The herald., 1896-08-01
To Devote His Attention to
Private Business
NOBODY HAS SEEN HIM WINK
But Friends Doubt the Permanence OF
His Retirement
Man Who Worked for Cleveland Might
Be willing to Step Off the
Chics 60 Platform
Associated Press Special wirs.

FdlLADELPHlA, July S1.-Willfam
r. Harrity, until recently chairman of
the Democratic national executive COM
mittee, and for years leader in the party
councils, made the interesting an
nouncement today that he has retired
from active politics.
In answer to inquiries upon the sub
ject. Mr.. Harrity made the following
statement:
"Yes. 1t is true that have determined
to withdraw from active participation
in political affairs. For several years
past have been accorded some promi-
nence in the management and leader
ship of the Democratic party, but I
now desire to take my place in the
ranks. except in so far as may have
duties to perform as the Pennsylvania
member of the Democratic committee.
''In taking this step wish to express
my warm appreciation of the personal
and political friendship and support
which I have enjoyed during my politi-
cal career. I have no resentments for
my enemies and nothing but gratitude
for my friends. No man ever had warm
er or more loyal and devoted friends
than I have had. These friends I still
hope to retain, even though have with
drawn from active political association
with them. If the time shall come when
I can aid or serve them 1t will be my
pleasure to respond to their calls or de-
mands.
II shall continue to take a general in
terest in politics and shall always be
ready to go wherever I reasonably and
consistently can to promote the success
Of the Democratic party; but shall alb
solutely refrain from any participation
whatever in matters that relate to party
organization and management. I have
given much Of my time and good deal
of my energies to political matters since
1882, when first began to take an active
part in politics. have now concluded.
however, to take a rest from politics and
to devote all my energies to the man.
agement of the affairs of the Equitable
Trust company, to the practice Of my
profession and to my private business
matters"
Mr.. Harrity's declaration is under
stood by his friends to mean that he will
give no attention to the work of state
or county conventions, or of state and
county committees, and that he will
not in any way endeavor to influence,
secure or control political nominations
or offices of any character. They now
regard Mr.. Harrity as entirely 'out of
politics." though the assertion is made
by some Of them that they will not be
surprised to see him appear again in
national and state politics after few
years retirement and relief from the
drudgery and details of active partici-
patton in party management.
Mr.. Harrity's career in politics has
been most successful. In January, 1892,
he was elected by the Democratic state
central committee of Pennsylvania to
represent the state in the national COM
Inittee as the successor of the late Will
lam L. Scott; in April, 1892, he was unan-
imously elected by the Democratic state
convention for the full term as thePenn-
sylvania member of the Democratic ma
tional committee, which election was
unanimously ratified by the Pennsyl-
vania delegation to the Democratic
convention at Chicago in 1892; on July
81, 1892, Mr.. Harrity was unanimously
elected chairman Of the Democratic
national committee at meeting held
in New York. AS Democratic national
chairman, Mr.. Harity conducted the
national campaign of 1892 which result
ed in the election Of Cleveland and
Stevenson.
1t is generally understood that be-
cause of his efficient services to the
Democratic party and of his devotion to
President Cleveland during his candi-
dacy for the nomination and election as
president in 1892, Mr.. Harrity would
have been appointed member of Presi-
dent Cleveland's cabinet had he not in
dicated his inability and disinclination
to accept the position, Mr.. Harrity pre-
ferring to continue in the office Of Sec
retary of state of Pennsylvania until the
end of his term, January Is, 1895.
Mr.. Harrity was a delegate at large
to the Democratic national convention
of 1896 and by unanimous vote was made
chairman of the Pennsylvania delega-
ton to that convention. He was also
unanimously reelected as the Pennsyl-
vania member Of the Democratic ma
tional committee. AS chairman Of the
Democratic national committee he pre-
sided over the deliberations of the Chi
cago convention with such signal abil-
ity, impartiality and dignity that Sena-
tor John w. Daniel of Virginia, who
succeeded Mr.. Harrity as presiding Off
Ger of the convention, paid high trib-
ute to his fairness and ability.
Subsequently Senator Jones of Ar
kansas, who was elected as Mr.. Har-
rity's successor as chairman Of the Dem
ocratic national committee, offered a
reolution, which was unanimously ad-
opted, thanking Mr.. Earity for the ad-
mirable manner in which he had pre-
sided over the convention.
In the same convention Mr.. Harrity
received twenty-one votes for vice-pres-
ident. The successful part taken by
Mr.. Harrity in the Chicago convention
was a matter of frequent and favorable
comment. Not only was he commended
for the skill and ability displayed by
him during fha three houra n, vuIich n G