to escape the responsibility.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth
shl fled uneasily in his revolving chair and
said: 'I don't see how anyone can arrange
that for me-.
. Called by His Party to Act.
Nevertheless it will be done; you will
be placed in such a position that you will
not be able to avoid the duty"
After rubbing his forehead for a few
minutes, Mr. Harrity said: 81 can scarcely
believe that such an honor will be thrust
upon me. 1t is, in fact, a matter that at
present permits of no discussion. The wishes
of the candidates for President and Vice
President have not yet been given utter
ance. Besides, the votes of the members of
the Democratic National Committee must
determine the matter, and even the
date of meeting of that body has not
been fixed. The general voice of
the party, however, has named
I am free to confess that with him as q
leader would sacrifice much. roll up my
sleeves and accept any subordinate position
under him in which he would wish me to
serve. But there are many reasons why I
would not wish to consider the acceptance of
the National Craftsmanship of the Demo-
cratic party, even if were thought of for
the place.
Several Things to Be Considered.
'Tn the first place, would be reluctant
to assume such a grave responsibility with
SO little experience as my tutor. The con-
test will be severe one. While believe
that the chances of political fortune favor
Mr.. Cleveland in the ratio of at least six
out Of ten, 1 am of the opinion that some
one of the ability of Mr.. Whit
ney should lead the Democratic
forces In the second place, I
know that there are many, very many,
members of the Democratic party who are
far better equipped for the position than I
am. In the third place, feel that do not
possess the experience and knowledge which
are requisite for such high Office. am
young man. When the mere suggestion of
such an honor is made to me feel a
timidity, a lack of confidence which makes
me take pause. This is not mock modesty,
it is self-recognition of nv frailties
"But I am willing to work for the party"
continued Mr.. Harrity most earnestly. IT
am blessed with q robust constitution. I
have been able to work for 16 and IS hours
out of every "a without suffering thereby,
and thus have combined both business and
politics without injury to either.
Various Interests to Be Consulted
"But if were asked to accept the posi-
tion of National Chairman, 7 would have to
consult various interests before I made
reply. would have to consult those with
whom am associated in business, and dis
cuss with them whether or not would be
neglecting their affairs for the
next three months. Then I have never
abandoned my law practice. To be sure,
Mr.. james M. Beck attends to the active
part of it, but keep in touch with it, and
can always be seen by any clients, and
have made livelihood from it, and I Ger
tainly do not wish to abandon my profess
sion.
'Then again, I would have to consult
Governor Pattison. I am member of his
,fficial family, and if I were made the
National Chairman of the Democratic party,
while would not neglect my duty to the
State, yet for the next three months could
1ot give the Office all the attention do
low. All these matters would have to be
and in view of them do not
zee how am available for the position sug-
yested. I can only say that do not want
The Office, but I am willing under Mr..
Whitney to do anything to serve my
party"
To this it need only be added that Mr..
W hitney and the controlling influence in
he Democratic National Committee have
determined that Mr.. Harrlty shall be the
Chairman, and Mr.. Whitney will give him
very aid in his power. The committee
will meet about the middle of July.